OUR TOP 3 CYCLING ROUTES

Atlantic Loire Valley is a paradise for cyclists, with over 3,000km of dedicated cycle paths and three major cycling routes: the Loire à Vélo, the Vélodyssée and the Vélo Francette you’ll find plenty to do and experience either as a solo traveller, travelling as a couple or travelling with family. Check out what the region has to offer below.

La Vélodyssée

Hugging the Atlantic coast, this is France’s longest cycle route (1,200km) and one of the most dramatic, linking Roscoff with Hendaye. Atlantic Loire Valley’s 400km section begins in Saint-Nicolas-de-Redon, winding its way along the River Erdre until it reaches Nantes and Saint-Nazaire. It then heads along the beautiful Jade Coast on its way to Bouin in Vendée, before linking up with the island of Noirmoutier, where this year’s Tour de France will start. The forest near Saint-Jean-de-Monts, pretty Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the Brem-sur-Mer vineyards and the Marais d’Olonne salt marshes and the buzzy resort of Les Sables-d’Olonne beckon cyclists further on.

La Loire à Vélo

Most people associate the Loire with majestic châteaux, pretty villages and world-class wine – and what better way to explore these than by bike? The Loire à Vélo trail follows the mighty River Loire for 230km, beginning in Montsoreau and passing the châteaux of Saumur, Serrant, Oudon, Brissac, Angers and Nantes, as well as the magnificent Fontevraud Abbey. Also worth exploring on the way are Saumur’s troglodyte caves, with underground passages also accessible by bike, and the Loire’s miniature islands such as Chalonnes and Béhuard, which are must-sees for wildlife lovers.

The Vélo Francette

This pretty cycle trail is France’s newest, linking Ouistreham in Normandy with the Atlantic resort of La Rochelle. Within Atlantic Loire Valley , the northern section meanders through the peaceful Mayenne department, following the eponymous river on its way through Laval and Château-Gontier to Angers. It then heads east along the Loire as far as Saumur. It’s an ideal family-friendly option if you’ve got the kids in tow.

The islands by bike

Atlantic Loire Valley’s islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu are perfect for exploring on two wheels, both offering carefully planned-out and marked routes. Explore Yeu from its ‘capital’ Port-Joinville, enjoying a four- to five-hour circuit that takes in the Pointe du But, the Grand Phare lighthouse, the old château and Port de la Meule. Twice the size of Yeu, Noirmoutier has 80km to satisfy your pedals: a northerly route that cuts through a nature reserve; a central trail through the salt marshes; and a southern itinerary around the town of Barbâtre, passing a series of lovely beaches and the famous Passage du Gois, which connects to the mainland at low tide.

Sarthe in the saddle

Sarthe is one of Atlantic Loire Valley’s lesser-known departments, but with a network of cycle trails exceeding 400km it shouldn’t be overlooked. Most of the routes link Sarthe’s main highlights so you can punctuate your pedalling with local culture. Learn the history of the bicycle at La Belle Échappée museum in Fresnaye-sur-Chédouet (on the 29km Alençon-Mamers trail), admire the Abbey of Solesmes (on the 26km Noyen-Sablé trail), and raise a glass in the vineyards en route from Ruillé-sur-Loir to Château-du-Loir (25km). The medieval city of Le Mans and the amazing zoo at La Flèche are also start and end points to cycle trails in Sarthe.

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