Loire Châteaux by Bike: Angers to Chinon
Cycle along the Loire from Angers to Chinon, past Renaissance châteaux, tuffeau vineyards and troglodyte villages.
Four days by bike between Angers and Chinon, through Anjou and the Touraine. The route links the Château d'Angers and its Apocalypse Tapestry, Brissac-Quincé (France's tallest château), Saumur and its cavalry school, the royal Fontevraud Abbey where Eleanor of Aquitaine rests, then medieval Chinon. It's a heritage tour on gentle paths along the Loire and the Vienne, among châteaux, vineyards (Saumur, Chinon) and tuffeau-stone villages. The terrain is generally flat, accessible to all. Reckon on 30 to 50 km a day. Spring and autumn avoid the heat and crowds; book "Accueil Vélo" lodgings and plan a tasting in a troglodyte cellar.
Practical info
- Stops
- 5
- Duration
- 4 days
- Transport
- 🚲 Bike
- Distance
- ≈ 70 km
- Best time
- Spring and autumn
Itinerary
- 1
Château d'Angers
Forteresse aux 17 tours, tapisserie de l'Apocalypse.
- 2
Brissac-Quincé
Le plus haut château de France, 7 étages et vignobles d'Aubance.
- 3
Saumur
Château surplombant la Loire, caves de Saumur-Champigny et Cadre Noir.
- 4
Abbaye de Fontevraud
Plus grande cité monastique d'Europe, gisants des Plantagenêts.
- 5
Chinon
Forteresse royale de Jeanne d'Arc, vieux bourg et vins rouges AOC.
