The best chill-out spots on La Loire à Vélo

Chilling with a view of the Atlantic Ocean at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins

After all your pedalling, stop to relax your pins opposite the sea. Park your bicycles, take off your shoes, plunge your feet into the fine sand, sit down facing the blue horizon and breathe in the salty sea air of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins… Relaxation guaranteed!

Chilling at the Canal de la Martinière amidst the greenery of Frossay

You can’t beat a stop in this peaceful spot! Take it easy and enjoy the tranquillity of the location: there are many havens of greenery spaced out along the canal bank. You will have no neighbours and can enjoy a little relaxing break with local produce that you have picked up along the way 😉

Chilling at the top of the Sainte-Anne hill in Nantes

There are two spots just right for a nice moment of relaxation.
– the wooden Voyage viewing platform in Nantes offers a framed view of the sky and the Royal River, opposite the île de Nantes
– in the company of Jules Verne as a boy, you will have another view of the Loire in this small, shady square at the top of the steps up the Sainte-Anne hill.

Chilling on the beach of the Ile de Béhuard

You’d think it was a desert island, nature is so well established, and yet behind this wall of greenery the island is home to a small village built of tuffeau stone and slate. And when the Loire is low, a gem of a beach is uncovered…

Chilling on the edge of Bouchemaine in the village of La Pointe

La Pointe is an old bargee’s village, with a surprising charm. The best spot for chilling-out is at the end of the village, at the “point”, as the locals say, where there is a magical sight: that of the confluence of the Loire and Maine Rivers.

Chilling opposite the Maine River, on the Saint Maurice steps in Angers

With your back to Saint-Maurice Cathedral, you will have a view of the Maine River and the district of la Doutre. It’s a convivial location: the steps allow you to sit together – or alone -, and the atmosphere created by the trees on both sides make it even more chilled-out!

Chilling on the terrace opposite the Loire at the château of Montsoreau

Lay down your bikes next to the majestic heritage that is the château de Montsoreau and go inside: today a museum of modern art, the château offers visitors the chance to relax on its terrace with a stunning panoramic view of the Royal River! The best of the best: arriving at sunset 😉

Chilling at the Guinguette de Tours

Looking for a drink in an open air café? That’s lucky, the one in Tours is waiting to welcome you for a well-deserved break. On the banks of the Loire, you can enjoy a lovely programme of music for all tastes, family entertainment, a varied cuisine with local produce and of course a little cool drink.

Chilling at the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne Rivers in Candes-Saint-Martin, one of the most Beautiful Villages of France

Leave the collegiate church of Saint-Martin de Candes behind you and dive into the narrow backstreet of Saint-Martin which leads you quickly to the riverside. Here, your chill-out spot awaits you: a stunning view of the confluence of the Vienne and Loire Rivers.

Chilling at the port of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire

The ancient port of Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire, which was used, in particular, for unloading materials for the construction of the château of Chambord, is an ideal place to relax. Sit down opposite the Loire and admire the boats sailing on the river… close your eyes and go back in time to the golden age when the port was bustling with activity.

Chilling at the Domaine Royal de Chambord

Given the size of the estate (over 5,440 ha), you will be spoilt for choice for places to relax. Chilling-out with a view of the château de Chambord, wouldn’t that be a great idea? Stretch out on the grass and admire the different aspects of this Renaissance masterpiece.

A chill-out destination for painters in Ousson-sur-Loire

Between Sancerre and Briare lies a small village which has inspired many painters. You won’t be able to resist chilling out for a while facing the Loire in Ousson-sur-Loire. Settle down on a bench between two plane trees and admire the Royal River flowing by in complete tranquillity, accompanied, and why not, by a little local snack.

Chilling in the departmental park of the château in Châteauneuf-sur-Loire

First of all, slip away for a walk amongst the hundred-year-old trees and floral scents of this sumptuous 17th century park. For a moment of relaxation, head for the entrance to the park, lie down under one of these gigantic trees opposite the remains of the château, with your head in the grass and your nose in the flowers! Chill-out complete!

Chilling at la Corne des Pâtures open air café between Meung-sur-Loire and Beaugency

On your way along La Loire à Vélo between Beaugency and Meung-sur-Loire, you won’t be able to miss this lovely open-air café. On the programme: entertainment for the young and not so young, concerts, local cuisine… and also chill-out spots to rest in like a Berber tent.

Chilling out with a view of the barges in Marseilles-lès-Aubigny

Did you say Marseille? Yes, but Marseilles-lès-Aubigny! Like its big brother, it has a port (river), but it differs because of its tranquillity and the many barges you can observe in the rue du port. All the right ingredients for a good chill-out in the Loire wouldn’t you say?

Chilling in Apremont-sur-Allier

For once we agree to move away a little (but not too far) from our favourite river (the Loire obviously), as this chill-out area is worth a detour! Cross the route de Cuffy in Apremont-sur-Allier (labelled as one of the most Beautiful Villages of France), to find yourself on the banks of the Allier where a walking area awaits you. Leave your bike at the entrance and bask on the banks of the Allier.