Bouchemaine / Chalonnes-sur-Loire
Start at La Pointe, in a tremendous setting in the heart of Anjou, where the Maine River joins the Loire. A bit west, this magical Loire à Vélo stage allows you glimpses of the prestigious vine-covered slopes of Savennières. You follow the wild Loire closely here. Don’t miss Béhuard Island before going on to cross Chalonnes’s island.
Route
At Bouchemaine, the official route takes you up the slope through the upper village before rejoining the Loire.
As an alternative, follow the path right beside the river up to the Maine’s confluence with the Loire. Then a track goes alongside the railway beside the Loire up to the village of Savennières. This is a very beautiful, wild stretch without slopes.
At Savennières, from the church, you take quiet roads and tracks up to La Possonnière. Then follow the D 210 road on the raised Loire levée up to the bridges on the D 961 road. These bridges have cycle tracks to allow you to cross easily to the south side of the Loire at Chalonnes-sur-Loire.
Link
Don’t miss the detour you can take to explore Béhuard Island.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Not to be missed on this route
Ile Béhuard, an island on the Loire
Don’t miss
Bouchemaine: just southwest of Angers, at the confluence of the Maine and Loire rivers, with one of the most spectacular river views in the Loire Valley; elegant quay-side houses; the old fishermen’s and mariners’ quarter of La Pointe, with little restaurants.
La Pierre Bécherelle: just downstream from Bouchelaine, a former toll on the Loire
Savennières: a wealthy village, filled with wall-surrounded wine estates producing prestigious white wines
île Béhuard: a Loire island with charming village that has been a place of pilgrimage since ancient times.
Market
- Chalonnes-sur-Loire: Tuesday ans Saturday morning
