Chalonnes-sur-Loire / St-Florent-le-Vieil
This Loire à Vélo stage in Anjou crosses the startling island of Chalonnes, one of the largest on the Loire. Nearby, along the south bank, are the celebrated Coteaux du Layon vineyards, then the pretty perched villages of Montjean-sur-Loire and St-Florent-le-Vieil. The route is along quiet roads, cyclists able to make the most of the raised Loire-side levées and views across the islands.
Route
On the Ile de Chalonnes, on quiet roads through these historic parts. From Montjean-sur-Loire, the route goes on levées used by very few cars. From Ingrandes to St-Florent the D 210 road does have quite a lot of traffic.
Link
At Ingrandes, cross the bridge onto the north bank of the Loire to reach the village with its train stop.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Don’t miss
Île de Chalonnes: one of the largest islands on the Loire, inhabited by man since prehistoric times. Typical Loire dwellings to admire.
Chalonnes-sur-Loire: the remarkable Château de Candais; St Pierre Tower
Montjean-sur-Loire: it’s worth the very steep climb up to the village to admire the glorious panorama across the Loire Valley; try a boat trip out on the Loire – choose from La Ligériade II, La Montjeannaise or Le Balbuzard
Ingrandes: once an important port on the Loire, with toll, but known for its salt smuggling to avoid the gabelle, or salt tax
St-Florent-le-Vieil: in former times, with a gabelle (salt tax) toll; Mont Glonne abbey church, with tremendous views down on the Loire from its terrace; museum of local history and of the anti-Republican Revolutionary Guerres de Vendée
Markets
- Chalonnes-sur-Loire: Tuesday and Saturday morning
- Montjean-sur-Loire: Thursday morning
- Ingrandes: Friday morning
- St-Florent-le-Vieil: Friday afternoon
