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 (or Tavers) | 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 (or Tavers) – 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 – Montjean sur Loire | 37 km

From the heart of the vineyards of Anjou slopes the River Loire, Aubance and Layon, to the banks of the Loire at Chalonnes, the confluence of the Rivers Loire and Layon. A ride through typical small villages and natural landscapes where life is running at the rhythm of the Loire River

Montjean sur Loire – Champtoceaux | 40 km

Ride along the banks of the River Loire where you will enjoy the different natural landscapes and observe the wild animals and birds. Enjoy a peaceful ride on the cycling path to Champtoceaux, in its magnificent setting marking the boundary between Anjou and Brittany

Champtoceaux – Nantes | 32 km

Continue along the Loire River reaching the capital of the western area, Nantes. This very dynamic city will offer you a large choice where you can enjoy a sight-seeing feast for your senses through the numerous pedestrian streets

Nantes – St Brévin | 58 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 offers a large sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes and Pine trees forest. This is an ideal place to relax after a long day cycling

Departure during the day