Spot Castles, Vineyards and Charming Towns While Cycling the Loire Valley

With more than 3,000 miles of cycling routes, the Loire Valley region in France is a cyclist’s dream come true. Whatever your skill level, the region offers trails and routes just for you, whether it’s taking a scenic trail along the river and through the countryside or a route with frequent stops at beautiful castles.

© Un Monde A Velo

The region’s official Loire by Bike route, spanning 560 miles along the Loire River, sees a network of more than 700 professionals dedicated to bikers, ensuring everything is planned out, from accommodations to bike rental companies to repair stations and everything in between. Need help narrowing down which routes to take on your next trip to the Loire Valley? Look no further:

The King’s Highway in Indre-et-Loire

Starting at Château Royal d’Amboise and finishing at Château de Chenonceau, this route lets bikers retrace the steps of past kings and queens of France who once traveled this same way by carriage. Venturing through forests, vineyards and along Cher River, bikers are fully immersed in the history of the region. Accommodations along this route include Le Manoir Le Minimes in Amboise and Auberge du Bon Laboureur in Chenonceaux.

© D. Darrault

Orléans to Beaugency in the Loiret

Begin in Orléans, the city of Joan of Arc, and end in the medieval city of Beaugency. On this route, cyclists follow the river and journey through La Pointe de Courpain nature reserve; the gardens of Roquelin with its 450 varieties of roses; and Château de Meung-sur Loire, former residence of the bishops of Orléans. This trip takes about 2.5 hours and, once in Beaugency, travelers can visit the recently restored chateau now converted into a Digital Art Center.

Heritage in the Loir-et-Cher

Pass by intimate castles like Château de Beauregard in Celletes, famous for its Gallery of Portraits, the largest collection of historical portraits in Europe; Château de Troussay in Cheverney, one of the region’s smallest castles; and Château de Villesavin in Tour-en-Sologne. This trail also passes by large castles like Château de Chambord, Château Royal de Blois and Château de Cheverny. Accommodations in this area include Fleur de Loire, Relais de Chambord and Les Sources de Cheverny.

© D. Darrault

Wine, Goat Cheese & More Around Sancerre

Cyclists seeking more rugged terrain can take this route, which requires a special bike equipped for such landscapes. Enjoy a scenic trail along the Loire River and through vineyards, as well as through the town of Sancerre. Along the way, stop at the medieval town of Saint-Satur and wine tasting at Domaine de la Perrière. In Sancere, dine at Auberge Joseph Mellot and sample the famous Crottin de Cavignol goat cheese at La Ferme de Saint-Louis.