Briare / Gien

The Briare canal-bridge is the highlight on this Loire à Vélo stage. The route then continues via hilly little roads to the town of Gien, renowned far and wide for its pottery. See how its haughty castle stands aloof above the town as you approach Gien via the Loire’s south bank. On this stage, several stretches are on roads with slopes.

Route

From Briare, cross the canal-bridge south. Take care crossing the D 951 road; go straight over, taking the track the other side. Prepare for the slope before Beauregard. Then take small roads and laid-out tracks from St-Brisson-sur-Loire to St-Martin-sur-Ocre. Be careful crossing the Californie Round-about before entering Gien’s suburbs.

Don’t miss

Briare : its famed canal-bridge designed by Eiffel; its lively, appealing marina; the Musée des Deux Marines and Musée du Pont-Canal, dedicated to waterways; the Musée de la Mosaïque et des Emaux, plus the mosaics of St Etienne Church; the Château de Trousse-Barrière
St-Brisson-sur-Loire: its château, with displays of medieval war machines; the priory
Gien : its historic stone bridge; its grand brick château, housing a fine hunting museum; the Gien pottery

Markets

Briare : Friday morning, Sunday morning during summer
Gien : Wednesday and Saturday morning