Loire by Bike in brief
Loire by Bike is a 900 km signposted route from Cuffy (Nièvre) to Saint-Brevin (Loire-Atlantique). Part of EuroVelo 6 (Nantes to the Black Sea). 95% of the route is on separated cycle path or very low-traffic roads. Elevation is virtually nil — accessible to all, from families with kids to beginner cyclists. Stages cross the finest Loire landscapes: châteaux, vineyards, villages, sandbanks.
Essential stages in Loiret and Loir-et-Cher
Orléans → Meung-sur-Loire (18 km): easy stage, continuous cycle path, through Olivet. Meung → Beaugency (10 km): very short, ideal for a half-day. Beaugency → Mer (17 km): Loire panoramas, Pays de Loire prairies. Mer → Blois (20 km): royal approach, château visible from the other bank. Blois → Chaumont-sur-Loire (18 km): vineyard AOC. Total Orléans-Blois: 83 km over 4-5 leisurely days.
Loop itineraries from Meung-sur-Loire
Rather than chaining stages, you can base yourself at Meung-sur-Loire and ride day loops. Loop 1 (easy): Meung → Beaugency → Meung, 20 km, 2h. Loop 2 (intermediate): Meung → Orléans → return by train, 18 km. Loop 3 (intermediate+): Meung → Talcy → Suèvres → Meung, 45 km, 4h. Loop 4 (sporty): Meung → Blois (50 km, 4-5h), return by train. All TER trains accept bikes without reservation outside peak hours.
Bike rentals
Several "Accueil Vélo" partner rental shops cover the area. In Orléans: Détours de Loire, daily or weekly rental, hybrids and e-bikes. In Beaugency: Loiret Cycle. In Blois: Détours de Loire too. Rates: €15-20 per day for a hybrid, €30-35 for an e-bike. Helmet included. Reservation recommended in high season. Luggage transport service available if chaining stages (€10-15 per bag).
Gear and good practices
Essentials: helmet, water bottle, sunscreen, lock, repair kit, reflective vest. Waterproof bag or pannier. Breathable clothing in layers. In summer, leave early (before 9am) to avoid the heat. Hydrate every 30 minutes. Enjoy the bistros and bakeries along the way — the coffee-tart-aux-fraises break is one of the pleasures of Loire by Bike.
Cyclist-friendly accommodation
Look for the "Accueil Vélo" label — it guarantees: secured bike shelter, basic washing and repair station, sockets to charge e-bikes, flexible welcome (late arrivals), breakfast suited to a physical effort. La Maison du Château in Meung-sur-Loire has a secure inner courtyard for bikes, espresso in the morning, bakery 200 metres away for snacks.