La Loire à Vélo, de Champtoceaux à Liré "Entre boire et histoire"

Straddling the Anjou and Loire Atlantique regions, this 22km loop promises a great day out exploring the region by bike. Fill up on nature and leave happy like Ulysses who made a beautiful journey...

Here, the Loire reveals an unexpected side. Wilder and more rugged, it takes on an Armorican character. The steep sandstone and granite slopes overlook the river, offering spectacular views of the valley. As you follow this 22-kilometre loop, let yourself be carried away by a succession of remarkable landscapes, charming villages and heritage sites that tell the whole story of the Loire.

From the heights of Champtoceaux to the quays of Ancenis, via the narrow streets of Oudon or the peaceful boatmen’s village of La Patache, each stage invites you to slow down, take in the views and enjoy the gentle charm of the Loire. Combining heritage, nature and the art of living, this ride is the perfect break to discover the Loire in a different light.

Practical information

This 22 km loop is fully signposted:

In Loire-Atlantique: red dot signpost no. 16.
In Anjou: the ‘La Loire à Vélo’ route, between Le Fourneau and Champtoceaux.

Around 70 per cent of the route follows shared-use paths, mainly on quiet country lanes. However, a few sections require particular caution, especially when crossing bridges, particularly the Ancenis bridge.

Route breakdown

Ancenis → Champtoceaux: 10 km (marker no. 16)
Champtoceaux → Oudon: 3 km (marker no. 16)
Oudon → Ancenis: 9 km (La Loire à Vélo)
For a stress-free ride

Bike hire and repair services are available in the main towns along the loop. Free cycle service points and rest stops are also dotted along the route.

Highlights of your ride

Champtoceaux
An ancient medieval town perched nearly 70 metres above the Loire, Champtoceaux offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the river and its valley.

La Luce
Treat yourself to a break on the water with a boat trip to admire the Loire landscapes from a different angle.

La Patache
This small village of riverboatmen, nestled on the banks of the river, bears witness to the Loire’s rich river heritage.

Liré
The birthplace of Joachim du Bellay, Liré invites you to explore the ruins of its castle and the museum dedicated to the famous Renaissance poet.

Ancenis
A lively town on the Loire, Ancenis charms visitors with its castle, shops, outdoor cafés and Thursday morning market.

Oudon
Dominated by its imposing medieval tower, this ‘Petite Cité de Caractère®’ is an unmissable stop-off combining heritage and the landscapes of the Loire.