The best cycling routes around Orleans

There are over 50 touring cycling routes around Orleans, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and skill levels. The region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 100 reviews.

Orleans is an excellent destination for touring cyclists due to its flat terrain, extensive network of cycle paths, and rich blend of natural and historical attractions. It's situated at the gateway to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a key hub for major routes like La Loire à Vélo.

Yes, Orleans offers many routes suitable for beginners and families, thanks to the region's generally flat terrain. Out of the 51 available routes, 38 are classified as easy. These paths often follow the Loire River, the Orleans Forest, or the Orleans Canal, providing scenic and accessible rides. An example of an easy route is the Great Pond – Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar loop from Cape Cod.

Cycling around Orleans offers diverse natural landscapes. You'll encounter the banks of the Loire River, Europe's last great wild river, with its sandy shores. The Orleans Forest provides serene, wooded paths, and the Orleans Canal offers another picturesque route. Further afield in the Loire Valley, you'll also see vine-covered slopes, particularly known for white wine production.

Absolutely. Orleans is a significant point on several long-distance cycling routes. It's an essential destination along the 900 km La Loire à Vélo, which is also part of EuroVelo 6. The Scandibérique, a route stretching over 1,700 kilometers across France, also passes through Orleans, connecting with La Loire à Vélo.

The region is famous for its magnificent Renaissance châteaux. Cycling routes often lead directly to or pass by these historical masterpieces. Notable castles in the vicinity include Chambord, Meung-sur-Loire, Sully-sur-Loire, La Ferté-Saint-Aubin, and Chamerolles. You can also cycle through picturesque towns and villages like Sully-sur-Loire, Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, and Beaugency.

The region enjoys a very temperate climate, making it accessible for cycling tours year-round. The landscape changes charm with each season, so you can enjoy different views whether you visit in spring, summer, or autumn. Summer months are popular, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.

Yes, many routes around Orleans are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond) – Seymour Pond loop from Flax Pond offers a mix of natural landscapes over 30 km. Another option is the moderate Wellfleet Harbor – Wellfleet Center loop from Cape Cod, covering about 43.6 km.

The region is very cyclist-friendly, boasting over 700 "Accueil Vélo" (Cyclists Welcome) accommodations within 5km of the Loire à Vélo, guaranteeing quality services like secure bike storage. During summer, trains alongside the Loire à Vélo route, such as the Interloire, offer dedicated bicycle cars, making logistics convenient for touring cyclists.

While much of the region is flat, there are routes that offer a greater challenge. For instance, the Truro General Store – Salt Marshes loop from Orleans is classified as difficult, covering nearly 110 km with significant elevation changes, providing a more demanding experience for experienced touring cyclists.

The routes often pass by beautiful natural features. You can explore several lakes such as Seymour Pond, Salt Pond, and Pleasant Lake (Hinckleys Pond). Additionally, Nauset Marsh and Cliff Pond are other scenic spots to discover.

Yes, public transport options are available to help cyclists access routes. Notably, during the summer, the Interloire train service, which runs alongside the Loire à Vélo route, provides dedicated bicycle cars, making it convenient to transport your bike and start your tour from various points along the route.