Home
France
Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans

Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans

tourhub | UTracks | Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans | NLV | Map

12 Views

7 Days From

~~$1223~~

$1184

Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans

7 Days Starting in Nevers and ending in Orléans

Visiting: France

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

NLV

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

From: $1223 $1184 Mid-Year Mayhem Discount: -$39

NB: Prices correct on 27-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the wild side of the Loire, which mankind has tried to tame with canals and bridges, on the newest section of the 'Loire à vélo' cycle path between Nevers in Burgundy and Orléans in the Centre region. This cycling trip will take you over the oldest bridge on the Loire River, through nature reserves and vineyards, and passes by some of the region's most spectacular chateaux. As you cycle along the canals you will have the opportunity to admire the unspoilt surrounds and there is also plenty of time to explore and soak in the atmosphere of the delightful villages during the evenings. The journey ends in Orléans, the city of 'Art and History', which is best known as the town saved from the English by Joan of Arc.
For those keen to continue exploring the Loire by bike this trip can be combined with our 13 day Cycle the Loire - Orléans to the Atlantic Coast.

Highlights

Cycling on the newest section of the 'Loire a velo' cycle path
Visiting towns and villages from Burgundy to the Centre
Passing some of the region's most spectacular chateaux
Cycling through nature reserves and vineyards including Sancerre
Enjoying the culinary specialities of the region

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans | NLV | Route Map

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Tours in France

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Nevers

Nevers is a charming town at the confluence of the Loire and Nievre rivers and has many historic buildings despite being heavily bombed in WWII. Its typical ‘faience’ (pottery) workshops date from the 16th century and the Ducal Palace is considered to be one of the first chateaux of the Loire. The Magny-Cours circuit, a Formula 1 racetrack until 2008, is nearby. Nevers is also a place of pilgrimage as it is where Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes became a nun at St Gildard convent, dying here in 1879. She was beatified and later canonised in 1933. Nevers market days are Tuesday-Friday mornings and all day Saturday, at Marché Carnot.

Day 2 : Cycle To La Charité-Sur-Loire (45Km / 28Mi)

Departing Nevers, you cycle first to Cuffy, which is the official start point of the 'Loire a velo', then heading north, you continue to the monastic city of Charité-sur-Loire and ride on the oldest bridge of the Loire, dating from the 16th century, into the centre. Surrounded by ramparts, La Charité-sur-Loire is famous for its Clunisian priory, founded in the 11th century. This Benedictine monastery, along with its church, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Charité-sur-Loire is on the Way of St James, the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Ascent 26m/85ft, descent 57m/187ft

Day 3 : Continue Through Vineyards And Woods To Sancerre (27-39Km / 16-24Mi)

Your day starts with a cycle through the Loire Valley National Nature Reserve, then you can admire the vineyards and the bell tower of the Pouilly-sur-Loire church. From Pouilly you continue between fields and woods towards the famous Sancerre vineyards. We recommend a stop to visit a local wine producer, to sample a glass of Sancerre blanc (sauvignon blanc) with a tasting of the typical Chavignol chevre. A medieval hilltop town, Sancerre is overlooked by its 15th century 'Tour des Fiefs', a remaining tower of the feudal chateau.
Ascent 171m/561ft, descent 27m/85ft

Day 4 : Follow The Canal To Briare (54Km / 33.5M)

You leave Sancerre along the tow path of the Canal Lateral towards Bennay, before reaching Cosne-sur-Loire, a town known for its flowers and offering beautiful landscapes over the Loire river. From here you follow the 'Loire a velo' to Belleville-sur Loire, Beaulieu-sur-Loire and finally your destination for today, Briare. Bordered by 72 lamp posts and magnificent pillars, its canal bridge is a 'must-see' monument, a unique structure - and until 2003, it was the longest canal bridge in Europe.
Ascent 54m/178ft, descent 57m/187ft

Day 5 : Cycle Via The Chateau In Saint Brisson Sur Loire To Sully Sur Loire (42Km / 26Mi)

Cycle over the Loire on the 'canal bridge' and proceed to Saint Brisson-sur-Loire, which has a medieval chateau with catapults and cannons. Continue to the city of Gien, which was heavily bombed in WWII and has since been rebuilt, and enjoy its exceptional panoramic view. In the afternoon you cycle to Sully-sur-Loire, which has a remarkable chateau surrounded by moats overlooking the river, where you stay overnight.
Ascent 26m/85ft, descent 57m/187ft

Day 6 : Continue To Orléans (51Km / 31.7Mi)

You can enjoy panoramic views as you cycle to Saint Benoit-sur-Loire. Its abbey is one of the most renowned Romanesque churches of France and it has been a place of pilgrimage since 673, when relics of St Benedict were brought here. Ride to Chateauneuf-sur-Loire, one of the major ports of the Loire during the 18th century. Finish in Orleans, the 'City of Art and History', saved by Joan of Arc from the siege of the Plantagenets during the Hundred Years' War in 1429.
Ascent 26m/85ft, descent 57m/187ft

Day 7 : Trip Concludes (Or Continue To The Atlantic Coast)

Your trip concludes after breakfast, or you can continue cycling on our Cycle the Loire - Orleans to the Atlantic Coast.

What's Included

Accommodation
6 nights in a combination of B&Bs and 2-3 star hotels
6 breakfasts - breakfasts are continental style and consist of croissants, breads, jams, cheese, yoghurt, coffee, tea and juices.
6 nights in a combination of B&B's and 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (option to upgrade to 3-4 star hotels and B&Bs, supplement applies)
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
21 speed mens or ladies bike equipped with two panniers, helmet, anti-theft device, bike computer and repair kit (e-bikes available - supplement applies)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Tourist tax
Emergency hotline
Travel to Nevers and from Orleans
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
E-bike hire, supplement applies
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers if you need to skip a stage
Excess Luggage
Handlebar phone holder – we recommend bringing your own to follow the route more easily using the app
Items of a personal nature
Printed documents are available - additional cost applies. Must be requested and will be provided locally at the joining hotel. Please ask our consultant for details.

What's Not Included

Lunch, dinner and drinks
Entrance fees
Tour guide - this is a self guided cycle
Travel insurance
Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app
Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel

Grading

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 2
Daily cycles are between 31 and 50km / 19 and 31mi on flat to undulating terrain. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic side roads. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

1 Select your preferred date

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025

Tuesday - Monday

Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 05, 2024

~~$1223~~ $1184