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Highlights
Cycle the 3rd section of the Loire a Vélo on this 6-day self-guided tour
Enjoy a spectacular cycling route as you complete a section of the Loire a Vélo, riding from Saumur to St. Nazaire.
Trace the curves of the wild River Loire that leads you to the Atlantic Ocean’s majestic coast.
Pause for a break in a charming medieval village and enjoy a delectable lunch accompanied by a crisp cold glass of Savenières.
Hop on a ferry to cross the Authion River and sail to Angers where you’ll enjoy a delightful overnight stay.
Ride through the Loire Valley towards the wild Atlantic Coast on the 6-day self-guided Loire Valley by Bike: Saumur to the Atlantic Coast tour.
The epic 800km Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) is a mesmerizing route starting in Cuffy and ending in Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins in Western France. The route that introduces riders to the beautiful Loire Valley makes up the western section of the EV6 (Rivers Route), the colossal trans-European cycle route that spans from France to Romania. This cycling tour will have you completing the 3rd stage of the Loire a Vélo as you ride from Saumur to St-Brevin-Les-Pins.
Tracing the wild banks of France’s longest river, you’ll enjoy easy cycling through the Loire’s spectacular towns and villages, enjoying several stops to take in sightseeing highlights along the way. Setting out from Saumur, you’ll ride to Angers, St-Florent-le-Vieil, Nantes, and end your tour on the coast in St-Brévin-Les-Pins.
Discover medieval castles as you’re swept back in time with visits to the Loire’s famous châteaus, like the Château de Saumur. Top off sensational days on the bike with mouth-watering French cuisine paired with fine local wines, like Saumur-Champigny or a white Savenières. Stay in either standard or deluxe accommodations along the route, allowing you to customize this unique cycling experience.
This cycling tour is the perfect way to explore one of France’s most beautiful regions on a bike as you discover the spellbinding beauty of the Loire Valley, a remarkable cultural landscape recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Ride through the Loire Valley towards the wild Atlantic Coast on the 6-day self-guided Loire Valley by Bike: Saumur to the Atlantic Coast tour.
The epic 800km Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) is a mesmerizing route starting in Cuffy and ending in Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins in Western France. The route that introduces riders to the beautiful Loire Valley makes up the western section of the EV6 (Rivers Route), the colossal trans-European cycle route that spans from France to Romania. This cycling tour will have you completing the 3rd stage of the Loire a Vélo as you ride from Saumur to St-Brevin-Les-Pins.
Tracing the wild banks of France’s longest river, you’ll enjoy easy cycling through the Loire’s spectacular towns and villages, enjoying several stops to take in sightseeing highlights along the way. Setting out from Saumur, you’ll ride to Angers, St-Florent-le-Vieil, Nantes, and end your tour on the coast in St-Brévin-Les-Pins.
Discover medieval castles as you’re swept back in time with visits to the Loire’s famous châteaus, like the Château de Saumur. Top off sensational days on the bike with mouth-watering French cuisine paired with fine local wines, like Saumur-Champigny or a white Savenières. Stay in either standard or deluxe accommodations along the route, allowing you to customize this unique cycling experience.
This cycling tour is the perfect way to explore one of France’s most beautiful regions on a bike as you discover the spellbinding beauty of the Loire Valley, a remarkable cultural landscape recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Loire Valley by Bike: Saumur to the Atlantic Coast Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your tour begins in the beautiful town of Saumur, nestled in the heart of the Anjou Vineyards. This medieval masterpiece is a fitting start for your grand tour of the Loire Valley.
If your arrival time permits, set out on foot to explore the town, making sure to take in the magnificent Château de Saumur that towers proudly above the town and overlooks the Loire Valley.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saumur
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Ride to St-Mathurin-sur-Loire and Sail to Angers
Your cycling tour of the Loire Valley begins today with a pleasant ride along the Loire’s southern bank. Take in the picturesque church in Cunault and St-Maur Abbey as you ride into St-Mathurin-sur-Loire.
Then, tracing the northern bank of the Loire, you’ll navigate a former swamp, long since drained (in the middle ages!) towards the ferry dock on the Authion River. Hop off your bike and set sail for Angers, known as the historical capital of Anjou.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Angers
Distance: 59km, 192m of ascent, 190m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle the River Maine and the Vineyards of Savennières
Depart Angers this morning via a serene park-like setting, following the banks of the river Maine until you reach Bouchemaine, well known for its excellent restaurants and idyllic picnic spots. Continue to hug the river, and to the west, you’ll begin to see the sprawling vineyards of avennières and Coteaux du Layon.
Then, crossing the island of Chalonnes, you’ll reach the hilltop village of Montjean-sur-Loire, where you’ll soak up some incredible views of the valley before pressing on to Florent-le-Vieil.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Florent-le-Vieil
Distance: 51km, 79m of ascent, 98m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle Mont Glonne, Champtoceaux, and Mauves-sur-Loire to Nantes
If you think the views of the Loire couldn’t possibly get any better on this tour, your perspective from Mont Glonne today will debunk that! Enjoy sensational views of the Loire this morning before setting off for the fortified town of Champtoceaux. It’s here, where the Loire-Atlantique begins, that you’ll start to notice the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on the landscape.
Continuing the route, you’ll take in the Muscadet vineyards as you ride through Mauves-sur-Loire. The outline of the Loire’s largest and most vibrant town, Nantes, will soon come into view. Pedal towards your accommodations in Nantes, where you’ll spend a magical evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nantes
Distance: 56km, 40m of ascent, 52m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Martinière Canal to Paimboeuf and St-Brevin-les-Pins
Ride to Le Pellerin this morning relying on the Martinière canal as your steadfast guide. Then, continue the route via quiet country roads to Paimboeuf, where you’ll briefly join the coastal route known as Velodyssey. It’s here you’ll begin to take note of the influence of the strong currents and tides of the ocean making their mark on the Loire.
With your eyes set on the coast, continue to St-Brevin-Les-Pins, the lovely seaside resort perched on the Atlantic that you’ll call home this evening.
Just as Saumur was a fitting beginning for this tour, so too is St-Brevin-les-Pins a fitting end. The beautiful town boasts long stretches of golden beach backed by enchanting pine forests. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight in this charming location and share a toast to the completion of your cycling adventure in the Loire Valley!
Overnight Location: Hotel in St-Brevin-les-Pins
Distance: 58km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Departure
This morning following breakfast, you’ll return to Saumur by train and depart for the airport.
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Standard accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: EUR950
- Sharing a twin room: EUR620
- Sharing a double room: EUR610
- Sharing a triple room: EUR610
Comfort Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: EUR980
- Sharing a twin room: EUR650
- Sharing a double room: EUR625
- Sharing a triple room: EUR540
Accommodation on the Loire Valley by Bike: Saumur to the Atlantic Coast tour
This tour is available with either standard or deluxe accommodations. Hotels and B&Bs on the standard tour are 2-star and 3-star and offer basic conveniences. Hotels and B&Bs on the deluxe tour are 3-star and 4-star and offer modern conveniences.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
What’s Included in the Loire Valley by Bike: Saumur to the Atlantic Coast tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Saumur and after the tour in St-Brevin-les-Pins are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at any of the overnight locations along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfers are included (1 piece per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
- How hard is the Loire Valley by Bike: Saumur to the Atlantic Coast tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Loire Valley by Bike: Saumur to the Atlantic Coast tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Saumur to start this tour?
- Where does the Loire Valley by Bike: Saumur to the Atlantic Coast tour end?
- Is this a guided tour?
- Can I rent a bike?
- What equipment is included in the bike rental?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
- Are there any travel restrictions for France?
- When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?
We rate this tour a 3/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 60km in a day, potentially with the help of an e-bike. The terrain is almost entirely flat with a few very easy climbs.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into the Paris airport of your choice, either Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY). From both airports, you can reach Saumur by taking a train from the Paris city center, which takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer from the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Alternate airport arrival option are Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) or Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS).
The tour ends in St-Brevin-les-Pins (Saint-Nazaire). First take the train back to Saumur, which takes approximately 2 hours, then catch a train to Paris, which will take an additional two hours, and then on to your departure airport. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are VELO DE VILLE Trekking A200 24-speed hybrid bikes or VELO DE VILLE CEB 400 Belt e-bikes.
The bikes come with a pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to the Loire Valley for this cycling tour is during the shoulder seasons of April-June and September-October when the crowds are lighter than during peak summer months (June-August).
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With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
