Exploring the vineyards by bike is a sensory cycling experience. All five senses will be constantly stimulated as you ride beside rows of vines, wind your way along hillsides, admire stunning vineyard views and of course, taste wines at local wineries. The great thing is that the Angers area is bursting with wine estates (the area has an amazing 27 AOCs) that are easily reachable by bike. So what are you waiting for?
Where to go to see the vineyards by bike
We can already hear you saying that cycling the vineyards isn’t for you. That vineyards mean countryside and hills. Or in other words long distances and slopes to climb. But no not at all! Obviously, some wine estates will be easier to ride to than others, but believe it or not, you even have a vineyard that you can visit without leaving town.
In the heart of the city of Angers, a tiny vineyard lies tucked away in the Saint-Nicolas quarter, just a few steps from the park and lake of the same name. In just a short ride from the station, on the opposite side of the Maine, you can already discover a vineyard by bike. This small hectare of Chenin Blanc vines has been cared for by the congregation of the Bon Pasteur convent for nearly 1000 years. By becoming a member of the association, you can even take part in harvest.
A region rich in vineyards around Angers
If you are not afraid, though, to ride a few kilometres further, you don’t have to go too far from Angers to start exploring the surrounding wine regions by bike. Let’s start to the south-east. By following France’s shortest river, the Maine, you will come to La Pointe, where the river flows into the Loire.
It is indeed the Loire and its tributaries which, over the centuries and with their rich mineral sediment, have given Anjou the ideal soils for growing high quality wines.
Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume, Savennières and Coulée de Serrant are a few of the Anjou-Saumur wine appellations that you can discover on this side of Angers. This wine area can be easily explored by bike via small roads and the many paths through the vineyards.
Of course, some hills must be earned. While some climbs can be quite steep, they are never very long. With some patience, some good calf muscles or perhaps even an electric-assist bike, you’ll do fine. At the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the Loire Valley. Worth it, no?
Combining wine tourism and cycle touring
By continuing eastwards, along part of the Loire à Vélo cycle route if you like, you can reach other wine regions such as Coteaux de la Loire or Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine. You could even consider doing the journey over several days as a cycle touring trip. There is also the option of travelling ultra-light, in bikepacking mode, making it easier for you to go off road.
On the other side of town, upstream along the Loire and Loir rivers, another winegrowing area awaits you by bike. For example, by pedalling west, north-west or south-west, you can discover Anjou wine appellations like AOC Anjou, Anjou Villages and Anjou Villages Brissac as well as Coteaux de l’Aubance and Bonnezeaux.
Something for every type of cyclist and bike
As you can see, when it comes to exploring the vineyards by bike, there is something for everyone. From the easy, afternoon bike ride to the long-distance vineyard cycling tour over a few days and athletic rides through the vines, the choice on offer to you in Angers and the surrounding area is vast.
For the very best routes for exploring the vineyards around Angers by bike, see this map. You will find suggestions to match your level, desires and the time you have. Discover routes for all types of bike, including hybrid, mountain or gravel bikes.
And if you don’t have your own bike, not to panic, we’ve compiled all our information on bike rental providers here.
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