Self-guided Orléans to St Brévin Cycling Tour

Arrival in Orléans

Discover Orléans, the “City of Art and History” liberated in 1429 by Joan of Arc from the English siege

Orléans – Beaugency | 26 km (or 30 km)

After leaving Orléans and crossing the Loiret, cut through fields and vineyards to reach Cléry-Saint-André and its gothic basilica. Then, follow the Loire river, Europe's last wild river, to the pretty château of Meung-sur-Loire. Find peace and serenity in the heart of the charming and flower-filled town of Beaugency, dominated by its imposing 11th-century keep.

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 until the chateau of Chaumont overlooking the Loire River, before reaching Amboise and its royal chateau from 15th –16th century. 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 Plantagenêts 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

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 or 40 km

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 | 32 km

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 | 58 km

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.

Departure during the day