The Loire by bike from Angers

Angers is one of the stopovers on the Loire à Vélo, the 900 km signposted cycle route between Cuffy, near Nevers, and Saint-Brevin-les-Pins on the Atlantic coast. It is the westernmost section of EuroVelo 6, the long-distance route that links the Atlantic to the Black Sea. The city is also on La Vélo Francette, which comes down from Normandy along the Mayenne and the Maine. The terrain is almost flat and there are plenty of greenways, so here is how to make the most of it from the city centre, from a two-hour ride to a full stage to Saumur or Nantes.

How Angers connects to the Loire à Vélo

Angers isn’t on the Loire itself but on the Maine, which flows into the river a few kilometres further south, at Bouchemaine. So the route makes a detour through the city.

Heading west, it leaves Angers on a greenway along the right bank of the Maine, almost free of cars, which runs past the Lac de Maine and reaches Bouchemaine after about 9 km. Heading east, two options lead to La Daguenière, about 16 km away: the Levée de la Belle Poule embankment beside the Loire at Les Ponts-de-Cé, or the site of the former slate quarries in Trélazé, followed by the Authion valley. A variant also links La Daguenière to Bouchemaine via Les Ponts-de-Cé, bypassing the city.

Our favourite day rides

Bouchemaine, Savennières and Béhuard

This is our favourite. Follow the Maine greenway to Bouchemaine and its quays, then on to La Pointe, the old fishermen’s and boatmen’s quarter, where the view opens onto the meeting of the Maine and the Loire. In Bouchemaine the official route climbs through the upper village; you can also stay by the water as far as La Pointe.

Then carry on along the Loire à Vélo: a path follows the railway line beside the river to Savennières, on a wild stretch with no climbs. The village, known for its white wines, is listed as a Petite Cité de Caractère, and the detour to the island village of Béhuard, a pilgrimage site since ancient times, is a must. Allow around 15 km from central Angers, so about 30 km there and back. The small stations at Savennières and La Possonnière let you come back by train, but services are infrequent, so check the timetable before you set off. For tastings along the way, see our guide to Anjou vineyards and wine cellars.

The Lac de Maine

For a short ride, or with children, the Lac de Maine is about 4 km from the centre along the banks of the Maine. This large lake, landscaped south-west of the city, is surrounded by paths for walks and picnics, with a watersports centre. An easy ride of one to two hours. See also our guide to Angers with kids.

The Boucle Angevine (39 km)

This signposted loop starts in central Angers and uses La Vélo Francette and the Loire à Vélo. It follows the Maine to Bouchemaine, runs along the Loire through Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Les Ponts-de-Cé and the Levée de la Belle Poule to La Daguenière, crosses the horticultural valley of the Authion on a hand-pulled ferry, then comes back through the slate-quarry park in Trélazé and its slate museum. The La Chevalerie ferry doesn’t run from mid-November to mid-March, so follow the signposted diversion then. For a shorter version of about 25 km, ride straight back from Les Ponts-de-Cé, about 7 km south of the centre.

Longer stages

To Saumur (about 60 km)

Heading east, the Loire à Vélo reaches La Daguenière, then crosses farmland reclaimed from the river by the embankments on the north bank as far as Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne. It then switches to the south bank all the way to Saumur, past fine tuffeau-stone buildings, including the priory church at Cunault and the former abbey of Saint-Maur. Allow one long day, or two easy ones. The way into Saumur through Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent passes close to the sparkling-wine cellars and the Cadre Noir riding school. Come back by train from Saumur.

To Nantes (about 105 km)

Heading west, after Savennières and Béhuard the route crosses the Île de Chalonnes, one of the largest islands in the Loire Valley, with views of the Layon hillsides and the hilltop villages of Montjean-sur-Loire and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, then continues to Champtoceaux and Nantes. Allow two to three days. Between Ingrandes and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil the road on the south bank can be busy, so families should take the signed alternative. Ancenis and Nantes both have stations for the trip back.

Coming back by train

On Aléop regional trains in the Pays de la Loire, booking a bike space is compulsory and charged from May to late September; the rest of the year, bikes board free and without a booking, subject to space. Folding bikes, or bikes taken apart and packed in a bag, travel without a booking. Check the current year’s rules on the TER Pays de la Loire website.

In season, the Loire à Vélo Train, which runs between Orléans and Nantes, and on to Le Croisic at weekends, offers extra bike spaces. It stops at Saumur, Angers and Ancenis, among others. Take your panniers off before boarding.

Within Angers, the Irigo network only allows bikes on the tram at certain off-peak times, and never on buses: check the times on its website.

Hiring a bike in Angers

In the warmer months, the tourist office’s bike concierge sets up on Place Kennedy, opposite the château (check its dates). It hires out standard and gravel bikes, and has secure bike storage and a pump station. The rest of the year, try the bike hire shops in town. The city’s free VéloCité bike loan scheme is for Angers residents only.

Safety and signage

• Follow the Loire à Vélo signs, which also carry the EuroVelo 6 logo; between Angers and Bouchemaine, La Vélo Francette signs follow the same route.
• In Angers, watch out for traffic and the tram tracks.
• Take care crossing bridges, especially at Bouchemaine and Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne.
• Some riverside paths are impassable when the river floods, especially in winter and spring.
• Helmets are compulsory for children under 12 in France, whether they are riding or being carried.

When to go

The Angers tourist office recommends March to November. Spring and September are our favourite seasons: mild weather, lovely light on the Loire and fewer people. In July and August, set off early to beat the heat.

Setting off from our flats

Our flats Le Cocon Angevin and Coup de cœur Angevin are in the very centre, within walking distance of the château, the bike concierge and Saint-Laud station. For the rest of your stay, see our guide to Angers in 2 days.