Beaugency / Muides-sur-Loire

The contrast between the picturesque old Loire-side villages and the electricity power station at St-Laurent-des-Eaux shows how important the Loire has been for so many human activities, past and present. A lovely cycle path runs beside the river from Tavers to Avaray, offering a flat, easy stretch as you approach the Pays des Châteaux tourist area with its famed castles around Chambord and Blois.

Route

The route alternates between sections of greenway and shared roads, often going along the raised Loire-side levée. From Muides Bridge, there’s a link to the train station at Mer. It’s worth taking the short detour to see the old village of Tavers.

Don’t miss

Beaugency: with beautiful historic streets and monuments, including the major Notre-Dame Abbey and the Château Dunois, plus a stunning medieval bridge across the Loire

Tavers: a lovely tranquil village; neolithic dolmens
Lestiou: a pretty washhouse
Avaray: for château and church.

Markets

• Beaugency : Saturday all day
• Mer : Thursday afternoon