Nevers to Le Croisic 20-day Self-guided Cycling Tour Level 3

Overview

From Nevers to Orleans, discover a more unknown part of the « Loire a Velo » but still fascinating! Follow the Loire river and the lateral canal, ride through the Sancerre vineyards, until the canal-bridge in Briare … before the reaching Orleans, Joan of Arc's town. A perfect balance between nature, culture, canals and local products. Then, discover the royal valley by longing the majestic river from Orleans to Tours where thousands of treasures are waiting for you: historical heritage and testimony with numerous chateaux, wonderful landscapes of different natural areas, regional gastronomy delights… Continue on the part of the Loire Valley which is the most doted in chateaux and vineyards. Follow the Loire River which will guide you from historical places to famous cellars for tasting. Enjoy the 'French art de vivre' along the peaceful and wild landscapes. Finally, discover the charms of the Western part of the Loire valley: from Angers all the way to Le Croisic. This itinerary is your chance to visit the typical countryside by salterns and marsh to finally "take the plunge" into the Atlantic Ocean at St Brevin or Le Croisic. 19 nights in 2*/3* accommodation (3*/4* available on request), Breakfast, Luggage transfer during the bike stages (1 luggage, 20kg per person), 1 Travel folder (per room) including colour maps, Personalised app navigation, Bus transfer on Day 18 (St Brevin > St Nazaire), City taxes, Hotline 7 days a week Car: From A77 highway, exit No: 33 to Nevers centre. Train: From Paris: Paris Bercy train station to Nevers train station. The hotel is 200mtrs from the train station Extra nights: Nevers: from 70 EUR p.p. (+55 EUR single room), Le Croisic: from 80 EUR (+65 EUR single room) Chateau visit package- 175 EUR p.p: Includes Chateau de Villandry (gardens + chateau), Domaine de Chambord, Fontevraud Abbey, Chateau d'Azay le Rideau, Chateau d'Angers, Visit of the Guerande salt marshes, Chateau de Nantes, Park Leonardo Da Vinci in Amboise, Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire (chateau + Garden Festival), Chateau de Meung sur Loire and 1 local wine tasting (Chinon or Saumur Champigny) Canoe trip - Loire River 35 EUR, Canoe trip - Vienne & Loire River 35 EUR Departures Wednesday April to October Transfers on request If you would like to rent a Hybrid bike (270 EUR), Trekking bike (315 EUR) or an E-bike (560 EUR) please contact our office when booking: [[email protected]] Slow Tours offers a number of other Cycling Tours in Europe. Arrival in Nevers. Visit the charming town of Nevers, its pottery workshops where its typical 'Blue of Nevers' was created in the 16th century and the Ducal Palace, considered to be one of the first of the Loire Châteaux, which was the home of the counts then the Dukes of Nevers. To start the first Loira à Vélo trail, reach Cuffy which is the official starting point of the cycling tour of Loire. Continue to the monastic city of La Charité-sur-Loire where you ride on the oldest Loire River bridge (16th century) to reach the beautiful Romanesque Notre Dame Church. Ride through the 'Loire Valley National Nature Reserve' and admire the vineyards and the bell tower of Pouilly sur Loire Church. Proceed between fields and woods towards the famous Sancerre vineyards. Don't hesitate to stop for a visit to a local wine producer to sample a glass of Sancerre Blanc with a typical Chavignoi goat cheese! From Sancerre, overlooked by its 15th century 'Tour des Fiefs' dungeon, a beautiful over the valley is waiting for you. Leave Sancerre riding along the tow-path of the Canal Latéral towards Bannay then Cosne sur Loire, a flowered city offering beautiful landscapes over the Loire River. Still follow the Loire à Vélo cycling paths to Belleville sur Loire, Beaulieu sur Loire and Briare. Bordered by 72 Lamp posts and magnificent pillars, its 'canal bridge' is one of the must-see monuments, a unique structure and for good reason, until 2003, it was the longest canal bridge in Europe!

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included