Cycle Tour from Orléans to the Atlantic

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!

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

For our younger cyclists

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

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