ESCAPES

      THE LOIRE BY BIKE FROM CHATEAUNEUF TO GIEN  

Hiking and walking are among the French people’s favourite leisure activities and what could be more great that cycling the Loire by Bike from Chateauneuf

Sur Loire to Gien in Loiret department along the way discover unique places framed by majestic landscapes and complemented by a rich and varied heritage

that bears witness to our history.

Crossing four territories Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Centre-Val de Loire, and Pays de la Loire respectively the Loire River whose source rises at an altitude of 1404 meters flows through the southern slope of Mont

Gerbier De Jonc located in the Ardèche department extends over more than 1006 kilometers while very harmoniously

crossing the 4 regions concerned before reaching the Atlantic Ocean in the estuary located to the west of the Pays De

La Loire region. The Loire, France's longest river, is complemented by easily accessible natural areas and enhanced by places to visit accommodation and leisure activities, often offering visitors surprises at every turn which is pleasant to

discover during bike rides along its parths and other well-maintained and signposted cycle paths, ideal for the cycling enthusiasts are laid as part of 900 kilometers bike tours roads connecting Cuffy near Nevers in the Nièvre department

from the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region to the seaside resort of Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, located at the mouth of the

Loire estuary in Loire Atlantique. Explore and follow the Loire river by bicycle whether alone or with your family group

outings that delight young and old alike are a pure marvel because, in addition to this pleasant feeling of freedom, one can stop at any time to admire its gently undulating banks that line its course or discover an unusual place related to

the rich history of the river and its tributaries alongside the facilities offered along the road by the "Accueil Vélo" label

which can be found in hotels, bed and breakfasts rural gîtes or bike rent shops and the main advantage of cycling is its flexibility and mobility, and the practice of cycling, whether on roads or tracks, in these spaces that are as beautiful as they are unusual is well suited and constitute the best way to discover them by being close to their great nature.

Magical And Fairytale Colours

Blessed with radiant landscapes, where magical, fairytale colours emerge at sunrise, the Loire also boasts a beautifully preserved architectural heritage that bears witness to our history found throught the Loiret department in the Centre-Val de Loire region and visit places such as the towns of Chateauneuf Sur Loire and Gien or stop over its bridges as well

as in beautifully flower-filled villages and towns such as Saint Benoit Sur Loire, Sully Sur Loire and Saint Gondon which

which are a pleasure to explore as you wander their streets and lanes lined with typical local architecture often brightly

with coloured flowers . Sport and outdoor recreation are part of everyday life in this radiant region , alongside a lively cultural scene, with events throughout the year, and the chance to discover local traditions, particularly wine-making

showcased along the roads and you can also discover and buy crafts made using traditional skills by local artisans, as well as delicious regional produce. Another delightful feature of these places, which showcase the full diversity of our

local landscapes is the wealth and variety of its wildlife and flora. Look out for birds such as the Little Egret, Little Tern, Cormorant and Osprey as well as other animal species that were recorded and reintroduced in the 1970s including the famous European beavers. Exploring the Loiret department along the Loire river by Bike is a richly rewarding experience

offering the chance to discover places preserved in their original state where unique and welcoming places invite you to

stop and enjoy a while welcoming places where you can take a break , well-equipped rest stops made for relaxing and socialising accommodation or a pause between two walks complemented by natural spaces that never lose their appeal where culture, history, a way of life and harmonious landscapes come together.

Report : Gabriel PAGE

Photos credit : Gabriel PAGE / Getty Images

NATURE AND TRADITIONS

Rich in culture and history and blessed with radiant landscapes, discover the Loire by Bike by clicking the link to our website.