From Saumur to the Atlantic Ocean

In Saumur, spend time wandering round the streets in the old district of the city. A city of Art and History that is known for its wine, gastronomy and lifestyle, Saumur is also an important city for horse riding.

Before leaving Saumur, visit the famous French National Equestrian School and explore Caves Bouvet Ladubay by bike and discover its famous sparkling wine!

Leave Saumur via the south bank in the direction of the village of Chênehutte-Trèves-Cunault. The cycle route along the Loire is bordered by magnificent tuffeau-stone buildings. Don’t miss the priory church of Notre-Dame de Cunault, built in the 13^th century.

Spend the night in Gennes.

Leave Gennes in the direction of the village of Thoureil. Admire the old Gabarres port and attractive 15^th and 17^th-century houses. Leave your bikes for a trip on a Loire Toue boat. Cycle off again towards Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire and visit the Loire Odyssée where you can discover more about this majestic river. Continue your ride until Trélazé where you can admire the slate works: a stunning rocky landscape on the site of an old slate quarry.

End the day in Angers

Begin the day by exploring the city of Angers, and in particular its château and the famous Tapestry of the Apocalypse. (Lien Château d’Angers)

Pick up your bikes again and cycle towards the village of La Pointe, an old bargemen’s village situated at the confluence of the Maine and the Loire. A moving sight! Take a small detour via Béhuard, a Small City of Character, where you can stop for lunch on the sand banks or in the village square.

Continue to the village of Savennières, which is famous for its dry white wine. With the local wildlife, vineyards and the port of La Possonnière with its ancient boats, there’s plenty to interest you!

Continue your journey along Ile de Chalonnes-sur-Loire, the largest of the Loire islands, and spend the night in Montjean-sur-Loire, an old port and small industrial town full of charm dating from the 19^th century. Lien vers hébergements autour de Montjean sur Loire

If you leave in the morning you will be able to visit Cap Loire which is dedicated to river navigation on the Loire.

Follow the Loire along the south bank and admire views of the village of Ingrandes and the Loire islands.

Stop for lunch in Saint-Florent-Le Vieil. Make sure you climb to the top of Mont Glonne where there is an exceptional panoramic view of the Loire. Continue your route along the south bank then cross the bridge at Ancenis. Continue towards Oudon – Champtoceaux. Spend the night in Oudon or Champtoceaux on the north bank. There is a steep climb up to Champtoceaux, but a beautiful view of the Loire awaits you when you get there.

Towards Nantes: a bucolic route through market garden scenery and vine-growing slopes.

From Mauves sur Loire, cross the bridge to the north bank then continue your journey to Nantes. Stop for a break in front of the Château of the Dukes of Brittany and its water mirror and take the opportunity to soak up the local atmosphere before a final visit to see the famous Island Machines!  lien vers la page de Nantes,

Towards Saint-Brevin-les-Pins; this stage is also part of the La Vélodyssée cycle route!

From Nantes, cycle to Couëron and cross the Loire by ferry. Keep an eye out for the different works on the Estuaire art trail along your way!

You will pass the village of Paimboeuf, where the series of colourful fisherman’s cottages will brighten up your journey.

Arrive at the Ocean opposite the sea snake at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins.

Cross the Saint-Nazaire bridge by shuttle, bus or taxi to get to the train station.

If you have a bit of time to spare, take the opportunity to visit Saint-Nazaire,  a port town steeped in history, by following the La Loire à Vélo loop.

From Saint-Brevin-les-Pins you can also continue your journey southwards along La Vélodyssée.
From Saint-Nazaire you can cycle to Brittany along the Vélocéan.