The best road cycling routes in Loire

The Loire Valley is predominantly flat, making it highly accessible for various fitness levels. You'll find gentle routes alongside the Loire River, through picturesque countryside, and past flourishing orchards and vineyards. While many routes are an 'absolute breeze to ride' with minimal climbs, there are also options with significant elevation gain for those seeking a challenge.

There are over 2,600 road cycling routes in the Loire region, catering to a wide range of abilities. Approximately 250 routes are considered easy, over 1,400 are moderate, and nearly 900 offer a more difficult challenge.

Yes, despite the generally flat terrain of the Loire Valley, there are challenging routes with significant climbs. For instance, the Col de Baracuchet — loop in the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park is a difficult 102.8 km route with over 2,200 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Col de l'Oeillon Loop from Chavanay, which features nearly 1,760 meters of ascent over 79.6 km, offering panoramic views.

Road cycling in Loire offers diverse natural scenery. You'll often ride alongside the Loire River, known as 'France's last great wild river,' with its sandy banks and islands. The region is also characterized by extensive vineyards, flourishing orchards, and dense forests like the national forest of Chinon. Some routes, such as the Natural reserve of the Loire gorges — loop, explore dramatic landscapes like the Loire Gorges.

The Loire Valley is renowned for its magnificent châteaux and historic towns. While cycling, you can encounter numerous points of interest. For example, the View of Château de Grangent and the Loire Gorges offers a stunning vista. You might also pass by the Gouffre d'Enfer Dam, a notable man-made monument. The region is dotted with charming villages and cities like Orléans, Blois, and Tours, providing cultural stops.

Yes, the Loire Valley is very accommodating for easy and family-friendly cycling due to its generally flat terrain. Routes like the La Véloire - Charlieu Loop (45.6 km) and the Saint-Laurent-la-Conche and Ponds of Feurs Loop (40.1 km) are rated as easy, with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for a relaxed ride.

The Loire Valley is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. The landscape is particularly verdant in spring and summer, with flourishing orchards and vineyards. The region's minimal elevation changes make it enjoyable across these seasons, though summer can be warm. Checking local weather forecasts before your trip is always recommended.

The Loire Valley has excellent public transport options for cyclists. The Interloire/Train Vélo Loire train service runs along the river, providing convenient transport for cyclists and their bikes, especially during the summer months. This allows you to easily reach different starting points or cover longer distances without cycling the entire way.

Yes, the Loire Valley boasts an excellent cycling infrastructure, including over 700 'Accueil Vélo' ('Cyclists Welcome') accommodations. These establishments guarantee services like secure bike storage, making it easy to find cyclist-friendly places to stay along your route.

The Loire region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 1,300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's varied terrain, from gentle riverside paths to more challenging climbs, and the abundance of scenic and cultural rewards along the routes.

Yes, the Loire Valley is home to La Loire à Vélo, an impressive 900 km cycle route that forms the westernmost section of EuroVelo 6. This route is largely flat, well-marked, and uses a mix of quiet paved roads and traffic-free cycle paths, making it ideal for long-distance touring. For more information, you can visit France Vélo Tourisme.

Many road cycling routes in Loire are designed as loops, offering convenient circular tours. Examples include the La Véloire: Roanne and Château de la Roche Loop, a moderate 54.2 km ride, or the Col de la Gachet — loop from Lorette, a 35.7 km moderate route.