With slow travel increasingly in vogue, cycling is one of today’s best ways of exploring Angers and the surrounding area. Climb on your saddle and take a ride along one of the three long-distance cycle routes that pass through Angers.
1. Loire by Bike (Loire à vélo) : The essential route
With nearly 900 kilometres of cycle touring paths, the Loire à Vélo (EuroVelo 6) is renowned as one of the most scenic cycle routes in France. The Loire Valley, for that matter, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For cycling fans, this itinerary through Angers promises hours of cycling along the Loire. On your way, you can stop off and visit Béhuard, the only municipality located on an island in the Loire. The village is completely car free, so it’s a dream come true for cyclists who can enjoy a relaxing ride and visit this character village at a laid-back pace.
Thirsty? Stop off at one of the wineries for a tasting of AOC Savennières, one of Anjou’s most reputed white wines. Loire Odyssée in Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire, is another essential stop. This visitor centre all about the river helps visitors to better understand its role in the region’s history, and runs regular activities and exhibitions on a variety of themes.
Services for cyclists :
In the summer season, cyclists can enjoy extra peace of mind when visiting Angers by bike. Destination Angers provides a concierge service to help you to plan your bike trips in and around Angers. Whether you just want information or to pump your tyres or rent bikes, you’ll find everything you need here for your trip! The bike concierge service also provides secure bike storage boxes so that you can visit the city on foot, without the hassle of your bike. For more information, click here.
See the Loire by Bike route See the Angers section of the Loire by Bike route
2. Vélo Francette : The bucolic route
It is no wonder that Vélo Francette was elected as the best cycle route in 2017. With its 630 kilometres of countryside trails and landscapes alternating natural surroundings and historical sights, this route from Caen to La Rochelle is one of the most stunning rides you can enjoy in Angers and around (V43).
This superb route takes you to the heart of the Basses Vallées Angevines, one of the most exceptional wetland areas in Europe. This cycle route near Angers is also an invitation for some relaxing strolls. Explore the narrow Medieval streets of the city and its famous castle before setting off again with your batteries recharged!
And because every effort deserves reward, you’ll find lovely riverside cafés serving food and drink all along the route, giving even the least sporty a reason to keep pedalling.
Services for cyclists :
If you want to cycle part of the Vélo Francette route, the Tourist Office can assist you in several ways :
- Rent your bike from one of its approved partners
- Book cyclist-friendly accommodation (Accueil Vélo label) for a good night’s rest before setting off again.
3. The Loir Valley by Bike : The scenic route
Whether you’re an occasional or a seasoned cyclist, the Loir (not Loire) Valley cycle route in Angers is one which will suit everyone. This beautiful route covering 320 kilometres in total, offers cyclists a ride through dreamy scenery as it follows the Loir river from its source to Angers.
If you choose to do a section of the route in summer, stop off at Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou where you can combine sport and art by riding along the contemporary arts route NOV’Art !
Want to become a botanical expert ? While on your ride, you can improve your knowledge of plant life at the Briollay educational marshland. This scale model of the Basses Vallées Angevines is a real paradise for fragile wetland plant species as well as any curious nature lover.
Exploring the Loir Valley by bike is also a great opportunity to take things at your own pace, take a nap on the banks of the Loir or enjoy a fruit juice on the terrace of a riverside café.
Services for cyclists :
Ready to set out on an adventure but your bike needs some attention? Not to worry, whatever your problem, our bike repair partners will find the solution and get you back and riding again in no time !
For more information, click here.
