Loire Valley - Angers to Le Croisic

Day 1: Arrival in Angers
Day 2: Angers – Le Mesnil-en-Vallée or Ancenis, 26 or 42 mi (42 or 67 km)
Day 3: Le Mesnil-en-Vallée or Ancenis – Nantes, 25 or 40 mi (40 or 64 km)
Day 4: Nantes – Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, 40 mi (65 km)
Day 5: Saint-Brévin – Le Croisic + Bus transfer, 35 mi (57 km)
Day 6: Le Croisic or Excursion to Le Pouliguen & La Baule, 34 mi (55 km)
Day 7: Departure from Le Croisic

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Arrival in Angers
Welcome to Angers, a charming riverside city in the heart of the historic Anjou region. After checking into your hotel, take a stroll through its cobbled streets, lined with half-timbered houses and lively squares. Be sure to visit the Château d’Angers, a massive fortress with 17 round towers built from black slate and white limestone. Inside, discover the Apocalypse Tapestry, a 14th-century masterpiece and the largest medieval tapestry in the world, stretching over 100 meters in length. This UNESCO-protected artwork vividly illustrates the Book of Revelation and is a true jewel of medieval art. As the sun sets, enjoy a glass of local wine on a terrace in Place du Ralliement, soaking in the relaxed energy of this cultural hub.

Day 2: Angers – Le Mesnil-en-Vallée or Ancenis, 26 or 42 mi (42 or 67 km)
Begin your journey through the heart of the Anjou vineyards, including the Coteaux de la Loire and Coteaux de l'Aubance. Make a stop in Savennières, renowned for its exceptional dry white wines. Continue your ride onto the Île de Chalonnes, the largest inhabited river island in Europe, before reaching the village of Saint-Florent-le-Vieil or the riverside town of Ancenis.

Elevation: +245m / +325m

Day 3: Le Mesnil-en-Vallée or Ancenis – Nantes, 25 or 40 mi (40 or 64 km)
Follow the Loire’s riverbanks through peaceful natural landscapes, home to abundant birds and wildlife. Enjoy scenic cycling to Champtoceaux, a site overlooking the valley and marking the historical border between Anjou and Brittany. Continue on to Nantes, a vibrant and artistic city with pedestrian streets, historic architecture, and lively riverfront areas to explore.

Elevation: +95m / +125m

Day 4: Nantes – Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, 40 mi (65 km)
Leave Nantes by crossing the river on a small ferry and follow the Loire à Vélo paths towards the Atlantic. Ride along canals, marshlands, and quiet countryside before reaching the river’s estuary at Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. This seaside resort offers wide sandy beaches, pine forests, and dunes, the perfect place to unwind after a day of cycling.

Elevation: +230m

Day 5: Saint-Brévin – Le Croisic + Bus transfer, 35 mi (57 km)
Start with a short bus transfer to safely cross the Saint-Nazaire Bridge. From there, cycle through the salt marshes of Guérande, a beautifully preserved medieval town surrounded by ramparts and rich in history. Continue along the dramatic wild coastline before arriving in Le Croisic, a picturesque fishing port and charming coastal village.

 Elevation: +180m

Day 6: Le Croisic or Excursion to Le Pouliguen & La Baule, 34 mi (55 km)
Enjoy the day at leisure in Le Croisic, exploring its coves, fishing harbor, beaches, and rugged coastline. Alternatively, cycle to the nearby seaside town of Le Pouliguen and continue towards the famous bay of La Baule–Pornichet, one of the largest in Europe. Pass elegant villas nestled among pine trees and enjoy a relaxing coastal atmosphere.

Elevation: +185m

Day 7: Departure from Le Croisic
If  you are looking for a longer journey, it is possible to combine this tour with our other Loire Valley Tours: Loire Valley: Tours to Angers and Loire Valley: Orléans to Tours. Please contact us for details.

• Tours to Angers route includes Villandry with its famous gardens, a Renaissance château in Azay Le Rideau, the 15th château in Langeais, the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ château in Ussé, the abbey of Fontevraud, the vineyards of Anjou, and the château in Angers.
• The Orléans to Tours Loire Valley bike tour includes the historic town of Orléans, the flowered city of Beaugency, the Château of Chambord, the Château of Blois, the Château of Chaumont, and ‘Clos Luce’.

If you’re looking for a different flavor altogether, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.

Accommodations

Choose one of the following categories:
Standard category: 2 and 3 star
Superior category: 3 and 4 star

Bicycles

Standard Bike

Scott Sub Sport 20 women's or men's bike

• E-SUB Alloy frame
• Flat handlebar
• Water bottle cage
• 27 speed (Shimano Alivio or Altus)
• Flat pedal
• Shimano disc brakes
• Racktime with spring
• Front / Rear Axa Blue Line Lights

E-Bike

Moustache E-bike

Bosch motor and 400 Wh battery (approx. 100 km range)
Ergonomic Moustache handlebar
Royal Wave or Royal Hertz saddle

• Frame: Aluminium open frame (suitable for all heights)
• Gears: Shimano 9-speed derailleur with freewheel
• Brakes: Disc brakes
• Tyres: 27.5″ extremely puncture-resistant with Schrader valves
• Included accessories: 1 rear pannier, 1 front pannier with map holder, 1 repair kit, 1 smartphone holder, 1 lock
• Helmet: Not provided

Accessories

Included accessories

• Counter (one per booking)
• One bottle (100% recyclable)
• Repair kit and life/visibility jacket
• Pump
• Lock
• Front pannier with map holder
• Rear rack and pannier (2 panniers on e-bike)
• Smartphone holder

Supplemental accessories

• Child trailer (up to 5 years old)
  • Maximum weight: 37kg
  • Steel structure
  • 2 seats with a security system
  • Wheels: 20" quick release
  • Waterproof polyester hood
  • Anti-insect net
  • Storage at the back
  • Repair kit
• 'Follow-me' tandem (5 to 8 years old)
  • Lock and life jacket