On the final stage of the Régalante, you share the way with the Vélodyssée cycle route, following the Canal de Nantes à Brest. En route, discover further charming ports along the Erdre River and savour the cultural and gastronomic scenes around the metropolis of Nantes, also known by its name in the Breton language, Naoned. In the city centre, the imposing forms of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne contain a major museum recounting the history of this port with its links across the world, while further museums and art works are dotted around town, including many giant art installations displayed in the open. Nantes, for a time the capital of the Duchy of Brittany, today provides a particularly wonderful variety of aspects for enjoying relaxed city life and culture. And if you wish to continue on further touring by bike from here, you’re spoilt for choice, as the city stands at a junction of several major cycle routes: the Loire à Vélo, the Vélodyssée, and the Vélidéale… so, this really is an ideal place from which to head out on further cycling adventures!

As this Régalante stage runs close to a beautiful river, in hot weather cyclists will find it very refreshing. Plus, the major Lac de Vioreau reservoir is a good place to go for a swim if you’ve worked up a sweat. Another refreshing stop is Joué-sur-Erdre, on the banks of the Erdre and beside Vioreau Forest – the place has even been nicknamed “the little Canada of Loire-Atlantique county”, with shaded woods guaranteed! In fact, the Erdre River is never far off on this stage taking you via peaceful country roads. It’s a river that’s both natural, largely unspoilt and noble in looks, what with the extravagant little manors and châteaux (nicknamed ‘‘folies’’ here) dotted along its banks. Stop at Nort-Sur-Erdre to take in its marina and a country trail, the Circuit des Arcades, guiding you via aqueducts feeding the regional canal, as well as to make the most of the town’s many facilities. Next day, you can ride off for the big city of Nantes – or Naoned, as it’s known in the Breton language.

The Régalante cycle route certainly focuses a lot on medieval times in the Breton Marches. But 20th-century history also features along it, most notably with the Resistance group of the Maquis de Châteaubriant, whose part in the fight against Nazi occupation was powerfully recalled in the works of Breton poet René Guy Cadou. There are many visits to choose between here: the castle; the Carrière des Fusillés, a quarry where Resistance martyrs are remembered; the Musée Numérique Micro-Folie Châteaubriant, featuring digital displays of great works from the French national collections; and the Site des Étangs de Choisel, to appreciate the green surrounds here set around lakes, plus with outdoor sports possibilities within the grounds. At La Meilleraye de Bretagne, explore the unmissable Abbaye de Melleray (home to a vibrant modern religious community), along with the Parc des Lavandières, where you can enjoy a walk in nature. With so many places to discover, remember that you do have to cycle a bit in order to reach La Meilleraye de Bretagne!