Loire by Bike: cycling through castles and wine • Bikepacking » outdooractive.com

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Our experience of cycling the Loire à Vélo – the famed bike route in the Loire Valley in France – was quite different from what we had imagined. We were expecting miles of smooth, asphalt bike paths, but instead, we found ourselves on gravel tracks along the Loire. We anticipated enchanting landscapes, but what we encountered were more traditional riverside sceneries, which, this time contrary to our expectations, were adorned with magnificent castles and palaces. And it was their number, beauty and diversity that made our initial impressions of the region fade into the background. Because the Loire Valley is, above all, about the history of France, its extraordinary culture, art and architecture, bestowing upon the region a touristic splendor that ranks the Loire among the most attractive rivers to explore in Europe.

Open

Moderate

Distance 370.3 km

Duration25:15 h

Ascent701 m

Descent805 m

Highest point119 m

Lowest point17 m

During our stay in France, we cycled through a segment of the central course of the Loire, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. This most precious and distinguished section of the Loire Valley begins in Sully-sur-Loire near Orléans and ends in Chalonnes-sur-Loire near Angers. To travel along this approximately 280-kilometer stretch of the river, we covered around 380 kilometers of the Loire à Vélo bike route, literally translating to “Loire by bike”. Starting in Sully-sur-Loire, the route passed through Orléans, Chambord, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Chinon and Saumur before reaching Angers. For the return journey, a special train designed for cyclists – described later in the article – provided a convenient way back.

Author’s recommendation
At first glance, Loire à Vélo may seem like a route built around a river, but for us its greatest strength lay elsewhere. The Loire provides a scenic backdrop, yet the true highlights are the castles, historic towns and centuries of French history encountered along the way. What makes the journey particularly memorable is how naturally these world-famous landmarks are connected by a well-developed cycling route. The combination of cultural heritage, easy logistics and varied landscapes creates an experience that feels much richer than a typical river ride. In our view, Loire à Vélo is one of the most rewarding cycling journeys in Europe for travellers who enjoy discovering history from the saddle. More:

Cycling France – the Loire Valley

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