What direction should I cover La Loire à Vélo in? East to west or west to east? La Loire à Vélo is just as easy to cover in both directions. The wind is the only thing that can pose somewhat of a challenge: the dominant west winds often push cycling tourists inland, away from the ocean. But every self-respecting local will tell you that the Loire has two faces, depending on whether […]
What is the best time to travel along the route? A spectacular scenery is guaranteed throughout the year. Nevertheless, the period from April to October offers better weather conditions for cycling than the winter period. Moreover, the Loire is a wild river, which sometimes overflows its banks, especially in winter and early spring: get information about the next leg of your trip – trafficability, current […]
Where can I park my car for a long period of time? Before leaving, contact the Tourist Office of your city of departure. It may be able to tell you where you can park your vehicle. There are long-term car parks situated along the itinerary and close to train stations. This makes it easier for you to plan your return journey, if you decide you want to […]
Is the accommodation suitable for bike tourists? All of the accommodation on the website is part of the national initiative ‘Accueil Vélo’, which guarantees a warm welcome and specific services that cater for bike tourists. They are located less than 5 km away from the itinerary. They are equipped with a secure bike storage room, a bike repair kit, cleaning materials, etc.
Can I do La Loire à Vélo with children? La Loire à Vélo is perfectly suitable for families, thanks to its easy, signposted and secure trail and the many rest areas situated along the whole route. The path alternates between ‘car-free’ roads (green lanes and cycling paths) and ‘shared-lane’ roads (bike lanes, roads with light traffic and non-transit roads). You can view the type […]
I’ve never done a bike trip before. How many kilometres should I cover a day? If you are in a normal physical condition, start with 30 to 40 km per day. During the first days keep your speed at 10 km/h. This will leave you the time to discover the rich landscapes and cultural heritage or take advantage of the activities included in the itinerary. Depending on your level of […]
Is the route accessible for people with reduced mobility? Only the strips on green lanes which are reserved for non-motorised vehicles are accessible for people with reduced mobility. You can find the ‘Tourisme et Handicap’ establishments in the accommodation section
Which is the right type of bicycle for La Loire à Vélo? La Loire à Vélo is a cycle route, therefore it follows all types of secure paths i.e. small roads with light traffic, cycle paths, green lanes. The road surface isn’t only asphalt and is therefore not always suitable for racing bikes with narrow tyres. For trips that last several days, it is preferable to embark […]