2023
Cycle Tour from Orleans to the Atlantic

Cycle Tour from Orléans to the Atlantic

From the castles of the Loire to the coast

 Orléans – Tours – Nantes – Saint-Nazaire

  • Fairytale castles, indescribable nature, historic cities
  • Daily routes ●●●●○
  • Altitude profile ●●○○○

days
10

km / day avg.
60

Enchanting castles, lively historic towns and a varied landscape - all this awaits you on the cycle tour from Orléans to the Atlantic. The somewhat longer stages are easy to master on the well-signposted cycle paths, most of which have no major climbs. Sometimes on the south bank, sometimes on the north bank, you cycle along the wild and romantic river to its mouth in the Atlantic. Let yourself be carried away into a fairytale world and take plenty of time to visit the magnificent castles with their large parks and gardens. Experience historic cities like Orléans, Tours and Nantes with their unique flair. On your way to the Atlantic, you will cycle through one of France's most important wine regions. Don't miss the chance to taste the fine wine. Through impressive nature reserves and stylish seaside resorts, you will finally reach the sea. The cycle tour from Orléans to the Atlantic is the right thing for sporty cyclists who, however, do not want to miss out on enjoyment and sightseeing.

Itinerary

  • Booking Code
    FR-LOOS9
  • Start / Destination
    Orléans / Saint-Nazaire
  • Duration
    10 days / 9 nights
  • Length
    approx. 465 km
    Daily routes ●●●●○
    between 40 and 75 km, Ø 60 km
    Altitude profile ●●○○○

Day 1: Individual arrival in Orléans

Orléans is located at the northernmost point of the course of the Loire and is one of the oldest cities in France. After your arrival for your cycle tour to the Atlantic Ocean, there will certainly be time to stroll through the city centre. Orléans is best known for Joan of Arc, the legendary Maid of Orléans, who is still revered as a national heroine in France today.

Day 2: Orléans – Blois, approx. 65 km

At the start of your cycle tour from Orléans to the Atlantic Ocean, a great day awaits you: excellently signposted, largely flat and with a great path quality, the Loire cycle path leads you through the idyllic landscape. You follow the course of the Loire to Blois. On the way, you can discover numerous stately villas and magnificent castles. Probably the most impressive castle of the stage awaits you in the town centre of your destination today.

Day 3: Blois – Tours, approx. 75 km

Leave Blois, the city of kings, behind you and cycle through the beautiful countryside with fascinating views. In Amboise you should definitely take a break and visit the castle, which was home to five kings. At the Château du Clos Lucé, follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last three years of his life here. Afterwards, on the way to Tours, you will pass the famous wine-growing region of Vouvray and cycle through tranquil villages with numerous wineries.

Day 4: Tours – Chinon, approx. 55 km

You will experience two more magnificent castles on today's stage of your cycle tour from Orléans to the Atlantic. You follow the Cher River and soon reach Villandry Castle. Stroll through the six magnificently landscaped gardens - one more beautiful than the other. Continuing along the banks of the Loire, you reach Langeais and thus the second castle of the day. From the fortified tower you can enjoy the magnificent view over the river and the surrounding countryside. After this relaxing break, you will roll leisurely to Chinon.

Day 5: Chinon – Saumur, approx. 40 km

The cycle tour from Orléans to the Atlantic Ocean takes you first to Montsoreau. It is one of the most beautiful villages in France, not only because of its magnificent castle built of tuff stone and the flower-filled village alleys. You pass Souzay-Champigny, famous for its cave dwellings, and soon reach Saumur – the pearl of Anjou. From the town's castle you have a beautiful view of the medieval old town and the Loire valley. In the evening, treat yourself to a glass of the region's excellent red wines!

Day 6: Saumur – Angers, approx. 55 km

Through the rolling hills of the vineyards of Anjou, the Loire cycle path leads along the southern bank of the river. This picturesque scenery accompanies you for quite a while. You pass castle ruins, Romanesque churches and picturesque medieval villages. You will reach Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire. Visit the Loire Odyssey – a museum and information centre dedicated to the Loire. The castle of your today's stage destination – Angers – not only impresses with 17 towers, it also houses a true cultural treasure: the largest tapestry in Europe!

Day 7: Angers – Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, approx. 55 km

Spend a little more time in the lively university town before you get back in the saddle. In Savennières you should not miss a visit to a winegrower. This is where France's best and most expensive white wines are made from the Chenin Blanc grape. The village of Béhuard, situated on an island, is also worth a visit. In the old town of St.-Florent-le-Vieil, high above the river, a great viewpoint beckons.

Day 8: Saint-Florent-le-Vieil – Nantes, approx. 55 km

Constantly changing landscapes characterise today's stage of your cycle tour from Orléans to the Atlantic. Behind St. Florent the valley narrows and the river forces its way through slate and granite rocks. You will change banks of the Loire several times, and you will also have to negotiate some minor climbs. But each ascent also provides you with wonderful views. Nantes, the historic capital of Brittany, will impress you with its very special flair. Let yourself be carried away by the colourful hustle and bustle in the alleys.

Day 9: Nantes – Saint-Nazaire, approx. 65 km

Following the ever-widening river, you cycle through the tranquil countryside and numerous small villages. Nestled between the mouth of the Loire and the Atlantic is the attractive seaside resort of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins. Stroll along the long sandy beaches or enjoy a dip in the sea. Afterwards, a collective transfer takes you across the impressive but also busy bridge to Saint-Nazaire. Visit the submarine bunker, which is also passable by bike.

Day 10: Individual departure or extension of stay

Your cycle tour, which began in Orléans, now ends at the Atlantic Ocean after breakfast. You can be proud of yourself, after all you have explored about half of the longest French river by bike!

Show more Show less

Dates / prices / services

Season times and prices 2023

Arrival on Thursdays from 06.04.2023 to 05.10.2023

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The season is dictated by the arrival date.

Show more Show less
Season A
01.04. - 14.04.
30.09. - 07.10.
from1129 €
Season B
15.04. - 12.05.
09.09. - 29.09.
from1189 €
Season C
13.05. - 08.09.

from1239 €

All prices per person in a double room, without Additional Services

Show more Show less

Services

  • 9 nights incl. breakfast, national 3*-level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel to Saint Nazaire
  • GPS-Tracks available on request
  • Cycle route description with maps (1 x per room)
  • 7 day Service Hotline
Show more Show less

Not inlcuded is the city or visitor's tax (if payable).

Show more Show less

For our younger cyclists

Due to the altitude profile we don't recommend this tour for children.

Show more Show less

Additional Services

Additional bookable services

Additional fee single room

499 €

Return transfer incl. own bike, Saint-Nazaire - Orléans

149 €

Return transfer excl. own bike, Saint-Nazaire - Orléans

119 €

All prices are per person

Additional nights

Room
Breakfast
Price
Orléans
 DBL

85 €

 SGL

149 €

Saint-Nazaire
 DBL

65 €

 SGL

109 €

All prices are per person

Rental Bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
109 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
259 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 7-gear unisex bike, hub gears with back-pedal brakes
  • 21-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with free-wheel (men’s bikes from 1.80 m)
  • Electric bike
Fittings

Pannier, handlebar bag, milometer, bike lock, pump, repair kit

Show more Show less
Rental Bike

7- or 21-gear Rental Bike

109 €

E-bike

259 €

Brief Information

  • Booking Code
    FR-LOOS9
  • Start / Destination
    Orléans / Saint-Nazaire
  • Duration
    10 days / 9 nights
  • Length
    approx. 465 km
    Daily routes ●●●●○
    between 40 and 75 km, Ø 60 km
    Altitude profile ●●○○○
  • Route condition
    Asphalted and well gravelled cycle paths, partly also side roads.
  • Parking information
    Paid car parking garage in Orléans, appr. EUR 7 per day. No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen.
  • Returning to Orléans
    Optional with a minibus every Saturday morning, must be specified when booking, payable locally.
    If you do not want to continue your journey directly after the transfer, you can book additional nights in Orléans.
    You can also book the transfer from Saint Nazaire to Orléans before the bike tour. So you can continue your tour from Saint Nazaire right after the tour. Please write your booking request in the online booking form in the free text field.
    Alternatively on your own by train, without changing trains, approx. 4 hrs.
  • Note
    In France, helmets are compulsory for children under the age of 12. For safety reasons, however, we generally recommend wearing a helmet.
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    This holiday is suitable to only a limited extent for people with restricted mobility.
    Please contact us if you have individual requirements.

days
10

km / day avg.
60