The River Loire Cycle Route

Cycling the Loire means following France's longest river from its dramatic source in the volcanic hills of the Massif Central all the way to the Atlantic coast opposite St Nazaire, a journey of 1061km through some of the most varied and rewarding landscapes in France. The route descends past extinct volcanoes, crater lakes, and deep gorges before joining the fully waymarked Loire à Vélo, France's most popular cycle trail.
Written by Mike Wells, this comprehensive guidebook describes the full 1061km route in 26 stages, typically completed in 2 to 3 weeks, with detailed route descriptions, informative mapping, and practical planning advice. It covers everything from getting to the start in the Massif Central to completing the final stage on the Atlantic coast, helping cyclists of all abilities tackle the Loire cycle route with confidence.

The 26 stages follow the river downstream through three sections: the Upper Loire from Gerbier de Jonc to Digoin, the Middle Loire from Digoin to Orléans, and the Lower Loire from Orléans to St Nazaire
After Nevers, the route joins EuroVelo route 6 and the Loire à Vélo, passing the royal châteaux of Chambord, Blois, Chaumont, Villandry, and Amboise and the vineyards of Sancerre, Touraine, Chinon, Saumur, Anjou, and Muscadet
Detailed route descriptions are supported by 1:50,000 mapping and elevation profiles, with a full facilities summary, accommodation listings, tourist information offices, and a French glossary for every stage
Mostly following asphalt surfaces in good condition, dedicated off-road cycle tracks, and minor roads make this a comfortable ride for hybrid or touring cycles
GPX files are available to download for the full route, enabling easy digital navigation throughout all 26 stages


Royal châteaux, world-famous vineyards, ancient volcanoes, and the wide Atlantic horizon at St Nazaire await on the Loire cycle route, one of the most rewarding long-distance rides in Europe. Discover everything you need to know about planning and navigating the River Loire Cycle Route.