Boucle à vélo de Montjean-sur-Loire à Chalonnes-sur-Loire en passant sur l'île de Chalonnes

Discover the Loire by bike from Montjean-sur-Loire via the island of Chalonnes.

Discover an 18km cycling loop between Montjean-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, passing through the island of Chalonnes, the largest river island in Europe.

Montjean-sur-Loire, on the left bank of the Loire, welcomes you with its rich Loire heritage. Admire the lime kilns, impressive industrial remains, and the headframe of the puits de la Tranchée, listed as a Historic Monument in 2004.

Take the Trottier footbridge, built in 1979, the perfect vantage point from which to take your best shots of the Loire, on your way to the Ile de Chalonnes.

This island then invites you to take a peaceful stroll through the heart of a lively and changing natural environment: between arms of the Loire, wet meadows and farming hamlets. Renowned for its hemp and tobacco cultivation, the island is now home to maize, sunflowers, asparagus and melons. You might even spot herons, storks or beavers in this wild setting as the seasons change.
Numerous hamlets dot the island, dotting the landscape and home to almost 300 inhabitants, proud of their identity.

In Chalonnes-sur-Loire: stroll along the quays to admire the Loire, whose perimeter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Discover the built heritage of Chalonnes-sur-Loire on the Discovery Trail: the Church of Saint-Maurille and the stained glass windows by Pierre Mabille, the Malpavés, the bargemen's houses...

Finally, continue your itinerary along the north bank of the Loire to Montjean-sur-Loire and complete your cycling tour.

This is a loop that's accessible to all, with very little change in altitude, perfect for a half-day or full-day ride with a lunch break in a guinguette!