Nantes by bike

Making use of the Vélodyssée cycle route, this cycling trip allows you to escape Nantes, benefiting from the peaceful Erdre River on a day out, perhaps with the family, riding as far as the river port of Sucé-sur-Erdre. In summer, at La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, make the most of a stop at the site of La Gandonnière, laid out by architectural practice Fichtre, to enjoy a drink or meal looking over the river.

A cycling trip as far as Bouaye might remind nostalgic Nantais locals of the novelty of French workers’ iconic pre-war cycling outings when they were first given paid holidays. The unmissable umbrella pine lording it over the vines marks your arrival at Bouaye. The Maison Guerlain, a unique space dedicated to the discovery of one of Europe’s most beautiful wetlands, stands peacefully beside Grand-Lieu Lake. This all makes for a lovely journey of discovery not far from Nantes.

A perfect cycling outing for discovering the Loire’s banks, offering unbroken, unbeatable views of the great river. This scenic waterside trail is bathed in light and allows you to make the most of both riverbanks thanks to the layout of the Loire à Vélo cycle route. Tackle this outing with family or friends, enjoying a lovely stop at the summer waterside outdoor restaurants, or guinguettes, at Saint-Luce-sur-Loire (La Sablière) or Mauves-sur-Loire (Mauves Balnéaire). Return to town along the Levée de la Divatte.

From Nantes, just follow the Loire à Vélo cycle route due west to seek out contemporary art creations that form part of the Estuaire trail, with installations dotted along the Loire’s banks. From a lunar tree to an outsized sea serpent, you’re in for a few surprises. Crossing the Loire via the little Bac d’Indre ferry is another delight. The south bank reveals further surprises to cyclists keen on an otherworldly adventure, with strange creatures, a giant clock and luminous rings to spot… Welcome on a trip mixing cycling with art!

From Nantes, this cycling trip leads you along the Loire’s north bank to explore Audubon Marsh. Atop the chimney-villa at Cordemais, the wide-angle panorama you can get over the Loire Estuary is memorable. A lovely cycle path takes you via reedbeds and creeks, past birds dear to the creator of the book Birds of America, naturalist and painter John James Audubon. The possibility of extending this outing as far as the port of St-Nazaire is under consideration.

The many contemporary art installations along the route act as so many beacons: Le Pendule (The Clock), The Settlers, the Château du Pé artists’ rooms, Misconceivable, the Jardin étoilé (Starry Garden), plus, arriving at Mindin Point, an ocean serpent… this cycling outing leads you rapidly into a fantastical world. This is a fine cycling trip for encouraging the imaginations of all members of the family!

Leading you southeast from Nantes via the Coulée Verte de la Sèvre Nantaise, here’s a classic family cycling outing. The track is being redone, encouraging you all the more to ride to Vertou or La Chaussée des Moines. You can extend your trip as far as Clisson, also exploring the charming wine villages of Le Pé de Sèvre and Port Domino, learning the secrets behind Melon de Bourgogne (in fact a grape variety now called just Melon or Melon B) and sampling Muscadet, the area’s emblematic wine. Arriving at Clisson, nestled in its corner of the French county of Loire-Atlantique, the look turns distinctly Tuscan! Learn about the reasons behind this welcoming Italianate town by visiting the elegant museum and gardens of the Domaine de la Garenne Lemot.

Start at La Nef des Machines (home to Nantes’s famed giant mechanical elephant and more), in the northwest corner of the Ile de Nantes, a large island in the Loire in the centre of the city. This tour allows you to explore two branches of the great river. You’ll see how here it’s partly urban, partly countrified, riding on a circular route that can be affected by the tide. Enjoy views across Nantes and its surrounds, getting a feel for the lively city. If tackling the way as the sun is going down, you may catch a breathtaking sunset along the Loire Estuary. If you have time, book a visit to the Machines de l’île!

A cycling outing that takes the form of an urban tourist trail, immersing you in the town, leading you to discover startling corners of the historic city of the Breton dukes. You won’t want to miss anything along the trail’s green line: the cultural stops; the major monuments; the works of art; and the distinctive elements of the destination that is Voyage à Nantes. This outing offers an original way of spending a fine day in town, with, as a bonus, a mini-cruise on the Navibus along the Loire.