Determined cyclists might begin this journey by the source of the Loir, at Saint-Éman. Many will opt to start from the little historic town of Illiers-Combray, immortalized in Marcel Proust’s masterpiece, Remembrance of Things Past.
South through fields and pastures, you come to the walled medieval town of Bonneval, nicknamed the Little Venice of the Beauce area. Finally comes the town of Châteaudun, a member of the association “Les Plus Beaux Détours de France”. Its historic centre and vast château look down dramatically on the Loir.

This stage sticks closely to the Loir, taking you along its undulating valley. Early on, the striking Château de Montigny-le-Gannelon will stop you in your tracks. Next, the village of Cloyes-les-Trois-Rivières proves charming. Then comes the Vendômois area, with its forests and agricultural land, plus the odd vineyard. Picturesque villages stand out. The town of Vendôme, rich in heritage and crisscrossed by branches of the Loir, makes an ideal stop, both cultural and gastronomic… with trips on the river on offer too!

This stage continues to follow the Loir’s meandering curves. Near the start, the nautical centre at Villiers-sur-Loir offers a great opportunity for you to cool off before crossing more of the Vendômois area’s countryside. The town of Montoire-sur-le-Loir boasts a rich medieval heritage, including historic houses right by the water. It makes a good stop on the route.

Back in the saddle, head to the intriguingly named village of Trôo, right by the Loir. Climbing from the waterside, discover troglodytic homes concealed in the riverbank. Next, after hugging the Loir for a time, the route moves furtively away from it at Couture-sur-Loir, where the birthplace of splendid 16th-century poet Ronsard stands out. Then comes the intense Jasnières wine area, before you enter the county of Sarthe at Ruillé-sur-Loir.

The Vallée du Loir à Vélo starts its part in the county of Sarthe at Ruillé-sur-Loir, then goes to Château-du-Loir via La Chartre-sur-le-Loir and the wine-producing Coteaux du Loir slopes. Wine-lovers can enjoy discovering the rare Jasnières wines and Marçon vineyards. If you enjoy swimming, try Les Varennes Lake and its outdoor sports centre.

The Vallée du Loir à Vélo cycle route takes to the high ground above the town of Château-du-Loir before going back down to the River Loir. Enjoy the meadows, hedgerows and lakes as you pass through the valley. At Vaas, riding beside the Loir, go and see Rotrou Mill. Then continue on towards Le Lude.

The splendid Château du Lude and its formal French gardens make for a great visit. Then rejoin the Vallée du Loir à Vélo via a greenway. This lovely, gentle track takes you along a former railway line, up to the riverside town of La Flèche, where you can rejoin the V44 La Sarthe à Vélo route.

From La Flèche, this last stage of the Vallée du Loir à Vélo takes you along quiet, easy little country roads to Cré-sur-Loir. Pretty marshlands line the Loir in these parts, with reedbeds, riverside woods and watery meadows making up an unspoilt natural zone in the midst of the Pays Fléchois area.

From one bank to the other of the Loir valley and after the imposing fortress of the Kings of France in Durtal, the Angevin stage continues on small roads or country lanes through dams and mills. Villevêque is a historical and artistic place where you can swim or canoe along the Loir River. In Cantenay-Epinard, the route joins the Vélo Francette, allowing you to discover the low valleys of Angevin and then the famous town of King René.