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Highlights
Ride the 1st section of the Loire a Vélo on this 7-day self-guided tour
Discover the treasures of the Loire Valley as you pedal the first section of the 800km Loire Valley Cycle Route.
Explore the majestic curves of France’s longest river as you cycle from Nevers to Orléans.
Be swept up in a fairytale as you visit the Palais Ducal, one of the first castles ever built along the Loire.
Enjoy wonderful overnight stays in the valley’s most picturesque villages and towns, like Sancerre, Briare, and more.
Enjoy a mesmerizing cycling journey as you embark on the first section of the 800km Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) riding from Nevers to Orléans. The 7-day self-guided Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans tour will guide you along the banks of France's oldest river as you explore medieval villages, enchanted castles, and beautiful wine regions.
The 800km long Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) is a superb cycling route that starts in Cuffy and ends on the Atlantic Coast in Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins. The route that introduces riders to the best of the Loire Valley makes up the western section of the EV6 (Rivers Route), the trans-European cycle route that spans from France to Romania. The 7-day self-guided Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans tour will have you completing the 1st stage of the Loire a Vélo as you ride from Nevers to Orléans.
Easy and approachable cycling routes allow you to appreciate the Loire Valley's breathtaking landscapes. This self-guided tour grants you the freedom to stop where you please, enjoying the authentic villages and towns of Burgundy and the Centre-Val de Loire along the way.
Pedal towards the magnificent Romanesque church of Notre Dame via the oldest bridge of the Loire, a 16th-century masterpiece suspended above the river in Charité-Sur-Loire. Explore the medieval hilltop village of Sancerre and its renowned wine region, hopping off your bike to savour a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc paired with a rich Chavignol goat's cheese.
The allure of France's Loire Valley is yours to discover on this mesmerizing cycling tour. The only thing left to decide is when you'll go!
Enjoy a mesmerizing cycling journey as you embark on the first section of the 800km Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) riding from Nevers to Orléans. The 7-day self-guided Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans tour will guide you along the banks of France's oldest river as you explore medieval villages, enchanted castles, and beautiful wine regions.
The 800km long Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) is a superb cycling route that starts in Cuffy and ends on the Atlantic Coast in Saint-Brevin-Les-Pins. The route that introduces riders to the best of the Loire Valley makes up the western section of the EV6 (Rivers Route), the trans-European cycle route that spans from France to Romania. The 7-day self-guided Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans tour will have you completing the 1st stage of the Loire a Vélo as you ride from Nevers to Orléans.
Easy and approachable cycling routes allow you to appreciate the Loire Valley's breathtaking landscapes. This self-guided tour grants you the freedom to stop where you please, enjoying the authentic villages and towns of Burgundy and the Centre-Val de Loire along the way.
Pedal towards the magnificent Romanesque church of Notre Dame via the oldest bridge of the Loire, a 16th-century masterpiece suspended above the river in Charité-Sur-Loire. Explore the medieval hilltop village of Sancerre and its renowned wine region, hopping off your bike to savour a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc paired with a rich Chavignol goat's cheese.
The allure of France's Loire Valley is yours to discover on this mesmerizing cycling tour. The only thing left to decide is when you'll go!
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Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your tour begins in the lovely Burgundian town of Nevers, situated on the timeless Loire River. Settle into your accommodations here, then set out to explore the charming town center.
Nevers faience pottery is famous worldwide and still produced here today, and you’re likely to come across several potters during your walk around town. Some other must-sees in Nevers are the Nevers Cathedral and the Palais Ducal with its impressive renaissance façade.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nevers
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Join the Loire Valley Cycling Route
This morning you’ll ride to the small village of Cuffy, at the confluence of the Loire and Allier rivers. The 800km Loire a Vélo (Loire Valley Cycling Route) begins here, and today you’ll commence on its first stage.
Enjoy a pleasant ride to the monastery town of Charité-sur-Loire, where you’ll pedal a 16th-century bridge to the spellbinding Notre Dame church, known as one of the most important Romanesque edifices in Burgundy.
Tonight, you’ll spend the evening in lovely Charité-sur-Loire, where spectacular food and wines from the local vineyards of Burgundy won’t disappoint.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Charité-sur-Loire
Distance: 45km, 26m of ascent, 57m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle the Vineyards of Sancerre
Continue your route through the vast undulating vineyards that carpet the Loire Valley as you ride towards Sancerre this morning. Enjoy a quick stop in Pouilly-sur-Loire on your way to admire the beautiful bell tower of the village church.
Continue through lovely woods and sprawling fields to the famous wine region of Sancerre. Hop off your bikes and enjoy a crisp glass of the local Sauvignon Blanc paired with Chavignol goat’s cheese, a true afternoon delight! Ride to your hotel enjoying breathtaking views of the Loire Valley from your advantageous position in the medieval hilltop town of Sancerre.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sancerre
Distance: 27km, 171m of ascent, 27m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle the Canal Latéral to Briare
Depart Sancerre this morning via the Canal Latéral towards the flowery town of Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire, perched on the Loire’s right bank.
Continue to Elleville-sur-Loire and then Beaulieu-sur-Loire until you reach beautiful Briare.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Briare
Distance: 54km, 56m of ascent, 213m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Sully-sur-Loire via Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire and Gien
This morning you’ll be invited to appreciate the Loire from a different perspective as you cross the river via the canal bridge, continuing to Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire. Then, ride on to the lively town of Gien, where you’ll explore the impressive castle of Anne de Beaujeu and an 18th-century 12-pillar bridge.
Press on to your destination for today, Sully-sur-Loire. The star of the town is a remarkable medieval castle, entirely encased by moats with the brilliant backdrop of the Loire River to perfect an already mesmerizing sight.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sully-sur-Loire
Distance: 38km, 99m of ascent, 114m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to Orléans via Saint-Benoit and Chateauneuf-sur-Loire
Revel in the grand views of the valley this morning as you ride to Saint-Benoit, where you’ll want to hop off your bike to explore the 11th-century abbey situated here. Continue to the Chateauneuf-sur-Loire, once a vital port on the Loire in the 19th-century, before riding on to Orléans.
Known as the town of art and history, Orléans is a former royal city full of allure and charm. Stroll the pedestrian walkways of the old town, perusing the cobbled streets lined with half-timbered Renaissance houses. And spot Joan of Arc (who helped defend the city from invading British armies) lording triumphantly over the streets in the form of a grand statue. The city is also home to several museums, gardens, and churches, leaving you with plenty to see during your time here!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orléans
Distance: 51km, 99m of ascent, 112m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure
Your cycling tour in the Loire Valley comes to an end this morning following breakfast. It is recommended you extend your time in Orléans by an extra night or two, allowing time to explore the remarkable town further.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Standard accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: EUR1095
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR715
- Sharing a triple room: EUR660
Comfort Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: EUR1405
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR870
- Sharing a triple room: EUR905
Accommodation on the Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans 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.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
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.
Night 2
Hôtel Mille et une Feuilles in La Charité sur Loire ★★★
Located centrally in the elegant Charité Sur Loire, this charming hotel features several unique amenities such as canoe rental. The hotel is located within walking distance of the historic district, making it the perfect base for a stroll of the town.
What’s Included in the Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Nevers and after the tour in Orléans 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
Transportation for your luggage are included throughout the tour (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 information on all places of interest
- 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
- Deluxe hotel option
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
- How hard is the Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- Is this tour guided?
- How do I get to Nevers to start this tour?
- Where does the Loire Valley by Bike: Nevers to Orléans tour end?
- 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 2/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 50km in a day, potentially with the help of an e-bike. The terrain is mostly flat and sometimes gently undulating.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 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.
No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour.
Fly into the Paris airport of your choice, either Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY). You can then travel to Nevers by train, which takes approximately 3 hours. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to Nevers as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
The tour ends in Orléans. You can reach either Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY) by train, which takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
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).
Customer Ratings
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.
