The Loire Valley cycle route #4 from Angers to Pornic

Stroll along the Loire à vélo from Angers to Pornic.

Highlights

Angers and Nantes, cities of Art and History
The Loire à Vélo route: marked, secure and accessible
The varied landscapes of the Loire Valley
Saint-Florent-le-Vieil: small town with character
Champtoceaux and its splendid panorama over the Loire
The Loire estuary and the Atlantic Ocean
The marvelous port of Pornic

Cycle along the Loire à vélo to the Ocean

Departing from Angers, cycle through one of the most untouched parts of the Loire Valley in 7 days and reach the sea.

Flat, peaceful, marked and safe, the paths taken by the Loire à vélo lend themselves perfectly to an itinerant ride as a couple, with family or with friends. It’s an ideal route for an introduction to bike-travelling.

At the outskirts of Angers, the Loire has already reached a very significant size thanks to the confluence of the Sarthe and the Maine. It will continue to increase as you descend to reach the ocean. It is an untouched, changing landscape, of a luxuriant nature taking advantage of the sandbanks created here and there. The metal bridges allow you to ride sometimes on the north bank, sometimes on the south bank to reach the most beautiful towns and your accommodation, most often labeled Accueil Vélo (Cyclists Welcome).

On your way, you have the leisure to balance out your breaks by visiting picturesque villages, beautiful panoramas, parks, cultural sites or even renowned vineyards.

At the halfway point, you will enjoy a visit to the beautiful city of Nantes. The city of the Dukes of Brittany displays strange articulated creatures that roam the island. Les Machines de L’Île, and in particular the famous elephant are now the pride of this city of Art and History.

The fisheries and the Saint-Nazaire bridge herald the proximity of the estuary. A magnificent landscape is created by the river here. The arrival on the ocean is an accomplishment. You can be proud to have reached the sea from Angers on the strength of your legs alone!

The route continues to Pornic on the Vélodyssée road markings, the Eurovélo 1, which you have already ridden in Nantes and which can lead you to all the way to Portugal! This time, the southernmost port of influence and Breton history offers you a final stop and a pleasant and lively evening. If it’s still the time for a snack, the Fraiseraie ice cream is deserved after a great day of bike touring. You have to queue, it’s a local institution on the port!

Carte séjour Loire à vélo 4 : Angers à Pornic
Niveau EasyEasy or Niveau LeisureLeisure
Day 1

ANGERS

Arrival on your own and check in to your hotel. Orientation with our guide today. Take time to explore Angers and the peaceful banks of the Loire river.

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, meet our local guide at your departure point. This is the perfect time to catch up on the latest practical advice, find out about the addresses and experiences you shouldn’t miss, answer any questions you may have, make the final adjustments to your bike and get your trip off to the best possible start.

Day 2

From ANGERS to MONTJEAN-SUR-LOIRE 36km 81m Niveau Loisir

You leave Angers on the banks of the Maine. The stage starts with a peaceful ride through a park by the river. It is pleasant to stop on the quays in Bouchemaine for a picnic on the banks of the Loire. A little further, the Loire à Vélo route allows you to contemplate the prestigious hillside vineyards of Savennières. Here you follow the wild river as closely as possible and the detour to Béhuard Island is unmissable, before embarking on the crossing of Chalonnes Island. At the end of the stage, the hilltop village of Montjean sur Loire welcomes you.

Day 3

From MONTJEAN-SUR-LOIRE to ANCENIS 30km 13m Niveau Loisir

The start of the stage is ridden on small road towards the city of character of Saint-Florent Le Vieil. From the top of Mont Glonne, where an abbey sits, a sumptuous panorama offers a spectacular view of the Loire Valley. A must-see! Then, you join Ancenis by a greenway which winds between woods and meadows.

Day 4

From ANCENIS to NANTES 44km 106m Niveau Facile

You are in Basse-Loire. The maritime influence starts here with the Loire islands, the vineyard slopes of Muscadet and market gardens. On a greenway shaded, easy and secure, you join the city of Nantes, European green capital in 2013. Do not miss the island of Nantes and its machines.

Day 5

From NANTES to CORSEPT 53km 190m Niveau Loisir

You leave Nantes through its island, located in the middle of the Loire. After crossing the second branch of the river, you arrive in an old district, Trentemoult. A first break is strongly recommended to discover the maze of alleys which allows you to appreciate beautiful colorful houses that differ from those of Northwest France. You then continue along the Loire and reach Corsept thanks to the Canal de la Martiniere. The ocean is no longer far away.

Day 6

From CORSEPT to PORNIC 45km 265m Niveau Facile

Today you will see the ocean. This route takes you to discover the coast: you cross Saint-Brévin-les-Pins and Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef before joining Pornic.

Day 7

PORNIC

End of stay after breakfast. Have a safe journey home!

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.

Accommodation example
Chambres-d-hotes-Au-bout-de-l-ile-montjean-sur-Loire Coté jardin Façade extérieur chambre d'hôtes Castelmagnolia façade Manoir de l'Espérance à Corsept Chambres d'hôtes A la Birochère

Starting from 865€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hôtel Le Continental Entrée hôtel la toile à beurre à Ancenis façade Manoir de l'Espérance à Corsept

Starting from 965€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.


Quote on request | Contact us

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 6 nights in a Twin ou Double room
  • 6 breakfasts
  • 2 dinners
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Taxes
  • The trip itineraries available on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Topo maps
    • Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"

    Homemade and fully tested itineraries
    • Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
    • Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
    • A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
    • A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     


    You can also

     

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


    Trekking bike

    A layed out and dynamic position

    Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    Vélo Abicyclette Voyages

    Touring bike

    An upright and easy going position

    Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Transmission Shimano 24 to 30 speeds.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    Vélo Rando Abicyclette Voyages

    Ebike

    With an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy!

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 back bag 20L (waterproof)
    • 1 front bag 4L with plastic map holder (waterproof)
    • 1 lock
    • 1 repair kit (patches, tube, tire lever)
    • 1 multi tools box
    • 1 pump
    • 1 bike computer
    • 1 bike water bottle
    EBIKE VELO DE VILLE

    Children Bike

    Recommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :

    • 16 inches from 105cm to 120cm (or 6 to 7 years old)
    • 20 inches from 120cm to 135cm (or 7 to 10 years old)
    • 24 inches from 135cm to 145cm (or 10 to 12 years old)
    • SPORT XS bike (adult frame) from 145cm to 155cm (from age 10)

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet
    • 1 inner tube
    • 1 bike water bottle
    Vélo enfant 24 pouces pour vacances à vélo

    Bike trailer

    Thule Chariot Cross 2
    Children’s trailers can only be rented for installation on one of our bikes.
    We do not provide this service on any other bike. There is too much risk of incompatibility and breakage.
    Por one or 2 children.
    Max child trailer load: 45kg.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 helmet (or 2 if 2 kids)
    • 1 inner tube
    • 1 bike water bottle (or 2)
    • Accessories on request: baby hammock. A padded hammock that supports baby’s sides and offers maximum stability (1 to 10 months). Use only the newborn hammock for walking.

    Getting here

    Departure city : ANGERS

    Coming by car

    • at 2h from PARIS
    • at 3h45 from BORDEAUX
    • at 5h30 from LYON

    Parking*

    • Parking Gare Saint Laud 2 – ANGERS
    • Parking La Rochefoucauld – ANGERS
    • Parking Gare Saint Laud 2 – ANGERS
    • Place de la Rochefoucauld – ANGERS
    • Le parc du Ralliement – ANGERS

    Coming by train

    • Angers train station - 1h45 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Angers airport
    • Nantes airport

    Arrival city : PORNIC

    Coming by car

    • at 4h30 from PARIS
    • at 3h from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • Pornic train station - 4h30 from Paris
    • Nantes train station - 2h30 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • Nantes airport

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    How to get back to the starting point

    • By train from Pornic to Angers in 1h50
    • Return by car in 1h45 to your starting point
    • Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

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