Rigny-Ussé / Candes-St-Martin

This Loire à Vélo stage is marked by atmospheric islands in the Loire colonized by birds. At the Indre River’s confluence with the Loire, the setting is unspoilt. Further west, enjoy one of the most magnificent panoramas on the Loire à Vélo and Eurovelo 6 routes from gorgeous Candes-St-Martin, looking onto the confluence of Vienne and Loire rivers. This stage is easy, alternating between greenways and quiet country roads.

Route

The portion on the D 16 road takes you along a stretch of raised Loire levée. Be careful on the rough surface between L’Ile St-Martin and Néman. Take care crossing the bridge to Candes-St-Martin, and going down to that village’s Loire quays.

Alternative route

To reach the historic courtly town of Chinon, there’s a well-signposted but hilly route suitable for experienced cyclists. You cross through beautiful vineyards arriving near Chinon.

Don’t miss

Rigny-Ussé : an historic village with a magical château said to have inspired the famed French fairytale, Sleeping Beauty
Savigny-en-Véron: for its Ecomusée du Véron in a converted farm, with exhibitions and events based around the local heritage and environment
Candes-St-Martin: a stunning village (a member of the association, Les Plus Beaux Villages de France) with an exceptional pilgrimage church and magnificent panoramas onto the confluence of the Vienne and Loire rivers
Fontevraud Royal Abbey: 6 km from Candes-St-Martin, an exceptionally extensive and well-preserved religious ensemble, its main church the resting place of several Anglo-French Plantagenet royals, including King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart; major exhibitions and events held year-round; a must-see sight on the Loire à Vélo route.

Markets

• Avoine : Friday morning
• Montsoreau : Sunday morning
• Fontevraud-l’Abbaye : Wednesday morning