La Loire à vélo from Nantes to Orléans
Day 1
50 km
Nantes → Bouzillé
Your journey begins gently, leaving Nantes along the Nantes-Brest Canal. The city quickly fades behind as you’re surrounded by shaded paths and the calm presence of the river.
The Loire remains discreet, but the spirit of adventure is already in the air.
Soon, the small village of Bouzillé welcomes you for the night. Sleep comes easily, lulled by your first kilometers and the thrill of setting off.
Day 2
65 km
Bouzillé → Angers
You enter the heart of Val de Loire. The route crosses Ancenis, then the island of Chalonnes, before skirting the vineyards of Savennières.
Still flat and easygoing, the landscapes shift between hedgerows, islands, suspension bridges, and levees lined with poplars. Every pedal stroke is a delight.
Arriving in Angers, you’re welcomed by its lively alleys, medieval château, and riverside cafés. A perfect city to unwind after a day in the saddle.
Day 3
69 km
Angers → Saumur
The Loire grows wilder and the scenery opens wide. You cross forests, embankments, and charming villages.
Swimming spots, chats with fellow cyclists, and sweeping river views punctuate this rewarding stage.
In Gennes, a lakeside break is just right before heading onward to Saumur. With its white tuffeau stone houses, hilltop château, and troglodyte cellars, it’s a highlight not to be missed.
Day 5
63 km
Saumur → Villandry
Following the Vienne and then the Loire, you reach Chinon, a medieval gem nestled by the river. The route is smooth, framed by lush countryside.
Here, the Loire reveals a different side: more wooded, more intimate—ideal for leisurely riding and spontaneous breaks.
You pedal past vineyards all the way to Villandry. Arriving in front of the château’s famous gardens is a visual delight. The day’s end feels straight out of a postcard.
Day 5
50 km
Villandry → Amboise
Your morning leads you through Tours, the lively, gourmet capital of Touraine, and into the hillside vineyards of Montlouis.
With wine cellar visits, riverside cafés, and woodland stretches, this stage is varied and easygoing.
Upon reaching Amboise, the royal château and Clos Lucé overlook the Loire. In the evening, the town invites you to stroll and dine al fresco.
Day 6
74 km
Amboise → Chambord
The longest stage—and perhaps the most stunning. After passing through Chaumont-sur-Loire and its famed garden festival, you enter the deep forest of Sologne.
Silence, wildlife encounters (horseflies, deer, even wild boar!), and long woodland paths give the day an expedition feel.
And then: the grand reveal of Chambord. Vast and majestic, the château rises from the trees in a moment of magic. You savor the evening like a hard-earned reward.
Day 7
60 km
Chambord → Orléans
One last gentle ride, through Beaugency, Meung-sur-Loire, and Cléry-Saint-André. The route follows the river’s curves, dotted with small ports, ancient bridges, and Romanesque churches.
The mood is peaceful, your legs turn effortlessly, carried by habit and joy.
Arriving in Orléans, emotion sets in: you’ve made it! You return your Paulette rental bike and toast your journey with a glass by the river—heart full, spirit free.