The Loire by Bike on gravel from Chinon to Orléans

On the gravel paths of the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is one of the destinations that offers the most activity and cultural and sporting diversity. And the gravel paths that cross vineyards and forests, skirt castles and estates, and run alongside rivers and tributaries of the Loire are a perfect example of this. They offer an exceptional playground for gravel biking.

Between Chinon and Orléans, the Loire Valley is ideal for gravel biking. The river flows in a gentle, almost intuitive curve that you can follow without ever feeling confined. In four long, steady stages, this journey invites you to discover the region in its entirety, at a pace that allows you to appreciate its nuances without interrupting the flow of the trip. This gravel trip is for seasoned cyclists, for whom distance is not an obstacle but a promise, and for whom traveling is above all a physical, mental, and sensory experience. There are no half measures here: each day covers around 90 to 100 kilometers, each route is designed to fully exploit the potential of gravel biking, and each pedal stroke is directly linked to the terrain.

From the very first kilometers after leaving Chinon, the tone is set. The terrain is never punishing, but it is constant, sometimes wearing you down over time, so you have to know how to conserve your strength. The succession of farm tracks, forest trails, riverside paths, and small secondary roads requires continuous, enjoyable effort. This trip is not just a geographical journey: it is a sporting immersion in a landscape shaped by the river and by history. The Loire and its tributaries define the route. You have to know how to pace yourself, accept that you may have to slow down slightly in order to pick up speed again, and work with the elements rather than against them. Gravel biking finds its ideal terrain here. Fast white roads alternate with more technical sections, where sand, roots, or loose gravel require a clean line and constant attention. The tires sing differently depending on the ground, and the drivetrain absorbs the changes in rhythm. You go from pure efficiency to control, from speed to precision. It is these variations that give the route its richness.

As you approach the towns along the Loire, Tours, Blois, Orléans, the route subtly changes character. The paths open up, the villages draw closer together, and the Loire reappears in all its glory. You naturally pass through the towns along the riverbanks, offering a breath of urban air. The old facades, lively squares, and terraces remind us that the Loire Valley is also a land of life and encounters. It’s a time to put down your bike, observe, and soak it all in. On the contrary, as you approach the castles, the route becomes more discreet, almost secret. The paths wind between forests and fields, running alongside rivers in a more subdued atmosphere. The Château de Chenonceau, set on the river, is one of the highlights of the trip. Its elegance and history, closely linked to the great female figures of the Renaissance, bring a strong cultural dimension to the route. The castles of Chambord and Cheverny are also on this gravel route. In addition to the castles, ancient caves and troglodytic constructions adorn the landscape of this trip.

The Loire Valley enjoys a solid reputation in France for its wines and gastronomy. Gravel offers a great opportunity to discover and enjoy this culture. The vineyards offer excellent dirt roads and allow you to meet the winegrowers to taste a few grapes or a few vintages, in moderation, before continuing on your way.

Throughout this journey, gravel is the ideal companion. It allows you to connect iconic places without giving up more secluded paths, to rack up the miles while staying connected to the terrain. Each day brings its share of sensations, discoveries, and moments suspended in time.

This journey between Chinon and Orléans is an invitation to explore the Loire Valley in a different way. Not just to fly over it, but to travel through it. When you stop your bike in Orléans, it’s not just a destination that has been reached, it’s the accomplishment of a successful adventure that promises many happy memories and a sense of pride.