This Loire à Vélo stage runs for some way right beside the Canal Latéral à la Loire, then moves onto a raised levée to reach Marseilles-lès-Aubigny. This charming port is a great spot to stock up on provisions, what with its shops, giving you a boost to continue cycling. This is a very easy stage, mainly along greenways.
Route
The route goes along the Canal Latéral à la Loire up to L’Aubray, then you shift to the raised levée up to Marseilles-lès-Aubigny.
Gradients and elevation
Ascents: 5m
Descents: 5m
Lowest point: 164m
Highest point: 175m
Slope breakdown
0.51km gentle descent (-5% to -1%)
14km flat (-1% to 2%)
Road types
9km (60%) of cycle paths
6km (40%) of shared roads
- Cycle path
- Routes reserved for cyclists and pedestrians (greenways, cycle tracks, towpaths), separated from cars for maximum safety.
- Shared road
- Quiet minor roads with little traffic (unless otherwise stated in the stage details). Shared with cars (stay alert).
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
- Provisional
- Section on a road or cycle path awaiting better-quality facilities (see stage details).
Surface
15km (100%) of smooth surface
- Smooth
- Asphalt, tarmac or smooth concrete. Optimal comfort.
- Rough
- Fine gravel, compacted stabilised surface or worn tarmac. Less comfortable, vibrations possible.
- Natural
- Dirt, grass, roots or stones. Under 5%: short sections with little impact. Higher percentage: route suited to mountain or gravel bikes only.
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
Not to be missed on this route
Le Bec d'Allier, overlooking the confluence between Loire and Allier
À deux tours de roue du départ officiel de La Loire à Vélo, le bec d’Allier est à juste titre considéré comme un des plus fabuleux sites de confluence. Du pont canal du Guétin, il est facile de se rendre par le canal latéral à la Loire à Marzy, pour embrasser du coteau le partage des eaux entre Loire et Allier.
Don’t miss
Marseilles-lès-Aubigny: its river port
La Charité-sur-Loire: an enchanting old town with an historic bridge over the Loire; the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; numerous literary festivals; the bookshops quarter; the museum.
Market
La Charité-sur-Loire : Saturday morning
