A fun summer activity: see the Loire by bike
While the Tour de France doesn’t cut through the Loire Valley, cyclists shouldn’t overlook the appeal of the region as a destination to explore by bike. With stunning landscapes, historic chateaux and numerous wineries, a cycling trip through the Loire Valley includes the best that France has to offer in one small region: history, culture, beauty and, of course, great food and wine.
Loire à Velo is a program that was started in the 1990s to develop a network of bike trails throughout the region. Over 600km of a planned total of 800km have already been carved out, the majority of which runs along the Loire River. Despite this investment in development, for the most part the trails are still blissfully quiet and a fun, unique way to see what the Loire has to offer.
On the Loire à Velo website, you can research suggested itineraries and find locations to rent bikes. With various locations around the Loire Valley, it’s possible to pick up a bike in one city and return it in another, allowing you to visit as much of the region as possible. What’s more, many bike rental companies will handle luggage transfer to each of your accommodations, so you don’t have to carry a week’s worth of clothes on your back (which allows more room to tote around wine purchases!).
Whether in the Loire or closer to home, what could be more rewarding than a glass of a crisp, refreshing Loire Valley wine after a day of summer cycling?