The Loire Valley cycle route #4 from Angers to Pornic
Stroll along the Loire à vélo from Angers to Pornic.
© Aurélie Stapf - La Vélodyssée
© Aurélie Stapf - La Vélodyssée
© Sébastien Rambour - Abicyclette Voyages
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!
Easy or 
Leisure From ANGERS to MONTJEAN-SUR-LOIRE 36km 81m 
You leave Angers along the banks of the Maine. The start of the stage is peaceful, through a park by the river. It’s pleasant to stop off on the quays at Bouchemaine for a picnic on the banks of the Loire. A little further on, the Loire à Vélo itinerary allows you to contemplate the prestigious wine-growing hillsides of Savennières. Here, the wild river is followed as closely as possible, and a detour to the island of Béhuard is a must, before crossing to the island of Chalonnes. At the end of the stage, the perched village of Montjean sur Loire welcomes you.
From MONTJEAN-SUR-LOIRE to ANCENIS 30km 84m
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.
From ANCENIS to NANTES 44km 124m
You enter the Lower Loire region, where the maritime influence begins to shape the landscape. The scenery alternates between Loire islands, Muscadet vineyards, and fertile market gardens. Following a shaded, safe, and easy greenway, you make your way toward Nantes, a city rich in heritage and named European Green Capital in 2013.
Before reaching the city center, take a detour to the Île de Nantes to admire the spectacular Machines, giant mechanical creatures that bring this evolving district to life.
From NANTES to CORSEPT 53km 180m
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.
From CORSEPT to PORNIC 45km 273m
Today, you head toward the ocean. This coastal route takes you through diverse maritime landscapes, from wide sandy beaches to hidden coves and pine forests. Passing through Saint-Brévin-les-Pins and Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, you enjoy a refreshing ride, carried by the salty breeze and the sound of the waves.
As you approach Pornic, the terrain becomes more rugged, revealing scenic cliffs and crystal-clear coves. The arrival in this charming seaside town is smooth, with its lively harbor, picturesque streets, and the perfect opportunity for a gourmet break by the sea.
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.
Starting from 905€/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.
Starting from 1010€/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
- 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
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- 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.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
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.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking bikeA layed out and dynamic position Mixed aluminium frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Drivetrain Shimano 11 to 30 speeds (single, double or triple crankset). Supplied equipment per bike
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Touring bikeAn upright and easy going position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Shimano 11 to 30 speed transmission (single, double or triple crankset depending on the model). Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
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Children BikeRecommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :
Supplied equipment per bike
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Bike trailerThule Chariot Cross 2 Supplied equipment per bike
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Gravel BikeA versatile bike brimming with qualities: maneuverability, lightness, versatility, elegance. Aluminum frame, carbon fork and steerer tube, Shimano GRX 400 derailleur, double chainrings, 11 speeds. Hydraulics disc brakes. Luggage-rack (not in photo) Weight: 10.50 kg Supplied equipment per bike
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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
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 7 days and 6 nights
Level Easy ou Leisure
Departure date From March 15th to October 31st
Destination Atlantic Coast
EuroVelo 6
Loire Valley
Themes Greenways & Canals
Sea & Ocean
Electric bike trips
Fine wine & Dining
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Fit
ANGERS
Arrival on your own and check in to your hotel.
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.