Cycling Routes in Loire (Western)

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a leisure rider, the Western Loire has plenty of surprises in store for you. All along the sign-posted bike trail, you can marvel at the stunning Loire countryside, visit chateaux and abbeys, stroll through quaint little towns and cycle through vineyards. You can also explore the coastline of the Loire-Atlantique and the Vendée, take the towpath along the Mayenne and meander through the Vendée bocage and the Poitou Marshes.

Exploring the Poitou Marshes

There are 50 miles of cycling trails running from Maillezais to L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer, alongside the canals in the heart of the Poitou Marshes. As you take in the views, you’ll be transported to another world of pure tranquility and relaxation.

The Towpath along the Mayenne

There are few places more peaceful or better for recharging your batteries than following a towpath running alongside a river. The 50 miles or so between Mayenne and Daon follow the Mayenne River and are exclusive to hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Explanatory panels provide information on the flora, fauna and heritage.

Pedalling along with the wind in your hair

 Between the ocean and the salt marshes, the rocky outcrops and the salt marsh plains, the blue of the sea and the green landscape, more than 50 km of cycle track awaits you from Piriac-sur-Mer to Moutiers-en-Retz. These itineraries are safely designed and connect the coastal towns to one another.

 Biking on the islands

Yeu, the isle of 8,000 bikes! It's the best means of transport for discovery of the island. A coastal path has been put in place, so that you can go all the way round. You can hire a bike from the landing stage.

 On Noirmoutier, a special trail crosses the island through marshland, dunes, forests and polders. It is 80 km long and exclusively for cyclists.

 The coastal paths of the Vendée

 Now you can tour the unspoiled countryside and historical sites from atop your own bike! Take any of the well-marked routes that lead you down quiet back roads and country lanes with little traffic. There are over 140 miles of winding trails dotted with all sorts of attractions: hills and plains, woods, ponds, villages, country houses and chateaux. A delight for the senses.

 Cycling Along the Coast

The Vélocéan cycle path links resorts on the Loire-Atlantique coast. In the Vendée, cycle along the trails from Noirmoutier to L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer via Les Sables-d’Olonne, between the sea and pine forests over 110 miles. The trails lead straight to the water’s edge and pass through a delightful backdrop of marshes, forests and dunes.

125 Miles of Continuous Trail “Loire à Vélo”

The “Loire à Vélo” is the bike trail from Tours to Ancenis stretching over 125 miles. The trail is part of a 500 mile long bike route from Cuffy, in the Cher department, to St-Brevin-les- Pins on the Loire-Atlantique coast. The route goes through historic places such as Saumur, Fontevraud and Angers, in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The véloroute links cycling paths and “green routes” with quiet back roads, so you have easy access to important attractions along the way. The trail is well marked in both directions.