Self-guided Nevers to Le Croisic Cycling Tour

Arrival in Nevers

Visit the charming town of Nevers, its pottery workshops where its typical 'Blue of Nevers' was created in the 16th century and the Ducal Palace, considered to be one of the first of the Loire Châteaux, which was the home of the counts then the Dukes of Nevers

Nevers to La Charité sur Loire | 45kms

To start the first Loira à Vélo trail, reach Cuffy which is the official starting point of the cycling tour of Loire. Continue to the monastic city of La Charité-sur-Loire where you ride on the oldest Loire River bridge (16th century) to reach the beautiful Romanesque Notre Dame Church

La Charité sur Loire - Sancerre (or Chavignol) | 31kms (or 39kms)

Ride through the 'Loire Valley National Nature Reserve' and admire the vineyards and the bell tower of Pouilly sur Loire Church. Proceed between fields and woods towards the famous Sancerre vineyards. Don't hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Sancerre Blanc with a typical Chavignoi goat cheese! From Sancerre, overlooked by its 15th century 'Tour des Fiefs' dungeon, a beautiful over the valley is waiting for you

Sancerre (or Chavignol) to Briare | 50kms

Leave Sancerre riding along the tow-path of the Canal Latéral towards Bannay then Cosne sur Loire, a flowered city offering beautiful landscapes over the Loire River. Still follow the Loire à Vélo cycling paths to Belleville sur Loire, Beaulieu sur Loire and Briare. Bordered by 72 Lamp posts and magnificent pillars, its 'canal bridge' is one of the must-see monuments, a unique structure and for good reason, until 2003, it was the longest canal bridge in Europe!

Briare to Sully sur Loire | 41kms

Ride over the Loire River using the 'canal bridge' then proceed to Saint Bisson sur Loire and its medieval Château which has made catapults and canons its speciality. Then reach the nice city of Gien and enjoy its exceptional panoramic view. Proceed to Sully sur Loire and its remarkable medieval Château, surrounded by moats overlooking the Loire River

Sully sur Loire to Orleáns | 50kms

Here again, enjoy panoramic views to Saint Benoit sur Loire and its 11th-13th centuries abbatial church, one of the most remarkable Romanesque churches of France. Ride to Châteauneuf sur Loire, one of the major ports of the Loire during the 18th century before ending your tour in Orléans, the 'City of Art and History' delivered by Joan of Arc form the English siege in 1429

Orléans – Beaugency | 26 km (or 30 km)

Along the wild river banks for a stage in calm and serenity through the charming and very flowered city of Beaugency

Beaugency – Blois | 45 km

Leave Beaugency by the river banks passing via the prestigious château of Chambord: the widest Château of the Loire Valley masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Then, follow the direction of Blois which presents a rich historical heritage with the château offering a brilliant illustration of the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th century

Blois – Amboise | 40 km

Follow the small countryside routes to the chateau of Chaumont overlooking the Loire River, before reaching Amboise and its royal chateau from 15th –16th century. A few streets further on, is the last home of Leonardo Da Vinci: Manorhouse of ‘Clos Lucé’

Amboise – Tours | 27 km or 34 km

Ride through the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars that offer sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely Château of la Bourdaisière, birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favourite of King Henri IV. Continue to the heart of the city of Tours to discover the old quarters sheltering the famous 'Place Plumereau' and its half-timbered houses

Tours – Azay le Rideau | 41 km

Reach Savonnières for a journey in the heart of Petrifying Grottoes. Then proceed to Villandry with its famous Gardens, unmatched in Europe and composed of 3 superposed terraces, then Saché, the house of the famous novelist Honoré de Balzac. Finally arrive in Azay le Rideau where you can admire its Renaissance chateau, a jewel set over the Indre river

Azay le Rideau – Chinon | 35 km

Depart towards Langeais and its 15th century château offering a typical form of a medieval fortified castle where you could admire wonderful tapestries and piece of furniture. Then ride towards the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ château in Ussé which has inspired Perrault for its famous fairytail story

Chinon – Saumur | 36 km + option 12 km

Before you leave the medieval city of Chinon, founded on the Vienne River, you may visit numerous cellars which propose the famous red wine so appreciated by Rabelais. Then, continue towards the abbey of Fontevraud, the largest monastic city remaining in Europe which is the Necropolis of the Plantagenêt sovereigns, before reaching the lovely town of Saumur

Saumur – Angers | 57 km

First follow the Loire River before going through the vineyards of Anjou. You will reach the peaceful city of Angers and its chateau which shelters the famous Apocalypse Tapestry

Angers – Le Mesnil en Vallée or Ancenis | 42 km or 67 km (elevation gain +245m or +325m)

A 1st stage in the heart of the Anjou vineyards such as the Coteaux de la Loire and the Coteaux de l'Aubance. Do not miss to make a stop at Savennières, famous for its dry white wine, before riding on the Chalonne island in the middle of the Loire river, up to the village of Saint Florent le Vieil or Ancenis

Le Mesnil en Vallée or Ancenis – Nantes | 64 km or 40 km (elevation gain +125m or +95m)

Continue along the Loire river banks where you can enjoy the different natural landscapes and observe the wild animals and birds. Enjoy a peaceful ride until Champtoceaux, in its magnificent setting marking the boundary between Anjou and Brittany. Proceed to Nantes: a very dynamic city offering a large choice of visits and where you can enjoy a sight-seeing through the numerous pedestrian streets.

Nantes – St Brévin | 65 km (elevation gain +230m)

Leave the city via a small boat to cross the river and continue on the cycling path of ‘Loire à vélo’. Further on, you will follow a narrow canal for a peaceful moment along marshlands and countryside to finish at the estuary of the Loire river in St Brevin les Pins: a seaside resort which offer a large sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes and Pine trees forest. This is an ideal place to relax after long day biking

St Brévin – Le Croisic | bus transfer + 57 km (elevation gain +180m)

From the estuary of the River Loire to the wild sea coast of Le Croisic. After a short bus transfer to pass the St Nazaire bridge, take benefit to discover the famous salt marshes of the medieval town of Guérande. In the heart of a classified natural park, this medieval city offers you many testimonies of its historical past. Then continue along the wild coast before reaching Le Croisic, a fish harbour and a very beautiful village on the coast

Day at leisure or excursion to Le Pouliguen and La Baule | 55 km (elevation gain +185m)

Take advantage of the day to discover the pretty village of Le Croisic and its coves, beaches and rocky waterfalls scattered along the coastal path. You can also take an excursion to Le Pouliguen, a pretty seaside resort where you can enjoy a stroll, and then to one of the largest bays in Europe, between La Baule and Pornichet. You can also cycle past pretty villas nestling in the pine trees.

Departure