Cycling guides and maps for the Centre-Val de Loire region
Centre-Val de Loire by bike
Nearly 5,000 km of cycle routes crisscross the Centre-Val de Loire region, offering a diversity of landscapes, local produce, and cultural discoveries. While the Loire à Vélo route remains the undisputed star of cycle tourism, other routes invite you to explore Touraine, Perche, Berry, and Sologne.
On the cycle routes of the Centre-Val de Loire
The Centre-Val de Loire region is intimately linked to the Loire, Europe’s last wild river. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, the Loire Valley offers an exceptional natural setting for cycling. It offers landscapes of fertile plains, endless vineyards, deep forests, and slate-roofed villages.
No one can talk about this region without mentioning its châteaux. From Chambord to Cheverny, from Chaumont-sur-Loire to Blois, a dozen cycle paths allow you to explore these iconic monuments. Cycling in the Centre-Val de Loire is a journey through history along the water.
Cycling on the Loire allows you to discover this heritage at a leisurely pace. On the agenda: Renaissance châteaux, Romanesque abbeys, troglodyte villages, farmers’ markets, and remarkable gardens.
And for gourmets, the Loire Valley’s gastronomy is a major asset. Whether you prefer Chinon or Vouvray, Sancerre or Saumur, the local wines are a perfect accompaniment to a tarte Tatin, goat cheese, or Loire fish with beurre blanc. So many flavors to discover on a detour!
The major cycling routes in the Centre-Val de Loire region
- The Loire by Bike : With over 900 km between Nevers and Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, the Loire by Bike is one of the most famous cycling routes in Europe. It crosses the entire region and easily connects châteaux, cities of art and history such as Orléans, Tours, Blois, and Saumur, as well as the vineyards of the Loire Valley. A must-see Loire bike ride, whether for a few days or a full-day tour.
- Indre by Bike : This route connects Châteauroux to Azay-le-Rideau, along the Indre River. It passes through iconic locations such as Loches and Chédigny, and allows you to get away from the main roads while remaining connected to the Loire by Bike route.
- Loir Valley by Bike: Lesser-known, the Loir Valley by Bike offers a hilly landscape between the source of the Loir and Angers, passing through orchards, mills, and tufa houses. Ideal for a peaceful stay, off the beaten track.
- Saint-Jacques by Bike (Via Tours) : The Centre-Val de Loire region is crossed by the Tours Way, one of the French routes to Santiago de Compostela. It sometimes follows the course of the Loir River before reaching Tours, the historic capital of the Camino.
- The Véloscénie: From Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel, the Véloscénie crosses the Perche region and the Eure Valley, with a beautiful stop in Chartres. It follows small, bucolic roads, ideal for a rural weekend.
- Canal de Berry: This little-known route in the heart of France offers a route along towpaths and through vineyards between Montluçon and Tours. You can reach the Loire by bike with a variation from Marseilles-lès-Aubigny to Bannegon.
The essentials for cycling in Centre-Val de Loire
For a stress-free journey along the Loire Valley cycling routes, here are some references not to be forgotten in your panniers:
- Topoguide The Châteaux of the Loire by Bike – Ouest France : 45 exceptional châteaux and sites to discover by bike between Angers and Gien over a 700 km route.
- The Loir Valley by Bike Guide – Le Routard : a selection of 5 cycling routes in the Loir Valley with 320 km of routes, tips from the Routard, and clear and precise maps.
- Centre-Val de Loire by Bike Map – Michelin : perfect for viewing at a glance all the cycling routes in the region with the most developed kilometers.
A structured and constantly evolving cycle network
With nearly 5,000 km of developed routes, the Centre-Val de Loire region boasts one of the most extensive cycling networks in France. Since the 1990s, efforts have been underway to develop sustainable cycling tourism, structured around the Loire à Vélo (Loire by Bike) initiative.
Today, the network is connected (connections between cycle routes), secure (dedicated paths, clear signage), and certified (Accueil Vélo, adapted accommodations). It appeals to both seasoned cycle tourists and families looking for an accessible experience. By combining train and bicycle, it’s possible to create tailor-made loops lasting a few days or several weeks.
Whether you choose to follow the Loire by bike, create your own Loire cycling route, or attempt a 3-day Loire à Vélo (Loire by Bike) tour, the region offers an ideal playground to be enjoyed at the rhythm of your pedaling.