Alongside Erdre river

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.

The route

Start: Nantes Tourisme, opposite the Château de Nantes.

• Short cycling outing, 12km in length, not signposted. Outbound along the Erdre’s west bank / returning via the east bank, shortening the trip’s overall length by taking the cycle track across the Erdre at the level of La Jonelière railway bridge
• Long cycling outing, 37km in length. Return journey Nantes > Sucé-sur-Erdre using the signposted La Vélodyssée cycle route, plus a potential alternative stretch, not signposted, to discover the Erdre’s riverbanks

Places at which to take special care

• Stretch strictly forbidden for bikes between La Grimaudière and La Gandonnière, as it’s a protected nature zone
• In the Domaine de la Desnerie, watch out for potholes

After Port-Barbe, there’s a slightly difficult climb (with an earth track and shallow steps).

Don't miss

• Nantes: Île Versailles (a garden-island); La Jonelière quays
• La Chapelle-sur-Erdre: the Domaine de La Desnerie, with woods; Port de la Grimaudière; the Erdre River at La Gandonnière
• Sucé-sur-Erdre: the port