Saumur / St-Rémy-la-Varenne
On this Loire à Vélo stage, enjoy some of the most spectacular, luminous stretches along the Loire. The route hugs the south bank of the river, allowing you to appreciate close-up remarkable buildings made in the gorgeous local tufa limestone, including the major church at Cunault and St-Maur Abbey. All told, a magical but easy stage.
Route
West of Saumur, the route meanders through the adjoining town of St-Hilaire-St-Florent, mainly using roads you share with motorized traffic, but with short stretches on greenways too. Follow the signposts carefully and avoid rush hours on the D 751 road (see the alternative route).
Alternatives and links
There is an alternative route beside a wilder section of the Loire between Saumur and Les Rosiers-sur-Loire.
A link leads from St-Hilaire-St-Florent up to the famed Cadre Noir’s National Riding School.
For those cycling up the Loire, there is a further alternative route taking you via small roads along the slopes, avoiding the main D 751 route.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Not to be missed on this route
Cyclists on the banks of the Loire in Le Thoureil
Don’t miss
Saumur: one of the most remarkable historic towns along the Loire Valley; château dominating the Loire; splendid old churches and houses; glorious horse-riding traditions; magnificent wine houses; numerous exhibitions and events year-round
St-Hilaire-St-Florent: home to the famed Cadre Noir riders who train at the École Nationale d’Équitation (National Riding School); subterranean wonders to visit, including magnificent wine cellars offering tours
Trèves: with a remarkable Romanesque church and the remnants of a 15th-century fortified castle
Cunault: magnificent priory church
Gennes: Gallo-Roman vestiges
Le Thoureil: a charming riverside village with its port for traditional Loire boats
St-Maur: with an historic Benedictine abbey rebuilt in the 19th century (in private hands)
St-Rémy-la-Varenne: for its historic Benedictine priory; boat trips possible on board the Loire de Lumière.
Les Rosiers-sur-Loire: it’s worth crossing the bridge over the Loire to explore this lively riverside village.
Markets
- Saumur: Saturday
- Cunault: Sunday morning
