{"id":2227,"date":"2022-09-26T16:11:54","date_gmt":"2022-09-26T14:11:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/loire-velo-conseils\/"},"modified":"2026-05-19T11:48:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T09:48:11","slug":"loire-valley-cycling-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-cycling-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in the Loire Valley : our tips (to take full advantage !)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Loire is a wild and beautiful river.<br\/>Its cycle route covers 900 km!<br\/>A superb route along its banks and around the castles. It is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in France, and in the world.<br\/>Here are all our tips to make the most of the Loire Valley by bike.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-N2CLvrd\/0\/ca645062\/L\/Loire%20velo-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-N2CLvrd\/0\/ca645062\/L\/Loire%20velo-L.jpg\" alt=\"The Loire &#xE0; v&#xE9;lo, one of France's most beautiful cycling routes\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-N2CLvrd\/0\/ca645062\/L\/Loire%20velo-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-1\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-N2CLvrd\/0\/ca645062\/L\/Loire%20velo-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide is completely <strong>independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7 planning tips<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Starting points for the Loire \u00e0 v\u00e9lo<\/h3>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Arrival stations<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Loire is well served from Paris and other major French cities. Depending on which sections of the Loire \u00e0 v\u00e9lo itinerary you want to cycle through, the main stations to arrive at are:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-nantes\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1731\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nantes<\/a> (2h by TGV from Paris or via the airport)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/que-faire-angers-visiter\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"7277\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Angers<\/a> (1h30 by TGV from Paris)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-tours-visit\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"7270\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tours<\/a> (1h15 by TGV from Paris)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-blois-visit\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"7947\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blois<\/a> (1h30 by regional train from Paris)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/is-orleans-worth-visiting-reasons\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"9290\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Orl\u00e9ans<\/a> (1h15 by regional train from Paris)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nevers (2h by regional train from Paris)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Angers\/Gare\/i-GCC7WGB\/0\/KrhtDxvm7Cr3vnNGNPstj9HZ3dJZHnjPKCx2RxbCX\/L\/Gare_angers_saint_Laud-05-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Angers\/Gare\/i-GCC7WGB\/0\/KrhtDxvm7Cr3vnNGNPstj9HZ3dJZHnjPKCx2RxbCX\/L\/Gare_angers_saint_Laud-05-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Angers\/Gare\/i-GCC7WGB\/0\/KrhtDxvm7Cr3vnNGNPstj9HZ3dJZHnjPKCx2RxbCX\/L\/Gare_angers_saint_Laud-05-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-2\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Angers\/Gare\/i-GCC7WGB\/0\/KrhtDxvm7Cr3vnNGNPstj9HZ3dJZHnjPKCx2RxbCX\/L\/Gare_angers_saint_Laud-05-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding long-term parking by car<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you come by car (your own or a <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/how-to-rent-car-france-hire\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1660\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rental<\/a>), the motorway network covers the entire route without difficulty. It's best to find a parking lot a short distance from the starting point. Here's <strong>our list of the main long-term parking lots<\/strong>, some of which are free along the route:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nevers<\/strong>: Parking Saint Arigle - Indigo underground downtown (Free white spaces limited to 5 days max)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beaulieu-sur-Loire<\/strong>: Place d'Armes (free)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bonny-sur-Loire<\/strong>: Parking des bords de la Cheuille (free)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ch\u00e2tillon-sur-Loire<\/strong>: Place du Champ de Foire (free)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gien<\/strong>: Free parking at the ch\u00e2teau-museum + paid parking at the Centre Anne de Beaujeu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Orl\u00e9ans<\/strong>: 9 pay parking lots managed by Orl\u00e9ans Gestion, at \u20ac36\/week (\u20ac40 for Fleury-les-Aubrais station).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beaugency<\/strong>: Parking du Mail, 170 spaces free of charge, but prior request to the Tourist Office is required for long stays (they pass on to the municipal police).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tours<\/strong>: Only paying Indigo parking lots (no long-term free parking): Vinci Gare, Nationale, Anatole France, Champ Girault, Halles Vieux Tours - rates between \u20ac75 and \u20ac100\/week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saint-Nazaire<\/strong>: Appart'City (paying, non-residents accepted) + free parking on declaration to the municipal police (tel. 02 40 64 45 17).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#d0e7ff;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_titre gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">WHERE TO STAY IN THE <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Loire Valley<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#d0e7ff\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:14px;flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Our independent picks for <strong>the accommodation of your dreams<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-loire-valley-best-areas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where to stay in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/stay-chateau-hotel-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-luxury-hotel-loire-valley-5-star-reviews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best luxury hotels<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-boutique-hotels-loire-valley-charm\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"10703\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boutique Hotels<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Hotel-Chateau-Chissay\/i-pS6Jsk2\/1\/65123b4b\/L\/chateau-hotel-chissay-11-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Hotel-Chateau-Chissay\/i-pS6Jsk2\/1\/65123b4b\/L\/chateau-hotel-chissay-11-L.jpg\" alt=\"Chateau de Chissay\" title=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Hotel-Chateau-Chissay\/i-pS6Jsk2\/1\/65123b4b\/L\/chateau-hotel-chissay-11-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-3\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Hotel-Chateau-Chissay\/i-pS6Jsk2\/1\/65123b4b\/L\/chateau-hotel-chissay-11-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#d0e7ff\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"font-size:14px;flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Or, if you've chosen your destination, the <strong>best hotels<\/strong> in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-hotel-nantes-where-stay-reviews\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nantes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-angers-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Angers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-saumur-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-tours-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tours<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-amboise-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amboise<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:16px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-blois-best-hotels-neighborhoods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blois<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Blois\/n-DXvSZK\/Hotel-Fleurs-de-Loire\/i-kctWvT8\/1\/CDqwKRVtHR5vB9NfPN2Cmj5VkjWxW5CR3bbLbvtNT\/L\/blois-fleurs-loire-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Blois\/n-DXvSZK\/Hotel-Fleurs-de-Loire\/i-kctWvT8\/1\/CDqwKRVtHR5vB9NfPN2Cmj5VkjWxW5CR3bbLbvtNT\/L\/blois-fleurs-loire-L.jpg\" alt=\"Fleur de Loire Hotel in Blois\" title=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Blois\/n-DXvSZK\/Hotel-Fleurs-de-Loire\/i-kctWvT8\/1\/CDqwKRVtHR5vB9NfPN2Cmj5VkjWxW5CR3bbLbvtNT\/L\/blois-fleurs-loire-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-4\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Blois\/n-DXvSZK\/Hotel-Fleurs-de-Loire\/i-kctWvT8\/1\/CDqwKRVtHR5vB9NfPN2Cmj5VkjWxW5CR3bbLbvtNT\/L\/blois-fleurs-loire-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to go<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The landscapes are beautiful all year round.<br\/>However, the weather is best suited to cycling <strong>between April and October<\/strong>.<br\/>In July and August, the cycle paths are much more crowded, especially around the most beautiful Loire castles. But note that it's hotter, so watch out for the heat!<br\/><strong>June and September<\/strong> are our favorite months.<br\/>But if you're not afraid of lower temperatures, in October the autumn landscapes are well worth the detour.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#e5ecf3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse box_planif is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Loire<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"font-size:14px\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compare prices on our preferred platform: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/france?a_aid=zigzag&amp;chan=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DiscoverCars<\/a> - one of the best rated sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a <strong>fairly compact car<\/strong> (many villages have narrowed the road).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think about<strong>full insurance<\/strong> (parking in big cities is really tight).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is a lot of demand, <strong>book it early<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-3 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire.png\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"280\" height=\"354\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4051\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire.png 280w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire-237x300.png 237w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 280px) 100vw, 280px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire.png\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-img-4053\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/conduire_ville_loire-237x300.png\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns planif_bouton is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:57.14%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/fr\/france?a_aid=zigzag&amp;chan=LL\" style=\"border-radius:4px;font-size:14px\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See the cars  <strong>    <\/strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4676\" style=\"width: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42.86%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/how-to-rent-car-france-hire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>See our tips<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long to stay<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are plenty of beautiful sections, so it's easy to go for just a few days or several weeks.<br\/>The main sections are up the river:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Loire estuary: 95 km<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nantes to Angers: 105 km<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Angers to Saumur: 65 km<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saumur to Tours: 100 km<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tours to Blois: 78 km<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blois to Orl\u00e9ans: 73 km<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Orl\u00e9ans to Nevers: 230 km<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To really enjoy the trip, we recommend a minimum of 5 days.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And to make the whole trip: if you plan on 40 km a day, with 900 km of track that's 22 days. But that's without counting all the detours to see the castles!<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-4RQtnf4\/0\/62a1dba8\/L\/Loire_Velo_pauses-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-4RQtnf4\/0\/62a1dba8\/L\/Loire_Velo_pauses-L.jpg\" alt=\"Great breaks along the Loire by bike\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the pleasures of cycling the Loire: stop when you feel like it!<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-4RQtnf4\/0\/62a1dba8\/L\/Loire_Velo_pauses-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-5\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-4RQtnf4\/0\/62a1dba8\/L\/Loire_Velo_pauses-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many routes to plan each day<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It all depends on your level, whether you have children, and how many castles you want to visit.<br\/>For beginners, it is advisable not to exceed 40 km per day.<br\/>If you want to visit and enjoy a lot, we recommend 25 to 35 km per day.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#fefefe;margin-top:6%;margin-bottom:6%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">A LITTLE MORE <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">patience<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make <strong>your stay in the Loire Valley<\/strong> a success, will <strong>soon be gathered<\/strong> in a single ebook!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container ebook-radius-waitlist gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><div class=\"wp-block-image ebook-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5.png\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-640x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9500\" style=\"width:200px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-640x1024.png 640w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-188x300.png 188w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-768x1229.png 768w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5.png\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-img-9502\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/e86ee8f5-ae95-4455-8e9f-bed61c85f6b5-188x300.png\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What's your budget?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The daily budget varies greatly according to your travel style:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tight budget (camping, g\u00eetes d'\u00e9tape):<\/strong> allow around \u20ac50 to \u20ac70 per day per person, including accommodation, meals and some entrance fees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intermediate budget (2-3 star hotels, restaurants):<\/strong> between \u20ac80 and \u20ac120 per day per person.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Comfort budget (charming hotels, gastronomy):<\/strong> \u20ac150 and over per day per person.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don't forget to budget for separate entrance fees to the castles: you should generally expect to pay between \u20ac10 and \u20ac15 per adult per site. You can also choose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/en\/activites-attractions-chambord-c262960\/billets-pour-loire-valley-chateaux-pass-p1039942\/?partner=region_lovers&amp;tq_campaign=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">the Ch\u00e2teaux de la Loire pass<\/a>, which allows you to visit several ch\u00e2teaux!<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-DsS29qt\/0\/KKVzZzSTBVCprzGShfMp58WcCMSWxQPx7wrQCC2bG\/L\/chambord-vuegeneralearriere-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-DsS29qt\/0\/KKVzZzSTBVCprzGShfMp58WcCMSWxQPx7wrQCC2bG\/L\/chambord-vuegeneralearriere-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chambord Castle<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-DsS29qt\/0\/KKVzZzSTBVCprzGShfMp58WcCMSWxQPx7wrQCC2bG\/L\/chambord-vuegeneralearriere-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-6\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-DsS29qt\/0\/KKVzZzSTBVCprzGShfMp58WcCMSWxQPx7wrQCC2bG\/L\/chambord-vuegeneralearriere-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anticipate accommodation bookings<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There's a good choice of hotels and accommodation along the Loire \u00e0 v\u00e9lo circuit. Some have the \"Accueil V\u00e9lo\" label. But the <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-list-chateaux\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Loire castles<\/a> are very popular and the best hotels fill up quickly.<br\/>So remember to book early.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-loire-valley-best-hotels\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"9744\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">See our favorite Loire accommodations.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Saumur\/Hotels\/n-jzb5LT\/Logis-Demeure-de-la-Vignole\/i-XvG676X\/0\/LPVxNZjGDmZMTr3rZZnJ9NG8c5jbw9Hqsmvr5JwFd\/L\/logis%20demeure%20vignole%20piscine-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Saumur\/Hotels\/n-jzb5LT\/Logis-Demeure-de-la-Vignole\/i-XvG676X\/0\/LPVxNZjGDmZMTr3rZZnJ9NG8c5jbw9Hqsmvr5JwFd\/L\/logis%20demeure%20vignole%20piscine-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Troglodytic hotel Logis de la Vignole near Saumur<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Saumur\/Hotels\/n-jzb5LT\/Logis-Demeure-de-la-Vignole\/i-XvG676X\/0\/LPVxNZjGDmZMTr3rZZnJ9NG8c5jbw9Hqsmvr5JwFd\/L\/logis%20demeure%20vignole%20piscine-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-7\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Saumur\/Hotels\/n-jzb5LT\/Logis-Demeure-de-la-Vignole\/i-XvG676X\/0\/LPVxNZjGDmZMTr3rZZnJ9NG8c5jbw9Hqsmvr5JwFd\/L\/logis%20demeure%20vignole%20piscine-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#fefefe;margin-top:6%;margin-bottom:6%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div 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class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_6' id='gform_source_page_number_6' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n            \n        <\/div>\n                        <\/form>\n                        <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container aligncenter newsletter-radius gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><div class=\"wp-block-image newsletter-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/newsletter_FR_2.png\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"729\" height=\"792\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/newsletter_FR_2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/newsletter_FR_2.png 729w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/newsletter_FR_2-276x300.png 276w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/newsletter_FR_2.png\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-img-5536\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/newsletter_FR_2-276x300.png\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Equipping and preparing your bike<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Well-thought-out equipment makes all the difference between a smooth trip and a nightmare. In our opinion, these are the essentials.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which bike to choose<\/h4>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For a multi-day trip, a <strong>mountain bike<\/strong> is a must: choose a model with a comfortable saddle, integrated lighting, a sturdy luggage rack and a transmission with at least 21 gears.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>electrically-assisted bicycle (VAE)<\/strong> is perfectly suited to the Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo's highly accessible terrain. It is becoming increasingly popular with families, senior citizens and anyone who wants to pedal without hurrying. Charging stations are available all along the route.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are you coming without your own bike? <strong>Accueil V\u00e9lo-labeled rental companies<\/strong> are located all along the itinerary, sometimes with the option of dropping off the bike in a town other than the starting point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before setting off, have your bike serviced by a bike shop: adjust it to your body shape, check tire pressure, brakes and horn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A handlebar bag is ideal for your map or topo-guide. For luggage, opt for bicycle panniers rather than a backpack. After a few hours in the saddle, the difference is clearly noticeable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slip a minimal repair kit into your panniers: patches, two inner tubes per bike, multi-purpose tool and a pump with a fitting adapted to your valves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A sturdy lock is essential whenever you leave your bike in town or in front of a tourist attraction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Villages\/Saint-Florent-le-Vieil\/i-pfFKRvc\/1\/LWCPB5CxCn89XNZNZNrNQ6mW24rJxFVvQSTFV2zgg\/L\/Saint_florent_le_vieil_bateau_loire_velo-2-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Villages\/Saint-Florent-le-Vieil\/i-pfFKRvc\/1\/LWCPB5CxCn89XNZNZNrNQ6mW24rJxFVvQSTFV2zgg\/L\/Saint_florent_le_vieil_bateau_loire_velo-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Villages\/Saint-Florent-le-Vieil\/i-pfFKRvc\/1\/LWCPB5CxCn89XNZNZNrNQ6mW24rJxFVvQSTFV2zgg\/L\/Saint_florent_le_vieil_bateau_loire_velo-2-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-8\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Villages\/Saint-Florent-le-Vieil\/i-pfFKRvc\/1\/LWCPB5CxCn89XNZNZNrNQ6mW24rJxFVvQSTFV2zgg\/L\/Saint_florent_le_vieil_bateau_loire_velo-2-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Equipment and clothing<\/h4>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When it comes to clothing, think functional: comfortable pedaling clothes, appropriate footwear and a warm layer for the evenings. A hat or cap, sunglasses and sun protection complete the basic package.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A windbreaker and a breathable raincoat are essential, because even in summer, the Loire can be surprising.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over several days, cycling shorts, gloves and shoes make a real difference to comfort and pain prevention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helmets are not required by law for adults, but wearing one is a matter of course. For children under 12, however, it is <strong>compulsory<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always keep water on hand and a few energy snacks to get you through the stretches without refuelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A small first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, painkiller) can be very useful on the road.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Travel light: every extra kilo is felt in the legs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-npFsSmP\/0\/3f915e67\/L\/Loire_Velo_direction-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-npFsSmP\/0\/3f915e67\/L\/Loire_Velo_direction-L.jpg\" alt=\"Loire &#xE0; V&#xE9;lo direction sign\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The route is very well signposted all the way.<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-npFsSmP\/0\/3f915e67\/L\/Loire_Velo_direction-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-9\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-npFsSmP\/0\/3f915e67\/L\/Loire_Velo_direction-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">HAVE FUN WITH THESE <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\"> activities<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.viator.com\/Loire-Valley-tours\/Balloon-Rides\/d178-g1-c3?pid=P00074304&amp;mcid=42383&amp;medium=link&amp;medium_version=selector&amp;campaign=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Hot-air ballooning in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/chateau-de-cheverny-l35281\/au-depart-du-mans-tour-de-la-vallee-de-la-loire-a-velo-t388797\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Chambord by bike<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/tours-l1320\/voyage-en-petit-groupe-d-une-journee-complete-dans-la-vallee-de-la-loire-au-depart-de-tours-t439719\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Vineyards and tastings<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-FCLLmzH\/0\/DSWDcPJtHGk4cBMm7NZMmfSfwVwnJMc5KqTwbXP9f\/S\/chambord-velo-S.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-FCLLmzH\/0\/DSWDcPJtHGk4cBMm7NZMmfSfwVwnJMc5KqTwbXP9f\/S\/chambord-velo-S.jpg\" alt=\"cycling to chambord\" title=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-FCLLmzH\/0\/DSWDcPJtHGk4cBMm7NZMmfSfwVwnJMc5KqTwbXP9f\/S\/chambord-velo-S.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-10\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Chambord\/i-FCLLmzH\/0\/DSWDcPJtHGk4cBMm7NZMmfSfwVwnJMc5KqTwbXP9f\/S\/chambord-velo-S.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding your way right from the start: Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo maps<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The route is very well signposted, but having a navigation aid is a real comfort. You have several options:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>official<\/strong> Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo <strong>topo-guide<\/strong>, available in bookshops and Tourist Offices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GPX tracks<\/strong> downloadable free of charge from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">loireavelo.fr<\/a>, compatible with most smartphones and GPS bikes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>bike navigation application<\/strong> (Komoot, Strava, Ride with GPS...) to track your progress in real time and keep a record of each stage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>official map of the Loire \u00e0 v\u00e9lo<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\/carte\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here's our map of the Loire from Nevers to Nantes:<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Map-best-towns-loire-valley-cities.png\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Map-best-towns-loire-valley-cities-1024x675.png\" alt=\"Map of Loire cities\" class=\"wp-image-2014\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Map of Loire Valley towns<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Map-best-towns-loire-valley-cities.png\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-img-2016\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Map-best-towns-loire-valley-cities-300x198.png\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steps, sections and must-haves  <\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 18 stages and sections  <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo is divided into 18 official stages. You can chain them from start to finish, or choose the ones that suit you best, depending on the time you have available.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo route has 18 stages\/sections. Our favorites so far are:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From Amboise to Blois with the Ch\u00e2teau and Gardens of Chaumont-sur-Loire and a detour to Chenonceau<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The hillsides of Sancerre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saumur to Tours with the confluence of the Vienne at Candes-Saint-Martin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Ch&#xE2;teau-de-Chaumont-sur-Loire\/i-gG7L4Md\/0\/KSX62mgDmj5mqGNJ5JRFPkPJTCJqqwhvm3cQNxhfw\/L\/chateauchaumont-chateau-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Ch&#xE2;teau-de-Chaumont-sur-Loire\/i-gG7L4Md\/0\/KSX62mgDmj5mqGNJ5JRFPkPJTCJqqwhvm3cQNxhfw\/L\/chateauchaumont-chateau-L.jpg\" alt=\"Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Ch&#xE2;teau-de-Chaumont-sur-Loire\/i-gG7L4Md\/0\/KSX62mgDmj5mqGNJ5JRFPkPJTCJqqwhvm3cQNxhfw\/L\/chateauchaumont-chateau-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-11\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Ch&#xE2;teau-de-Chaumont-sur-Loire\/i-gG7L4Md\/0\/KSX62mgDmj5mqGNJ5JRFPkPJTCJqqwhvm3cQNxhfw\/L\/chateauchaumont-chateau-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are all the steps and sections, along with the most important things to see at each stage:<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Saint-Nazaire \u2192 Saint-Brevin-les-Pins<\/strong> (~15 km) - Saint-Nazaire bridge, shipyards, estuary beaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saint-Brevin-les-Pins \u2192 Nantes<\/strong> (~60 km) - The wild estuary, the Serpent d'Oc\u00e9an, the Grande Bri\u00e8re marshes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nantes \u2192 Ancenis<\/strong> (~55 km) - Machines de l'Ile, Ch\u00e2teau des Ducs de Bretagne, historic center of Nantes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ancenis \u2192 Angers<\/strong> (~55 km) - The Muscadet vineyards, the medieval town of Ancenis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Angers \u2192 Saumur<\/strong> (~65 km) - Ch\u00e2teau d'Angers and its Apocalypse tapestry, Terra Botanica, the vineyards of Anjou wines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saumur \u2192 Montsoreau<\/strong> (~20 km) - Saumur castle, mushroom cellars (Ackermann, Louis de Grenelle), Royal Abbey of Fontevraud<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Montsoreau \u2192 Chinon<\/strong> (~20 km) - The village and ch\u00e2teau of Montsoreau, the ch\u00e2teau of Chinon, the troglodyte village of Rochemenier<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Montsoreau \/ Chinon \u2192 Tours<\/strong> (~55 km) - The Vienne\/Loire confluence at Candes-Saint-Martin, Chinon vineyards, Villandry castle and gardens<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tours \u2192 Amboise<\/strong> (~35 km) - Old Tours, Touraine aquarium, Amboise castle<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Machines-de-lile\/i-CDdnQGR\/1\/LPk2RtqrMwT7VZmX78d3BDDsvQjXP8TnGfNTCRqpL\/L\/nantes-elephant-machines-terrasse-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Machines-de-lile\/i-CDdnQGR\/1\/LPk2RtqrMwT7VZmX78d3BDDsvQjXP8TnGfNTCRqpL\/L\/nantes-elephant-machines-terrasse-L.jpg\" alt=\"Machines de l'Ile in Nantes\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Machines de l'Ile in Nantes<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Machines-de-lile\/i-CDdnQGR\/1\/LPk2RtqrMwT7VZmX78d3BDDsvQjXP8TnGfNTCRqpL\/L\/nantes-elephant-machines-terrasse-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-12\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Machines-de-lile\/i-CDdnQGR\/1\/LPk2RtqrMwT7VZmX78d3BDDsvQjXP8TnGfNTCRqpL\/L\/nantes-elephant-machines-terrasse-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Amboise \u2192 Blois<\/strong> (~43 km) - Le Clos Luc\u00e9 and the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, the Ch\u00e2teau de Chaumont-sur-Loire, a detour to Chenonceau<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Blois \u2192 Beaugency<\/strong> (~40 km) - The royal castle of Blois, Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord (detour), the Sologne countryside<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beaugency \u2192 Orl\u00e9ans<\/strong> (~35 km) - Beaugency keep, Ch\u00e2teau de Meung-sur-Loire, Sainte-Croix d'Orl\u00e9ans cathedral<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Orl\u00e9ans \u2192 Sully-sur-Loire<\/strong> (~50 km) - The Loire district in Orl\u00e9ans, Ch\u00e2teauneuf-sur-Loire, Sully-sur-Loire castle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sully-sur-Loire \u2192 Gien<\/strong> (~25 km) - Gien castle-museum, Gien earthenware factory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gien \u2192 Briare<\/strong> (~20 km) - Landscapes of the Loire Valley, Briare canal bridge, Giennois ponds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Briare \u2192 Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire<\/strong> (~40 km) - Briare canal bridge, Sancerre hillsides, cellar tasting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire \u2192 La Charit\u00e9-sur-Loire<\/strong> (~30 km) - Pouilly-Fum\u00e9 vineyards, La Charit\u00e9-sur-Loire collegiate church, wine-growing landscapes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>La Charit\u00e9-sur-Loire \u2192 Nevers<\/strong> (~25 km) - Saint-Cyr de Nevers cathedral, Nevers earthenware, Saint-Gildard convent<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Details of each stage and GPS tracks are available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">official Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Castles not to be missed<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>On the course<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-chambord-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"5005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ch\u00e2teau de Chambord<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-museum-beaux-arts-castle-blois\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"8041\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Royal Ch\u00e2teau of Blois<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/chateau-royal-amboise-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1838\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Royal Ch\u00e2teau of Amboise<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-chaumont-sur-loire-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"6300\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Ch\u00e2teau de Chaumont-sur-Loire<\/a> and its gardens<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Castle of Sully-sur-Loire<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-angers-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4296\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ch\u00e2teau d'Angers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visiter-chateau-saumur\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"3538\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ch\u00e2teau de Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-royal-fortress-chinon\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"7410\">The Royal Fortress of Chinon<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-langeais-loire-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"4977\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Ch\u00e2teau de Langeais<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Detour (less than 15 km from the route)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-chenonceau-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"3919\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chenonceau Castle<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-villandry-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"6172\">The Ch\u00e2teau de Villandry <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-villandry-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"6172\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">and<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-villandry-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"6172\"> gardens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/chateau-rivau-castle-visit\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"1903\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Le Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-breze-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"8618\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ch\u00e2teau de Br\u00e9z\u00e9<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-usse-castle-rigny\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"5944\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ch\u00e2teau d'Uss\u00e9<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-serrant-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"6014\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ch\u00e2teau de Serrant<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-BkQxzX9\/1\/L6p9NNCdzxpgfMWT7Z3cZpX8LtMDTF48DKjV2KpgF\/L\/chateau-rivau-salle-festin-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-BkQxzX9\/1\/L6p9NNCdzxpgfMWT7Z3cZpX8LtMDTF48DKjV2KpgF\/L\/chateau-rivau-salle-festin-L.jpg\" alt=\"Ch&#xE2;teau du Rivau (castle and gardens)\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ch\u00e2teau du Rivau (castle and gardens)<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-BkQxzX9\/1\/L6p9NNCdzxpgfMWT7Z3cZpX8LtMDTF48DKjV2KpgF\/L\/chateau-rivau-salle-festin-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-13\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateau-Rivau\/i-BkQxzX9\/1\/L6p9NNCdzxpgfMWT7Z3cZpX8LtMDTF48DKjV2KpgF\/L\/chateau-rivau-salle-festin-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns inverse is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:58%\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">DON'T MISS THE BEST CASTLES IN <span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">the Loire Valley<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-gardens-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The most beautiful gardens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/stay-chateau-hotel-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where to stay in the Loire castles<\/a>: unforgettable hotels!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-loire-valley-castles-with-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The best Loire castles to visit with your family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-with-dog\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8605\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Castles you can visit with a dog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chambord-or-chenonceau-castles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chambord or Chenonceau<\/a>: our comparison<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">itineraries: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-castles-loire-itinerary-weekend\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">weekend<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-3-days-itinerary-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-4-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-5-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castles-7-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 week<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Castles <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-blois\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Blois<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-amboise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Amboise<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-saumur\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Saumur<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-tours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Tours<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-angers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Angers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-near-nantes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">around Nantes<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">or <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-list-chateaux\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">our list<\/a> of over 100 Loire castles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column planif-radius-2 is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Azay-le-Rideau\/i-tBQfPnP\/0\/8a3b977a\/L\/chateau-azay-le-rideau-miroir-eau-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Azay-le-Rideau\/i-tBQfPnP\/0\/8a3b977a\/L\/chateau-azay-le-rideau-miroir-eau-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Azay-le-Rideau\/i-tBQfPnP\/0\/8a3b977a\/L\/chateau-azay-le-rideau-miroir-eau-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-14\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Azay-le-Rideau\/i-tBQfPnP\/0\/8a3b977a\/L\/chateau-azay-le-rideau-miroir-eau-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Troglodyte sites<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between Saumur and Tours, tuffeau, the soft, light-colored limestone that gives the Loire castles their distinctive hue, has been quarried for centuries to build entire villages and cellars. The result is a fascinating subterranean world, unique in Europe, which you'll encounter along the way. Here are our favorite troglodyte sites:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Troglodyte Village of Rochemenier<\/strong> (near Dou\u00e9-la-Fontaine): a hamlet entirely excavated in the rock, with its houses, chapels and barns of yesteryear. Very well preserved, it transports visitors into the rural life of another era. Our dedicated article <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/que-faire-village-rochemenier-visiter\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"8776\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ch\u00e2teau de Br\u00e9z\u00e9<\/strong> (near Saumur): one of France's most unusual fortresses, with a network of galleries and dry moats carved directly into the rock. An extraordinary monument. Our dedicated article <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-chateau-breze-castle\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"8618\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Le Saut aux Loups<\/strong> (Montsoreau): a troglodytic mushroom cellar where button mushrooms are still grown in the galleries - and can be tasted on site. An experience as original as it is delicious.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/troglodytes-saumur-hotels-attractions\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"6775\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find our selection of the best troglodyte sites here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Village-troglodyte-Rochemenier\/i-G4Jcz3R\/1\/NDCZ2tQvNTC6827K52fx7txPpmsnVnpkGXGhRLjJ5\/L\/village-troglodyte-rochemenier-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Village-troglodyte-Rochemenier\/i-G4Jcz3R\/1\/NDCZ2tQvNTC6827K52fx7txPpmsnVnpkGXGhRLjJ5\/L\/village-troglodyte-rochemenier-L.jpg\" alt=\"Rochemenier\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rochemenier<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Village-troglodyte-Rochemenier\/i-G4Jcz3R\/1\/NDCZ2tQvNTC6827K52fx7txPpmsnVnpkGXGhRLjJ5\/L\/village-troglodyte-rochemenier-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-15\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Village-troglodyte-Rochemenier\/i-G4Jcz3R\/1\/NDCZ2tQvNTC6827K52fx7txPpmsnVnpkGXGhRLjJ5\/L\/village-troglodyte-rochemenier-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Food and wine<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cycling along the Loire also means crossing one of France's finest larders. The rhythm of cycling is a natural invitation to stop, discover and enjoy. A cellar here, a market there, a riverside restaurant beyond.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Loire Valley wines<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">France's third-largest AOC vineyard, the Loire Valley accompanies the itinerary from one end to the other. A succession of wineries and tasting cellars, often directly accessible by bike:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Muscadet<\/strong> (around Nantes): dry, salty white, perfect for oysters and seafood from the estuary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Anjou and Saumur<\/strong>: a wide range of wines, from dry white to sweet, including Anjou ros\u00e9 and the elegant Saumur-Champigny red.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chinon and Bourgueil<\/strong>: gourmet reds based on Cabernet Franc, with the light perfume of violets and red fruit that makes them so distinctive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vouvray and Montlouis<\/strong>: Chenin blanc at its best - from dry to sweet to remarkable sparkling. Some are among France's finest whites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sancerre and Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong>: at the top of the itinerary, exceptional Sauvignon Blancs to be tasted facing the terraced vineyards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-excursions-road-tours-wine-loire\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"7605\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read our article on the wine route here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Vin-loire-vignobles\/i-6vfSJvd\/0\/LKzjvRfhhpv32wFrBtXbfQt9QkLSKKzDHTgnM2k9j\/L\/angersdomainesoucherie-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Vin-loire-vignobles\/i-6vfSJvd\/0\/LKzjvRfhhpv32wFrBtXbfQt9QkLSKKzDHTgnM2k9j\/L\/angersdomainesoucherie-L.jpg\" alt=\"Vineyard\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Vin-loire-vignobles\/i-6vfSJvd\/0\/LKzjvRfhhpv32wFrBtXbfQt9QkLSKKzDHTgnM2k9j\/L\/angersdomainesoucherie-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-16\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Vin-loire-vignobles\/i-6vfSJvd\/0\/LKzjvRfhhpv32wFrBtXbfQt9QkLSKKzDHTgnM2k9j\/L\/angersdomainesoucherie-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Specialities not to be missed<\/h4>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rillettes<\/strong>: the rivalry between Tours and Le Mans is well known, but no matter which side you're on, on a nice slice of farmhouse bread, it's always a success.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fouace<\/strong>: a traditional Loire Valley brioche with a soft crumb, sometimes topped with cream or fruit. A delicacy to be tried in local bakeries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Button mushrooms<\/strong>: cultivated since the 19th century in the cellars dug around Saumur, they are still produced here and well deserve their reputation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tarte Tatin<\/strong>: born in Lamotte-Beuvron, Loir-et-Cher. It's impossible to pass by without stopping for a slice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fish from the Loire<\/strong>: pike-perch, pike, shad... With beurre blanc from Nantes, these recipes perfectly illustrate the cuisine of the river in all its finesse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read our article on the best restaurants in the Loire here (coming soon).<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Restaurant-Gwaien\/i-R93gKMk\/0\/Kwbf4KkWdZzwLn5M2k8HS5qfDCngnxC6z4HTTgBTj\/L\/nantes-restaurant-gwaien-1-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Restaurant-Gwaien\/i-R93gKMk\/0\/Kwbf4KkWdZzwLn5M2k8HS5qfDCngnxC6z4HTTgBTj\/L\/nantes-restaurant-gwaien-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"Loire - Colorful dish\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Restaurant-Gwaien\/i-R93gKMk\/0\/Kwbf4KkWdZzwLn5M2k8HS5qfDCngnxC6z4HTTgBTj\/L\/nantes-restaurant-gwaien-1-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-17\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Nantes\/Restaurant-Gwaien\/i-R93gKMk\/0\/Kwbf4KkWdZzwLn5M2k8HS5qfDCngnxC6z4HTTgBTj\/L\/nantes-restaurant-gwaien-1-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Organizing your travel<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Organized bike tours<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prefer to leave without worrying about logistics? Many service providers offer guided excursions or turnkey packages along the Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo. Accommodation booked, luggage transported from stage to stage, itinerary prepared. In our opinion, it's the ideal way to make the most of your trip without any organizational constraints.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find out more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/fr-fr\/vallee-de-la-loire-l3454\/visites-a-velo-tc7\/?partner_id=R3GYW4V&amp;cmp=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">cycling excursions<\/a> here, or about the turnkey packages offered by the official Loire \u00e0 v\u00e9lo website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\/sejours-cles-en-main\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Le Train V\u00e9lo Loire<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In summer, the Train V\u00e9lo Loire is an excellent solution: specially equipped carriages welcome cyclists and bicycles on the Orl\u00e9ans - Saint-Nazaire line. Prices and opening times <a href=\"https:\/\/www.veloabord.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/track.effiliation.com\/servlet\/effi.redir?id_compteur=22819431&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sncf-connect.com%2Fen-en%2F&amp;effi_id=LL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">Book your tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Repatriating your bike<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do the itinerary in one direction only, the return journey with the bike requires a little organization. Specialized bicycle and passenger transport professionals operate along the entire route. A particularly practical solution for groups. You'll find a list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\/services-velo\/transferts-de-bagages-de-velos-et-de-personnes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">approved service providers<\/a> on the official website. For simple shipping, <a href=\"https:\/\/colisport.fr\/bike\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">colisport.fr\/bike<\/a> offers bike delivery anywhere in France.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Villages\/Saint-Florent-le-Vieil\/i-DtJF4W7\/1\/MDmDBL9wR6Cv6DfRzGsRdkNwPHHvChZGm8t3shrN8\/L\/Saint_florent_le_vieil-1-2-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Villages\/Saint-Florent-le-Vieil\/i-DtJF4W7\/1\/MDmDBL9wR6Cv6DfRzGsRdkNwPHHvChZGm8t3shrN8\/L\/Saint_florent_le_vieil-1-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Villages\/Saint-Florent-le-Vieil\/i-DtJF4W7\/1\/MDmDBL9wR6Cv6DfRzGsRdkNwPHHvChZGm8t3shrN8\/L\/Saint_florent_le_vieil-1-2-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-18\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Villages\/Saint-Florent-le-Vieil\/i-DtJF4W7\/1\/MDmDBL9wR6Cv6DfRzGsRdkNwPHHvChZGm8t3shrN8\/L\/Saint_florent_le_vieil-1-2-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Luggage transport from stage to stage<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It's one of the great comforts of touring: every morning, a service provider collects your luggage from your accommodation and drops it off at the next one. You pedal light, with only the essentials in your saddlebags. This service is a real life-changer, especially for families and long-distance travellers. Find out more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\/services-velo\/transferts-de-bagages-de-velos-et-de-personnes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">baggage transfer service providers<\/a> on the official website.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"background-color:#ffffff;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile texte_planif has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#2979cf26\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column img_icone is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><div class=\"wp-block-image image_icone\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/loire-plane.png\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/loire-plane.png\" alt=\"loire plane\" class=\"wp-image-9426\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:100px;height:100px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/loire-plane.png 400w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/loire-plane-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/loire-plane-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/loire-plane-75x75.png 75w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/loire-plane.png\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-img-9428\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/loire-plane-300x300.png\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center paragraphe_une is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:90%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\">It's time to book!<br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/skyscanner.pxf.io\/dONaXy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\"><strong>Compare everything:<\/strong> companies, prices, schedules and availability.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical tips on the road<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The \"Accueil V\u00e9lo\" label: a guarantee of quality<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All along the route, hotels, restaurants and service providers displaying the <strong>Accueil V\u00e9lo<\/strong> label are committed to meeting the specific needs of cyclists: locked bicycle parking, clothes drying facilities, early breakfast, breakdown kits, and good advice on the stage to come. A reliable benchmark when choosing your nights. More info on the official website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\/la-marque-accueil-velo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-7VbqgQC\/0\/786c088b\/L\/Loire_Velo_aire_service-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-7VbqgQC\/0\/786c088b\/L\/Loire_Velo_aire_service-L.jpg\" alt=\"Bike maintenance station on the Loire &#xE0; V&#xE9;lo route\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bike maintenance station<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-7VbqgQC\/0\/786c088b\/L\/Loire_Velo_aire_service-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-19\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-7VbqgQC\/0\/786c088b\/L\/Loire_Velo_aire_service-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signposting, greenways and shared roads<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo is one of Europe's best organized cycle routes. The signposting is complete and regular, and service areas with tools and inflation facilities are scattered along the route, while the range of services for cyclists, including rental companies, adapted accommodation and restaurants, is particularly dense.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The itinerary alternates between <strong>greenways<\/strong> entirely separated from motorized traffic and low-traffic <strong>shared roads<\/strong>. Greenway sections, particularly suitable for families and beginners, can be found between Saumur and Tours or around Blois. On shared-road sections, traffic generally remains calm, but remain vigilant, especially with children.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-tTCzvLF\/0\/18dd33eb\/L\/Loire_Velo_route-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-tTCzvLF\/0\/18dd33eb\/L\/Loire_Velo_route-L.jpg\" alt=\"Path on the Loire &#xE0; V&#xE9;lo\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Very well marked path<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-tTCzvLF\/0\/18dd33eb\/L\/Loire_Velo_route-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-20\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Loire-a-velo\/i-tTCzvLF\/0\/18dd33eb\/L\/Loire_Velo_route-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weather and traffic info<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The summer season, from April to October, generally offers good pedaling conditions. But Loire weather can be fickle. Check the forecast before each stage to adapt your outfits and equipment. After periods of heavy rain, some sections may be temporarily difficult to access.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you leave, consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\/pratique\/infos-circulation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Info Circulation<\/strong><\/a> page on the official website: it provides real-time information on the road's practicability.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Swimming in the Loire<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the heat and the temptation, never swim in the river outside specially designated areas: the currents of the Loire are treacherous and have caused numerous accidents. For safe swimming, look out for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\/activites\/autour-de-leau\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">supervised sites<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emergency numbers<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fire department:<\/strong> 112 from a cell phone, 18 from a landline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gendarmerie:<\/strong> 17<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SAMU :<\/strong> 15<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to find out more<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All along the route, the Tourist Offices are your best allies: local documentation, recommendations for activities or alternative routes, refreshment stops... Most also provide water points, sanitary facilities and secure bicycle parking.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit the official Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\/accueil\/la-loire-a-velo-nature-culture-et-belle-aventure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-zmQp3RM\/1\/MmHjtwvP96ztJbrwKxGLj3747JwRjcvfxszvt6VTk\/L\/chateau-saumur-vue-belvedere-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-zmQp3RM\/1\/MmHjtwvP96ztJbrwKxGLj3747JwRjcvfxszvt6VTk\/L\/chateau-saumur-vue-belvedere-L.jpg\" alt=\"Saumur\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Saumur<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-zmQp3RM\/1\/MmHjtwvP96ztJbrwKxGLj3747JwRjcvfxszvt6VTk\/L\/chateau-saumur-vue-belvedere-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-21\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-Saumur\/i-zmQp3RM\/1\/MmHjtwvP96ztJbrwKxGLj3747JwRjcvfxszvt6VTk\/L\/chateau-saumur-vue-belvedere-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo for families<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gentle relief, safe routes, must-see sites at every stage: the Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo is made for families. With a little organization, it's an unforgettable adventure for young and old!<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our tips for your family vacation<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Above all, be realistic about everyone's abilities: the age of the children and the physical condition of the whole family should guide the choice of distances. Between 20 and 30 km a day is the ideal pace for making progress without rushing, and keeping your energy for sightseeing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Priority should be given to greenway sections, separated from motorized traffic, especially the sections around Saumur-Tours and Blois.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A trip to the bike shop before setting off is a must: check brakes, tire pressure on all bikes, and repair kit in panniers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Every rider must be on a bike that fits. For toddlers, a trailer or \"third wheel\" is much more comfortable and much more fun than a simple baby seat. Accueil V\u00e9lo rental companies offer solutions to suit all family configurations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Parc-Mini-Chateaux-Loire\/i-8h4rNZV\/0\/MKQKQ5qTGDLS3jxngLdWSc99g43pbcMB94vMXGKC3\/L\/parc-mini-chateaux-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Parc-Mini-Chateaux-Loire\/i-8h4rNZV\/0\/MKQKQ5qTGDLS3jxngLdWSc99g43pbcMB94vMXGKC3\/L\/parc-mini-chateaux-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mini Ch\u00e2teaux Park<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Parc-Mini-Chateaux-Loire\/i-8h4rNZV\/0\/MKQKQ5qTGDLS3jxngLdWSc99g43pbcMB94vMXGKC3\/L\/parc-mini-chateaux-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-22\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Parc-Mini-Chateaux-Loire\/i-8h4rNZV\/0\/MKQKQ5qTGDLS3jxngLdWSc99g43pbcMB94vMXGKC3\/L\/parc-mini-chateaux-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stow everything in securely stowed panniers, as backpacks quickly become heavy and uncomfortable over long distances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helmets are <strong>compulsory for all children under 12<\/strong>. Take time at the start of each stage to remind your children of the traffic rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Water and sweet snacks are essential to keep the whole troop energized.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the return journey, plan ahead: take the train or use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loireavelo.fr\/services-velo\/transferts-de-bagages-de-velos-et-de-personnes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">bike transport<\/a> service to avoid an exhausting end to your trip.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Angers\/Terra-Botanica\/i-xGGrKvT\/0\/Kcrm45QFXVM3L3CSbzPpVn8ZqS7wVFB9xz8h2Sm7R\/L\/angersterrabotanica-2-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Angers\/Terra-Botanica\/i-xGGrKvT\/0\/Kcrm45QFXVM3L3CSbzPpVn8ZqS7wVFB9xz8h2Sm7R\/L\/angersterrabotanica-2-L.jpg\" alt=\"Parc Terra Botanica\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Parc Terra Botanica<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Angers\/Terra-Botanica\/i-xGGrKvT\/0\/Kcrm45QFXVM3L3CSbzPpVn8ZqS7wVFB9xz8h2Sm7R\/L\/angersterrabotanica-2-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-23\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Angers\/Terra-Botanica\/i-xGGrKvT\/0\/Kcrm45QFXVM3L3CSbzPpVn8ZqS7wVFB9xz8h2Sm7R\/L\/angersterrabotanica-2-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Must-see activities and sites with children<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo is packed with stages that will make children's eyes light up:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Machines de l'Ile in Nantes: immense mechanical creatures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Terra Botanica in Angers: Europe's only theme park devoted entirely to the plant world<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Beaugency Labyrinth: a 4-hectare cornfield with puzzles, actors and inflatables.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Troglodyte Village of Rochemenier near Saumur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ch\u00e2teau du Clos Luc\u00e9 in Amboise: Leonardo da Vinci's last home, filled with models and inventions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mini Ch\u00e2teaux Park near Amboise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mont-Bazon fortress: a reconstructed medieval village<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Dou\u00e9-la-Fontaine Biopark near Saumur<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-loire-valley-castles-with-children\/\" type=\"post\" id=\"6602\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">More castle ideas for kids here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Forteresse-de-Montbazon\/i-8dTnDmK\/0\/K2C27gDJsNb7s35MMwnVRgjM64C3SWqcpGXJf7Hdg\/L\/forteressemontbazon-10-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Forteresse-de-Montbazon\/i-8dTnDmK\/0\/K2C27gDJsNb7s35MMwnVRgjM64C3SWqcpGXJf7Hdg\/L\/forteressemontbazon-10-L.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Armor at Montbazon Fortress<\/figcaption><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Forteresse-de-Montbazon\/i-8dTnDmK\/0\/K2C27gDJsNb7s35MMwnVRgjM64C3SWqcpGXJf7Hdg\/L\/forteressemontbazon-10-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-24\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/n-XkSzNF\/Forteresse-de-Montbazon\/i-8dTnDmK\/0\/K2C27gDJsNb7s35MMwnVRgjM64C3SWqcpGXJf7Hdg\/L\/forteressemontbazon-10-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box gb-block-container\" style=\"background-color:#d9e6f3;margin-top:8%;margin-bottom:8%\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\" style=\"max-width:700px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_titre gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<h5 class=\"titre_box\">PLAN YOUR TRIP IN  <br\/><span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Loire Valley<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_sans_border gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre2 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>The castles of the Loire Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-castles-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best ch\u00e2teaux in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/stay-chateau-hotel-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-loire-valley-castles-with-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best family castles<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-castles-list-chateaux\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">List with over 100 castles<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-de-Chenonceau\/i-B8wzgnf\/0\/0c8c0706\/L\/chateau-chenonceau-1-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-de-Chenonceau\/i-B8wzgnf\/0\/0c8c0706\/L\/chateau-chenonceau-1-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-de-Chenonceau\/i-B8wzgnf\/0\/0c8c0706\/L\/chateau-chenonceau-1-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-25\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Chateaux-de-la-Loire\/Chateau-de-Chenonceau\/i-B8wzgnf\/0\/0c8c0706\/L\/chateau-chenonceau-1-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>Other<\/strong> <strong>places to explore<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-loire-valley-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/towns-loire-valley-cities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful towns along the Loire<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/most-beautiful-villages-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful villages<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-gardens-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most beautiful gardens<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-nantes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in Nantes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/que-faire-angers-visiter\/\">Things to do in Angers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-saumur-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best things to do in Saumur<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-tours-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Things to do in Tours<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/best-things-to-do-amboise-visit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Things to do in Amboise<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/flight-hot-air-balloon-castles-loire-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hot-air balloon ride<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/General\/i-DrhL7mp\/0\/bb0d2dae\/L\/vue-loire-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/General\/i-DrhL7mp\/0\/bb0d2dae\/L\/vue-loire-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/General\/i-DrhL7mp\/0\/bb0d2dae\/L\/vue-loire-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-26\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/General\/i-DrhL7mp\/0\/bb0d2dae\/L\/vue-loire-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background is-style-wide hr-box-planif\" style=\"background-color:#ccd3dd;color:#ccd3dd\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns box_sans_border is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column texte_planif is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"option_titre wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><strong>Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ul_box\">\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/where-stay-loire-valley-best-areas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where to stay in the Loire Valley<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">See our tips for renting a car <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-nantes-airport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in Nantes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-angers-station\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Angers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-tours-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tours<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-cdg-aeroport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CDG<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-orly-airport-paris\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Orly<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/renting-car-beauvais-airport-paris\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beauvais<\/a>...<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">How to get to the Loire Valley - article to come<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Itineraries: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/loire-valley-3-days-itinerary-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-4-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castle-5-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 days<\/a> - <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/visit-loire-valley-castles-7-days-itinerary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1 week<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:14px\">Weekends: <a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/weekend-unusual-loire-valley\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unusual<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top planif-radius is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img-portrait\"><div class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-host wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover\"><a class=\"wpcp-wp-lightbox-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Villes-Loire\/i-L5mq7xV\/0\/207cbe42\/L\/nantes-villes-elephant-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-wp-lb-image=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Villes-Loire\/i-L5mq7xV\/0\/207cbe42\/L\/nantes-villes-elephant-L.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Villes-Loire\/i-L5mq7xV\/0\/207cbe42\/L\/nantes-villes-elephant-L.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"wpcp-wp-wpcp-wp-27\" class=\"wpcp-lightbox-trigger wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon wpcp-position-top-right wpcp-advanced-image-lightbox-icon-hover wpcp-global-lightbox-icon wpcp-lightbox-icon--global wpcp-lb-icon-style-default\" data-wpcp-lb-icon-source=\"global\" aria-label=\"Open image in lightbox\" data-thumb-src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Vallee-loire\/Villes-Loire\/i-L5mq7xV\/0\/207cbe42\/L\/nantes-villes-elephant-L.jpg\" data-wpcp-lb-single=\"1\"><span class=\"wpcp-icon-container\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\"><path d=\"M17.6585 16.025L14.2437 12.6198C15.1716 11.3338 15.6121 9.7613 15.4871 8.1819C15.362 6.60251 14.6795 5.11847 13.5607 3.99351C12.936 3.36206 12.1916 2.86066 11.3709 2.51845C10.5502 2.17623 9.66952 2 8.77995 2C7.89039 2 7.00969 2.17623 6.18899 2.51845C5.36829 2.86066 4.62395 3.36206 3.99919 3.99351C3.36594 4.61649 2.86312 5.35871 2.51992 6.17708C2.17673 6.99545 2 7.87365 2 8.76068C2 9.64772 2.17673 10.5259 2.51992 11.3443C2.86312 12.1627 3.36594 12.9049 3.99919 13.5279C5.11957 14.6901 6.62279 15.4103 8.23285 15.5562C9.84291 15.7022 11.4517 15.2641 12.7639 14.3224L16.1788 17.7275C16.3849 17.9034 16.6473 18 16.9186 18C17.1899 18 17.4523 17.9034 17.6585 17.7275C18.1138 17.16 18.1138 16.5925 17.6585 16.025ZM5.59278 12.0523C5.16258 11.6298 4.82094 11.1263 4.58774 10.5709C4.35455 10.0156 4.23446 9.41951 4.23446 8.81744C4.23446 8.21536 4.35455 7.6193 4.58774 7.06394C4.82094 6.50859 5.16258 6.00503 5.59278 5.58257C6.01644 5.15359 6.52144 4.81292 7.07838 4.58039C7.63532 4.34786 8.23308 4.22811 8.83687 4.22811C9.44066 4.22811 10.0384 4.34786 10.5954 4.58039C11.1523 4.81292 11.6573 5.15359 12.081 5.58257C12.5112 6.00503 12.8528 6.50859 13.086 7.06394C13.3192 7.6193 13.4393 8.21536 13.4393 8.81744C13.4393 9.41951 13.3192 10.0156 13.086 10.5709C12.8528 11.1263 12.5112 11.6298 12.081 12.0523C11.6573 12.4813 11.1523 12.822 10.5954 13.0545C10.0384 13.287 9.44066 13.4068 8.83687 13.4068C8.23308 13.4068 7.63532 13.287 7.07838 13.0545C6.52144 12.822 6.01644 12.4813 5.59278 12.0523Z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons planif_bouton is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" style=\"border-radius:4px;font-size:14px\">All our tips (coming soon)<strong>  <strong>  <\/strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4676\" style=\"width: 16px;\" src=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box-texte gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-container box_auteur_voyage gb-block-container\"><div class=\"gb-container-inside\"><div class=\"gb-container-content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large img_auteur_voyage img_provisoire\"><a href=\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/en\/claire-robinson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Region-Lovers\/Equipe\/i-nsNF6C6\/0\/Cs2F5n96pkt9xFD9D3SVqmQspMhrKgN75nHgBqmjG\/L\/Claire-L.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"titre_auteur_voyage\"><span>SHE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE \n<\/span><span class=\"titre_box_manuscrit\">Claire<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Loire is a wild and beautiful river.Its cycle route covers 900 km!A superb route along its banks and around the castles. It is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in France, and in the world.Here are all our tips to make the most of the Loire Valley by bike. 7 planning tips Starting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-cycling-loire-valley-articles","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cycling in the Loire Valley : our tips (to take full advantage !)<\/title>\n<meta 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