Cycling the Vineyards of Nantes

Leave the city behind along the banks of the Sèvre, riding peaceful towpaths. Before long, the scenery shifts: buildings give way to poplars, and the urban hum is replaced by birdsong. The pavement softens, the pace slows. Your cycling journey begins.

First stop: Vertou, the viticultural heart of the Nantes metro area. Here, over 600 hectares of AOC Muscadet stretch as far as the eye can see. Pause at the Chaussée des Moines, a thousand-year-old stone bridge turned riverside promenade—where ancient stone meets shimmering water.

From there, the valley gives way to vineyards. Around each bend: a wine cellar, a parcel of vines, a family-run domaine. Soon you’ll spot Château du Coin, a beautiful estate whose architecture spans from the 15th to the 19th century—a living witness to the region’s wine heritage.

Next, arrive in Le Pallet, a welcoming wine village. The Musée du Vignoble Nantais tells the story of the region’s grape varieties and traditions—a perfect place to learn (and maybe taste) a bit more.

Continue cycling through hedgerows, little streams, and stone walls until you reach the Moulin du Liveau, tucked along the Sèvre. This 19th-century mill keeps the art of papermaking alive with fascinating hands-on demos.

A few more kilometers and Clisson comes into view—its parasol pines, brick villas, statues, and terraced gardens will transport you straight to Tuscany. Wander cobbled lanes, explore the medieval castle, visit the market halls, and enjoy the intertwining rivers and bridges.

At day’s end, choose your return:
→ Take a train from Clisson, Le Pallet, or Vertou (bikes welcome onboard).
→ Ride back to Nantes for a sportier loop.
→ Or simply stay the night, soaking in the peaceful rhythm of the vines before heading back by bike or train.