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- So, why did this route beat the rest of the world?
- 900 km sounds huge, but it doesn’t feel like a marathon
- The Loire Valley vibe, vineyards, the “Royal River”, and castles worth the detour
- The part nobody talks about enough, the route is built for cyclists
- Not doing the full 900 km? These sections make the most sense
Summary:
- Ranked #1 worldwide by Time Out
- About 900 km from Nevers to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins
- Passes through Orléans, Tours, Angers and Nantes
- Highlights include vineyards, calm river scenery and 22 castles
- Useful services are mentioned, including the Accueil Vélo label
- A regional train called “La Loire à Vélo” is described as cyclist-friendly
France has a habit of keeping its best travel experiences in plain sight. Loire à Vélo is a perfect example, a long, scenic route that follows one river across one of the country’s most admired regions.
The reason this route is getting attention now is simple, it combines strong scenery with a trip that stays manageable. Here’s what makes it worth the ride, and how to choose a section that fits your time and energy.
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So, why did this route beat the rest of the world?
It’s easy to roll your eyes when a ranking claims “the world’s best”. But in this case, the appeal is straightforward. Loire à Vélo isn’t famous because it’s extreme, it stands out because it’s pleasant, varied, and easy to enjoy.
Time Out highlights the kind of landscape many people picture when they dream of cycling in France, quiet river views, vineyards, gentle hills, and a trail that keeps pulling you toward the next town. The Loire Valley is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, which helps explain why the scenery rarely disappoints.
Then there are the castles. The article points to 22 “fairytale” châteaux along the route. Even if you don’t plan to stop at all of them, they’re part of what makes this ride feel different from any other.
900 km sounds huge, but it doesn’t feel like a marathon
Loire à Vélo runs for roughly 900 km, linking Nevers to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins on the Atlantic coast. Along the way, it passes through Orléans, Tours, Angers and Nantes, which is great news because it gives you plenty of easy entry points.
That flexibility changes everything. You’re not committing to “900 km or nothing”, you can ride one section, enjoy the best parts, then stop when you feel satisfied.
And that’s the smartest way to do it. The Loire Valley isn’t a place you rush through. It’s a region built for slow travel, and the best moments often happen between the big stops.
The Loire Valley vibe, vineyards, the “Royal River”, and castles worth the detour
The Loire is often called France’s “Royal River”, and cycling beside it gives the trip a very specific rhythm. The landscape stays open, the views stretch far, and the route constantly threads through towns shaped by the river.
Time Out also points to the classic Loire mix, food, wine, and soft countryside. You can feel it in the pace of the region, and in how naturally it lends itself to long lunches and relaxed afternoons.
And yes, the castles deliver. What makes them work on a cycling trip is how naturally they fit into your day. Ride in the morning, stop in the afternoon, explore without rushing, then roll into the next town before dinner. It stays simple, which is exactly the point.
The part nobody talks about enough, the route is built for cyclists
A scenic route is great, until it becomes inconvenient. Loire à Vélo avoids that problem with bike-friendly services that make travel smoother.
Time Out mentions the “Accueil Vélo” label, a way to spot cyclist-friendly hotels and services, with secure storage, garages and parking. It’s a small detail, but it can save you a lot of hassle.
The article also highlights a regional train called “La Loire à Vélo”, described as convenient for cyclists. This makes a one-way trip much easier to plan, and it gives you a backup plan if you need one.
Not doing the full 900 km? These sections make the most sense
If you’re short on time, or just not interested in a mega-long trip, the best move is to pick a slice that matches what you want from the Loire.
- Orléans to Tours
A strong first Loire ride, with classic river scenery and a smooth pace. - Tours to Angers
The Loire Valley mood at its best, with vineyards and castles along the way. - Angers to Nantes
A good blend of countryside and city energy, with Nantes as a practical endpoint. - Nantes to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins
The ocean finish, short, satisfying, and perfect if you want the Atlantic finale.
A simple rule works well here, start where transport is easiest, finish somewhere you’ll enjoy staying an extra night. That’s how the route stays fun.
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Loire à Vélo didn’t win attention because it’s the toughest ride on the planet. It won because it’s the kind of trip that feels good from day one, calm landscapes, real variety, and a route that stays practical.
If you’re looking for a cycling trip through France without the pressure of performance, this might be one of the smartest choices you can make. Scenic, flexible, and genuinely enjoyable.
