Advice for organising your journey

The first time

If this is your first time cycle touring, start with short stages. Days of 30 to 40 km will be enough and will leave you time to discover the wealth of local scenery and heritage or do activities along the way. Allow for a speed of around 10 km/hour the first few days.

Planning your stages

There are several options for organising your journey:

• Download an existing trip from the “route suggestions” section and modify it if desired.
  
• Create your own itinerary from the maps available.
• Book a turnkey holiday.

You can cycle along La Loire à Vélo from East to West or West to East. In both directions, the Loire reveals different facets and you will discover varying scenery. In addition, the various slopes are insignificant and suited to all abilities, with a height difference of just 190 m over more than 900 km. All the same, it is worth noting that prevailing westerly winds generally push tourists inland from the Ocean.

Transporting your bike, luggage etc.

You can transport your bikes or luggage in the train or have them transferred by a private transporter. For more information, see the sections on Luggage, bikes and passenger transport – Train Loire à Vélo –  Regional TER trains and coaches.

Cycling as a family

If you are travelling with children, adapt the distance to their ages. Target sections of the itinerary that offer a maximum amount of “traffic free” routes. Don’t overestimate your ability, or that of your children!

Book accommodation in advance

All the accommodation presented on this website is committed to the “Accueil Vélo” approach, and each place is situated less than 5 km from the itinerary. There is a variety accommodation all along the route to cater for all tastes and budgets. In summer and on national holiday weekends in spring, or in places where the itinerary has a limited selection, it is best to book accommodation in advance.

Check the weather forecast and the “Route information” page before you leave

Between spring and autumn the weather is generally pleasant, perfect for enjoying the Loire Valley countryside!

Check the weather before you leave so you can pack according to the forecast. Mother nature can be unpredictable, and certain sections of the itinerary may sometimes be cut off after very heavy rain. Check the “Route information” page to find out about the accessibility of the itinerary.

GPS tracks and guidebooks

To make your experience along La Loire à Vélo even more enjoyable, you can download GPS tracks of the itinerary to your smartphone using an application, or to a cycling satnav to guide you. The GPS tracks of La Loire à Vélo are available for free on the website. You can also buy one of the La Loire à Vélo guidebooks online, in bookstores and in some Tourist Offices along the way.

Check the accessibility of the route…

For your comfort and safety, development and maintenance works are regularly carried out along the itinerary. To find out the latest updates, go to the “Route information” page.

Alerts are published on the website to keep you informed of the itinerary’s accessibility. Check them before you leave. Where possible, a provisional route will be indicated if part of the itinerary is cut off.

Signs

For your comfort and safety, the itinerary is signposted in both directions from Cuffy inland to Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins on the coast. All you need to do is follow the signs!

There are enough signs in place to guide you all along the route. Some towns and cities can be a little more complicated to cross as you concentrate on the traffic while keeping an eye out for signposts. Please take care!

Bikes

• For a journey lasting several days, choose a well-equipped all-road bike with a comfortable saddle, lights, rack and at least 21 gears.
• Check its condition and have it checked by a bike professional. Adjust it to your height, make sure the tyres are well pumped, check the brakes and don’t forget the bell!
• Consider a handlebar bag for your guidebook.
  Preferably use paniers rather than rucksacks, which become tiring over long periods.
• For infants, instead of a child seat, opt for a trailer or “third wheel” according to their age, since these are more comfortable and fun.
• Carry a small kit of repair essentials, with puncture equipment and two inner tubes per bike, a multi-tool, pump and the right nozzle for your valves.
• Don’t forget a padlock for stopping off in towns and cities!

To find out what equipment is compulsory on a bicycle, visit the French Road Safety website.

Equipment

• Comfortable clothes for cycling and suitable shoes. A jumper for the evenings. A sunhat or cap, sunglasses and sun cream. Windproof and waterproof coats, preferably made of breathable material suited to touring.
• For long journeys, we recommend using padded shorts, gloves and shoes for cycling.
• It is not obligatory to wear a helmet (except for children under 12) but it is strongly recommended.
• Carry water and energy bars to avoid getting overtired.
• Don’t forget a first aid kit.
• Get a guidebook and/or download the GPS tracks to your smartphone or cycling satnav.
• Carry only what is necessary, don’t overload your bike!

When cycling…

The La Loire à Vélo itinerary alternates between traffic-free sections, small quiet roads and cycle paths and lanes, particularly where it crosses towns and cities. There may be large numbers of cyclists along the route in certain periods, so please take care to respect the rules for your safety and others’ during your trip.

Below are a few reminders and pieces of advice:

• Comply with the French Highway Code. Please note that any offence on a bike may result in a fine.
• To ride safely, you must imperatively have a well-equipped bike in good condition.
• All cyclists (and their passengers) riding outside of towns and cities are required to wear a certified reflective jacket at night or in conditions of poor visibility.
• It is compulsory to wear a helmet for children under 12 years, whether they are riders or passengers, as of 22 March 2017.
• Take care on roads and when crossing cities… especially at junctions and on bridges.
• Don’t ride two abreast.
• On Green Lanes, give priority to pedestrians and alert people of your presence.
• Be fair to other users of La Loire à Vélo. The key word is conviviality above all else!

You will find all the information on the regulations concerning safety and bike equipment on the French Road Safety website.

Civil liability

Please remember that you cycle at your own risk and are liable for accidents which you may cause to yourself or to a third party and resulting from behaviour not in compliance with the French Highway Code, or not suited to the conditions and reasonably expected dangers in a natural setting. It is COMPULSORY to have civil liability insurance.

Swimming in the Loire

Be careful! It is forbidden to swim in the Loire and other rivers because it is dangerous, except in designated zones. If you want to swim, choose one of the supervised swimming areas. View the supervised swimming areas in the “On the water” section or directly on the map.

Emergency numbers

• Fire brigade: 112 from a mobile or 18 from a landline
• Police: 17
• Ambulance: 15