I have a thing for water. Not only is it literally vital, but I think the power of water is something very special. Put me on the Kop van Zuid in Rotterdam for an afternoon and I'm a happy man. I have to say, though, that I have more with rivers than with the sea. Quite funny. That is why I always look with excessive interest at tours and routes that have the element of water in them. The routes along the Loire are pre-eminently these kinds of trails where you always have the link with water. If you are going to cycle flat anyway, instead of climbing a high mountain, this is a good alternative. With the Loire by Bike cycling passport, you're in the right place.
Passport please
Loire à Vélo lets you add an extra twist to the theme of cycling along the water. Indeed, a new travel diary cum passport has been introduced to give cycling geeks like me a purpose on their trip along the water. The cycling passport that has been launched will guide you on the long journey from Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (Loire-Atlantique) to Cuffy (Cher) (or vice versa). Now a hardcopy passport booklet is not the most manageable, especially if you also have to deal with rain, but that's the charm. You get the booklet stamped with 24 unique stamps, each representing a different area. Collect the stamps at participating Tourist Offices along the 620 km of cycle paths between Saint-Brevin-les-Pins and Cuffy, in Nantes, Angers, Saumur, Tours, Blois, Orléans, Sancerre and many other cities and you have a nice souvenir.
Unique stamps
There is something mythical about the Loire. You mainly drive past vineyards, the famous castles such as Chenonceau, Chambord and, for example, Blois Castle. In addition, the vineyards are a major attraction. A good Touraine does not let you walk easily, for example. All these elements can be found in the stamps, all 24 of which are unique and where the region served as inspiration. The connection to the Atlantic Ocean has not been forgotten either. With 24 different designs, each representing the identity of a place on the route, you will still come home with a fun souvenir. So you can turn a boring trip along the waterfront into a true treasure hunt.
Personalise and save
You can think of anything about it. Old-fashioned, doltish, or just funny. A little book where you can keep details of your trip, including length of stages, notable items and more. It offers an old, or yet new way of making memories. In an age of purely digital, I find it a nice change. For just under a tenner, you already own this gem. 38 stages (if you go REALLY LONG) and then with room for the 24 stamps. Sounds like an idea for this summer! 900 kilometres total, I should add.
You can find more info via the site of Loire a Velo who, unfortunately, communicates only in French.
Train Loire a Vélo
Don't have the whole route to cycle or would you like to cycle a specific part of this route? Then you can also skip a section of the route by using the Train Loire a Velo to go. This specific train for cyclists will take you from a to b or c, with free spaces for bikes on the train.
Route Loire a Vélo - Loire by Bike
We have plotted the Loire a Vélo route for you in Komoot with a suggested route of 5 to 6 days. perfectly doable for everyone and adaptable to your level. So you can also tick off your beautiful Loire by Bike cycling passport. From beginner to advanced. More info about cycling in France can be found on our dedicated page.
