Loire a Velo: Orleans to the Atlantic
5 nights from €1235
4.5Cycle through France’s river valleys and explore historic chateaux
Choose from 5, 9, or 14-night itineraries along the 'La Loire à Vélo' cycling path, which stretches through the Centre and Pays de la Loire regions. Since 2008, this trail has allowed cyclists to explore over 250 miles of signposted tracks through Anjou, Touraine, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, and Cher, alongside the Loire River and its tributaries. The Loire à Vélo is also part of the future EuroVelo route connecting Nantes to Budapest (1,500 miles).
Optional: Enhance your experience with the chateaux package, which includes tickets to various castles and monuments along the route. Check the Dates & Prices page for details.
Package Options:
Orléans to Tours (5 nights): Explore the royal valley, following the majestic river from Orléans to Tours. Discover historical heritage, numerous châteaux, diverse landscapes, and regional culinary delights.
Tours to Angers (5 nights): Cycle through the Loire Valley's most château- and vineyard-dense region. Follow the Loire River to historical sites and famous cellars for wine tasting, while enjoying the French 'art de vivre' amidst peaceful and wild landscapes.
Orléans to Angers (9 nights): Combine the Orléans to Tours and Tours to Angers segments into a comprehensive 9-night tour. Experience historical sites and stunning landscapes from Orléans to Angers.
Orléans to the Atlantic (14 nights): Discover the western Loire Valley all the way to Le Croisic on the Atlantic Ocean. Visit charming countryside, salterns, and marshes, culminating in a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean at Le Croisic.
Viaje perfecto
“Todo muy bien
La ruta muy bien indicada , fantástica coordinación
Hoteles de calidad con gente muy amable.
Teníamos paquete con cena y muy ricos los restaurantes”
—Sandra Bentjerodt
Great trip - highly recommend!
“We just completed the 9 day Orleans to Angers segment of this tour and really enjoyed it. It's the first trip we have taken that we would actually take again, but next time…” Full Review
“We just completed the 9 day Orleans to Angers segment of this tour and really enjoyed it. It's the first trip we have taken that we would actually take again, but next time complete the entire 13 night tour. We have taken quite a few bike tours but this one provided the best supporting materials we ever had. The turn-by-turn materials and maps were very well done and easy to follow. We never needed the GPS. Of course the trail itself is extremely well marked, which helps a lot. In addition to the great support we received from the local tour company, the Bike Tours support while setting up the tour was also very good.
The bikes were fine, a bit heavy, but comfortable. Our only issue was the tires on both bikes were under-inflated upon receipt, but we were able to resolve that without too much issue. We always carry our own tire gauge and check regularly. One bike had a mechanical issue, but the tour company was excellent at quickly resolving it.
All the hotels were great and were prepared for our arrival. They also had very good facilities for storing the bicycles. Luggage transfer went smoothly and always arrived at our hotel before we did. The only minor issue was that one hotel did not have a lift, which was surprising, but not a big deal for us. I mention it in case it might be a concern to others.
The meals, both breakfasts as well as dinners we purchased were top notch. We only had a complaint about the poor service in the Orleans restaurant. The food was good, but the entire restaurant was served by one person and it took forever to get through our meal. While the meals were all delicious, in hindsight, we may have gone without the supplemental meal package and just purchased dinners on our own. There were so many choices in almost every town that we would have enjoyed an occasional casual meal, like a delicious pizza vs the traditional French food every night. However, you can't go wrong in going with the meal package. It is definitely a French experience!
Finally, the only other suggestion I would give is to alert people in the riding materials that there is a river crossing that you have to manage on your own using a little metal raft that you have to pull to your shore, load the bikes, and then pull to the other side. Its not too difficult, but managing the loading of bikes was a little tricky. I read afterwards there are ways around this crossing but it would have been good to know about it ahead of time.
All in all, a great trip and maybe in the future we will be back to do it again.
It goes without saying that the trails, scenery and points of interest were fantastic with lots of stops along the way. Even with less than great weather, we totally enjoyed this tour.” Less
—mrank
Great trip in the Loire
“It was my first multi-day bike trip and it was great. All the equipment and instructions were 100% . 2 comments: No one from the local company met us (so, for example, I…” Full Review
“It was my first multi-day bike trip and it was great. All the equipment and instructions were 100% .
2 comments: No one from the local company met us (so, for example, I couldn't ask how to reset the distance meter). And, there was no mobile number to which I could WhatsApp in case of problem (and I had no local calls package). Other than that it was great.” Less
—Shlomo
Daily Program
- Orleans to the Atlantic (14 nights)
- Orleans to Angers (9 nights)
- Orleans to Tours (5 nights)
- Tours to Angers (5 nights)
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Discover Orléans and its historic center, nestled between the expansive fields of the Beauce region and the lush pastures, ponds, and forests of the Sologne region. Known as the City of Art and History', Orléans was famously liberated from the English siege in 1429 by Joan of Arc.
Overnight in Orleans.
Day 2: Orléans – Beaugency
16 miles/26 km | elev: +86m
Cycle along the wild river banks for a calm and serene route through the charming and flowered city of Beaugency.
Overnight in Beaugency or Tavers.
Day 3: Beaugency – Blois
28 miles/45 km | elev: +131m
Leave Beaugency along the riverbanks and pass by the prestigious Château de Chambord, the grandest château of the Loire Valley and a masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Continue towards Blois, a city rich in historical heritage, where the château brilliantly illustrates the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th Century.
Overnight in Blois.
Day 4: Blois – Amboise
25 miles/40 km | elev: +200m
Follow the charming countryside routes to the Château de Chaumont, which overlooks the Loire River, before reaching Amboise and its 15th–16th-century royal château. Just a few streets away, visit the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci - the Manorhouse of Clos Lucé.
Today, you have the option to paddle the peaceful, tame waters of the last wild river in Europe. From the canoe, you can admire the flora and fauna that inhabit the water and shorelines of the Loire River between Mosnes and Amboise. The trip takes about 1.5 hrs.
Overnight in Amboise.
Day 5: Amboise – Tours
19 or 33 miles/30 or 53 km via Chenonceaux | elev: +100m or +283m
Ride through the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars offering sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely chateau birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favorite 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.
Overnight in Tours.
Day 6: Tours – Azay-le-Rideau
27 miles/44 km | elev: +95m
Arrive in Savonnières to explore the enchanting Petrifying Grottoes. Then, head to Villandry to see its renowned gardens, unique in Europe and arranged in three-tiered terraces. Continue to Saché, the former home of the celebrated novelist Honoré de Balzac. Conclude your journey in Azay-le-Rideau, where you can admire the exquisite Renaissance château set majestically over the Indre River.
Overnight in Azay-le-Rideau.
Day 7: Azay-le-Rideau – Chinon
22 miles/35 km | elev: +200m
Depart for Langeais and its 15th-century château, a quintessential example of a medieval fortified castle, where you can admire exquisite tapestries and furniture. Next, continue to the Château d'Ussé, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty Castle', which inspired Perrault's famous fairytale.
Overnight in Chinon.
Day 8: Chinon – Saumur
22 or 30 miles/36 or 48 km | elev: +200m
Before departing from the medieval city of Chinon - located along the Vienne River - explore its many cellars that offer the renowned red wine favored by Rabelais. Then, head to the Abbey of Fontevraud (optional, adds 12km for a total of 48 km) - Europe’s largest surviving monastic city and the necropolis of the Plantagenet monarchs. Finally, make your way to the charming town of Saumur.
Today you have the option to take a canoe trip (not included; see pricing chart) from Chinon to Montsoreau. Glide peacefully across the water to reach the village of Candes-Saint-Martin which rests along the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne rivers. Once here, you will continue onward to the castle of Montsoreau which welcomes you as the only castle with its "feet in the water". The trip takes about 3 hours.
Overnight in Saumur.
Day 9: Saumur – Angers
36 miles/58 km | elev: +304m
Begin by following the Loire River, then traverse the vineyards of Anjou. You'll arrive in the tranquil city of Angers, home to the château that houses the renowned Apocalypse Tapestry.
Overnight in Angers.
Day 10: Angers – Le Mesnil en Vallée or Ancenis
26 or 42 miles/42 or 67 km | elev: +245m or +325m
The first stage takes you through the heart of the Anjou vineyards, including the Coteaux de la Loire and the Coteaux de l'Aubance. Be sure to stop at Savennières, renowned for its dry white wine, before continuing onto Chalonne Island in the middle of the Loire River. Your ride will end in the charming village of Saint-Florent-le-Vieil or Ancenis.
Overnight in Le Mesnil en Vallée or Ancenis.
Day 11: Le Mesnil en Vallée or Ancenis – Nantes
31 or 25 miles/50 or 40 km | elev: +125m or +95m
Continue along the banks of the Loire River to take in the diverse natural landscapes and observe wildlife. Enjoy a tranquil ride to Champtoceaux, a stunning location that marks the border between Anjou and Brittany. Then, head to Nantes, a vibrant city with a wide range of attractions and charming pedestrian streets perfect for sightseeing.
Overnight in Nantes.
Day 12: Nantes – St Brévin
37 miles/58 km | elev: +227m
Depart the city by small boat to cross the river and continue along the 'Loire à Vélo' cycling path. You’ll then follow a narrow canal through serene marshlands and countryside, eventually reaching the Loire River estuary in St-Brevin-les-Pins. This seaside resort features a broad sandy beach framed by dunes and pine forests—an ideal spot to unwind after a long day of biking.
Overnight in St Brévin.
Day 13: St Brévin – Le Croisic
34 miles/55 km + bus transfer | elev: +178m
Travel from the Loire River estuary to the rugged coastline of Le Croisic. Take the opportunity to explore the renowned salt marshes of the medieval town of Guérande, which is situated in a protected natural park and showcases its rich historical heritage. Continue along the dramatic coastline until you reach Le Croisic, a picturesque fishing village known for its charm and coastal beauty.
Overnight in Le Croisic.
Day 14: Day at leisure or excursion to Le Pouliguen and La Baule
34 miles/55 km | elev: +186m
Today you can spend the day discovering the picturesque village of Le Croisic. Meander around the coves, beaches, and rocky waterfalls along the coastal path. Another optional cycling route would take you to the seaside resort of Le Pouliguen before continuing on to the largest bays in Europe between La Baule and Pornichet.
Day 15: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Discover Orléans and its historic center, nestled between the expansive fields of the Beauce region and the lush pastures, ponds, and forests of the Sologne region. Known as the 'City of Art and History', Orléans was famously liberated from the English siege in 1429 by Joan of Arc.
Overnight in Orleans.
Day 2: Orléans – Beaugency
16 miles/26 km | elev: +86m
Cycle along the wild river banks for a calm and serene route through the charming and flowered city of Beaugency.
Overnight in Beaugency or Tavers.
Day 3: Beaugency – Blois
28 miles/45 km | elev: +131m
Leave Beaugency along the riverbanks and pass by the prestigious Château de Chambord, the grandest château of the Loire Valley and a masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Continue towards Blois, a city rich in historical heritage, where the château brilliantly illustrates the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th Century.
Overnight in Blois.
Day 4: Blois – Amboise
25 miles/40 km | elev: +200m
Follow the charming countryside routes to the Château de Chaumont, which overlooks the Loire River, before reaching Amboise and its 15th–16th-century royal château. Just a few streets away, visit the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci - the Manorhouse of Clos Lucé.
Today, you have the option to paddle the peaceful, tame waters of the last wild river in Europe. From the canoe, you can admire the flora and fauna that inhabit the water and shorelines of the Loire River between Mosnes and Amboise. The trip takes about 1.5 hrs.
Overnight in Amboise.
Day 5: Amboise – Tours
19 or 33 miles/30 or 53 km via Chenonceaux | elev: +100m or +283m
Ride through the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars offering sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely chateau birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favorite 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.
Overnight in Tours.
Day 6: Tours – Azay le Rideau
27 miles/44 km | elev: +95m
Arrive in Savonnières to explore the enchanting Petrifying Grottoes. Then, head to Villandry to see its renowned gardens, unique in Europe and arranged in three-tiered terraces. Continue to Saché, the former home of the celebrated novelist Honoré de Balzac. Conclude your journey in Azay-le-Rideau, where you can admire the exquisite Renaissance château set majestically over the Indre River.
Overnight in Azay le Rideau.
Day 7: Azay le Rideau – Chinon
22 miles/35 km | elev: +200m
Depart for Langeais and its 15th-century château, a quintessential example of a medieval fortified castle, where you can admire exquisite tapestries and furniture. Next, continue to the Château d'Ussé, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty Castle', which inspired Perrault's famous fairytale.
Overnight in Chinon.
Day 8: Chinon – Saumur
22 or 30 miles/36 or 48 km | elev: +200m
Before departing from the medieval city of Chinon - located along the Vienne River - explore its many cellars that offer the renowned red wine favored by Rabelais. Then, head to the Abbey of Fontevraud (optional, adds 12km for a total of 48 km) - Europe’s largest surviving monastic city and the necropolis of the Plantagenet monarchs. Finally, make your way to the charming town of Saumur.
Today you have the option to take a canoe trip (not included; see pricing chart) from Chinon to Montsoreau. Glide peacefully across the water to reach the village of Candes-Saint-Martin which rests along the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne rivers. Once here, you will continue onward to the castle of Montsoreau which welcomes you as the only castle with its "feet in the water". The trip takes about 3 hours.
Overnight in Saumur.
Day 9: Saumur – Angers
36 miles/58 km | elev: +304m
Begin by following the Loire River, then traverse the vineyards of Anjou. You'll arrive in the tranquil city of Angers, home to the château that houses the renowned Apocalypse Tapestry.
Overnight in Angers.
Day 10: Departure from Angers
Depart in the morning for your onward travels.
Day 1: Arrival in Orléans
Discover Orléans and its historic center, nestled between the expansive fields of the Beauce region and the lush pastures, ponds, and forests of the Sologne region. Known as the 'City of Art and History', Orléans was famously liberated from the English siege in 1429 by Joan of Arc.
Overnight in Orleans.
Day 2: Orléans – Beaugency
16 miles/26 km | elev: +86m
Cycle along the wild river banks for a calm and serene route through the charming and flowered city of Beaugency.
Overnight in Beaugency or Tavers.
Day 3: Beaugency – Blois
28 miles/45 km | elev: +131m
Leave Beaugency along the riverbanks and pass by the prestigious Château de Chambord, the grandest château of the Loire Valley and a masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Continue towards Blois, a city rich in historical heritage, where the château brilliantly illustrates the evolution of French architecture from the Middle Ages to the 17th Century.
Overnight in Blois.
Day 4: Blois – Amboise
25 miles/40 km | elev: +200m
Follow the charming countryside routes to the Château de Chaumont, which overlooks the Loire River, before reaching Amboise and its 15th–16th-century royal château. Just a few streets away, visit the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci - the Manorhouse of Clos Lucé.
Today, you have the option to paddle the peaceful, tame waters of the last wild river in Europe. From the canoe, you can admire the flora and fauna that inhabit the water and shorelines of the Loire River between Mosnes and Amboise. The trip takes about 1.5 hrs.
Overnight in Amboise.
Day 5: Amboise – Tours
19 or 33 miles/30 or 53 km via Chenonceaux | elev: +100m or +283m
Ride through the vineyards of Montlouis to discover the numerous cellars offering sweet white or sparkling wines. Then, enjoy the lovely chateau birthplace of Gabrielle d’Estrées, the favorite 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.
Overnight in Tours.
Day 6: Departure from Tours
Depart in the morning for your onward travels.
Day 1: Arrival in Tours
After your arrival, take time to explore the heart of the city of Tours to discover the old quarters sheltering the famous 'Place Plumereau' and its half-timbered houses.
Overnight in Tours.
Day 2: Tours – Azay-le-Rideau
28 miles/45 km | elev: +95m
Arrive in Savonnières to explore the enchanting Petrifying Grottoes. Then, head to Villandry to see its renowned gardens, unique in Europe and arranged in three-tiered terraces. Continue to Saché, the former home of the celebrated novelist Honoré de Balzac. Conclude your journey in Azay-le-Rideau, where you can admire the exquisite Renaissance château set majestically over the Indre River.
Overnight in Azay-le-Rideau.
Day 3: Azay-le-Rideau – Chinon
22 miles/36 km | elev: +200m
Depart for Langeais and its 15th-century château, a quintessential example of a medieval fortified castle, where you can admire exquisite tapestries and furniture. Next, continue to the Château d'Ussé, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty Castle', which inspired Perrault's famous fairytale.
Overnight in Chinon.
Day 4: Chinon – Saumur
22 or 30 miles/36 or 48 km | elev: +200m
Before departing from the medieval city of Chinon - located along the Vienne River - explore its many cellars that offer the renowned red wine favored by Rabelais. Then, head to the Abbey of Fontevraud (optional, adds 12km for a total of 48 km) - Europe’s largest surviving monastic city and the necropolis of the Plantagenet monarchs. Finally, make your way to the charming town of Saumur.
Today you have the option to take a canoe trip (not included; see pricing chart) from Chinon to Montsoreau. Glide peacefully across the water to reach the village of Candes-Saint-Martin which rests along the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne rivers. Once here, you will continue onward to the castle of Montsoreau which welcomes you as the only castle with its "feet in the water". The trip takes about 3 hours.
Overnight in Saumur.
Day 5: Saumur – Angers
36 miles/58 km | elev: +305m
Begin by following the Loire River, then traverse the vineyards of Anjou. You'll arrive in the tranquil city of Angers, home to the château that houses the renowned Apocalypse Tapestry.
Overnight in Angers.
Day 6: Departure from Angers
Depart in the morning for your onward travels.
Hotels
You will be accommodated in a mix of 3- and 4-star hotels.
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
Orleans: Empreinte Hotel
Beaugency: Hotel Ecu de Bretagne
Blois: Novotel Blois Centre Val de Loire
Amboise: Hôtel Le Clos d’Amboise
Tours: Hôtel du Cygne
Azay le Rideau: Hôtel Biencourt
Chinon: Hôtel Diderot
Saumur: Hôtel Le Londres
Angers: Hotel de France
Le Mesnil en Vallée: Hôtel Le Poisson D’argent
Nantes: Oceania Hôtel De France
St. Brevin: Hotel le Beryl
Le Croisic: Hotel les Vikings
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Standard touring bike
VTC GITANE bike - 21 speed gears
Included in this tour
A bike that favors an upright, comfortable position, ideal for leisure riding.
Step-through frame (as pictured) - sizes available up to 183 cm / 72 inches
Men's frame (cross-bar frame, not pictured) - sizes available for 183 cm / 72 inches or greater
- 1 rear pannier
- 1 front pannier with a map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 smartphone holder
- 1 lock
- 1 bottle cage
Trekking bike
SCOTT Sub Sport 20 - 27 speed gears
A “sport” bike that favors a more athletic position and riding style.
Step-through frame (as pictured) - sizes available up to 183 cm / 72 inches
Men's frame (cross-bar frame, not pictured) - sizes available for 183 cm / 72 inches or greater
- 1 rear pannier
- 1 front pannier with a map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 smartphone holder
- 1 lock
- 1 bottle cage
Electrically-assisted bike
MOUSTACHE e-bike or similar
- 1 rear pannier
- 1 front pannier with a map holder
- 1 repair kit
- 1 smartphone holder
- 1 lock
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Accessories
Also available for rent on this tour are children's bikes, trailers, or baby seats. Please contact us for additional details.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmets:
Helmets are available(please inquire). The use of a helmet is mandatory for children less than 12 years old (whether riders or passengers). We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
Surface and terrain
The Loire à Vélo tour routes alternate between quiet roads with little traffic (37%), dedicated bike paths (27%), no-thoroughfare roads open only to local residents and non-motorized vehicles (24%), and cycle lanes along roadways (12%). Two-thirds of the overall routes run along the Loire.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Nearest train station: Orleans, France
Tour end
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Nearest train station: St Brévin les Pins, France
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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