As you cycle along the royal river, passing the incredible sandbanks and flying through the picturesque landscape, why not hop off your bike and discover the breath-taking views that the Loire has to offer?
Climb to the top of Oudon Tower
Round off your trip to the castle and charming village with a picturesque view from the top of the medieval tower. This incredible viewpoint is not one to be missed and will definitely be a standout moment of your cycle trip! The landscape’s lights and colours are constantly changing, so you will never get bored of the beautiful scenery. Whether you visit in the morning, daytime or evening, during winter or summer, for your first, second, or third time, the view will always be magical!
Discover Champalud’s garden
After climbing 70 metres above the royal river, you will be rewarded with this beautiful garden and its spectacular panorama of the Loire valley and Ile Neuve.
Once you’ve admired the incredible views, take a moment to sit back and relax on one of the park’s many picnic benches. The garden even has a children’s play area and an outdoor swimming pool, so the whole family will be entertained! As soon as you’re surrounded by the park’s beautiful greenery and stunning views, you’ll be glad you hopped off your bike and made the trip to this unforgettable location.
Explore Candes-Saint-Martin, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France
At the point where the Loire and the Vienne rivers meet, lies the small village of Candes-Saint-Martin. Explore the small flower-laden streets lined with charming houses made from tuffeau stone and discover the 13th-century Saint Martin collegiate church in the heart of the village. According to local legend, the church was built exactly where Saint Martin died in 397. A pleasant 3.5 km walk will take you to a viewpoint, where you can sit on the benches and admire the breath-taking scenery that surrounds the village.
Visit the terraces of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Perched on top of a rocky headland and overlooking the Loire river stands the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, where Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers once lived. The terrace of the château offers a wonderful view of the river and the Loire valley. Why not also take the time to discover the works of art that are dotted around the beautiful landscaped gardens?
Cross the Briare canal bridge
Explore the charming little marina of Briare and discover the exceptional Briare canal bridge, which spans 662 meters across the Loire. Lined with 72 streetlamps, this majestic structure is made from iron and stone and connects the Canal latéral à la Loire to the Briare Canal. Hop on your bike, or just walk across, and admire the incredible view from the bridge.
Climb Sancerre’s hill
Perched on a rocky hill, Sancerreis a “Small Town of Character” and can be discovered by exploring its charming steep alleys. If you climb to the top of the hill, you will see beautiful vineyards stretching across the countryside beyond the town which produce the region’s famous wine. Why not get an even higher perspective, and climb the Tower of Fiefs? The incredible view from the top of the tower will make climbing all those steps worth it!