This Loire à Vélo stage from Candes-St-Martin to Saumur takes you from Touraine into the famous neighbouring county of Anjou, offering a wealth of discoveries, alternating between wine and subterranean (or troglodyte) sights. Either stick to greenways down by the Loire, or choose the higher, more demanding route on small country roads, through vine-covered slopes, ending with a dramatic arrival at Saumur Castle.
Route
At Montsoreau, families are advised to take the option that sticks mostly to the side of the Loire. Note though that even on this route there are some fairly substantial slopes, between Turquant and Parnay, in an area famed for its troglodyte sights.
Alternatives and Links
You can take the alternative route through vine-covered slopes to arrive in Saumur via the heights above the Loire, beside the Château de Saumur.
At Montsoreau, there’s a 6 km link via quiet country roads to reach the famed Abbey of Fontevraud.
Gradients and elevation
Slope breakdown
Road types
- 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
- 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.
Don’t miss
Montsoreau: with its Renaissance château perched right above the Loire, with tours and events; the subterranean mushroom farm of Le Saut aux Loups
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.
Turquant: the troglodyte sights of La Grande Vignolle and of Les Pommes Tapées (making traditional dried apples); artistic mosaic-maker; Musée du Casse-tête (on brain-teasing puzzles); La Herpinière windmill; plus a stopping place especially geared to cyclists
Saumur: one of the most remarkable historic towns along the Loire Valley; its château dominating the Loire; splendid old churches and houses; glorious horse-riding traditions; magnificent wine houses; numerous exhibitions and events year-round.
Markets
- Montsoreau : Sunday morning
- Fontevraud-l’Abbaye : Wednesday morning
- Turquant : Sunday morning
- Saumur : Saturday
