Loire Cycling: From Nevers to Orléans

Day 1: Arrival in Nevers
You will arrive in Nevers and discover its charming old town — famous for its distinctive blue pottery workshops, the Ducal Palace, and a heritage stretching back to the 16th century.

Day 2: Nevers – La Charité-sur-Loire — 45 km; +180 m
Your journey begins at Cuffy, the official starting point of the Loire à Vélo. You will follow the river to the monastic town of La Charité-sur-Loire, crossing its 16th-century bridge — the oldest on the Loire — to reach the beautiful Romanesque Notre-Dame church.

Day 3: La Charité-sur-Loire – Sancerre — 30 km; +200 m
A ride through the Loire Valley National Nature Reserve leads you into the famous Sancerre vineyards. Stop at a local producer to taste a glass of Sancerre Blanc paired with Chavignol goat cheese. From the hilltop town of Sancerre, crowned by its 15th-century Tour des Fiefs, a sweeping panorama of the valley unfolds.

Day 4: Sancerre – Briare — 50 km; +150 m
You will ride along the towpath of the Canal Latéral, passing through the flowered riverside town of Cosne-sur-Loire. The day's grand finale is the Briare canal bridge — bordered by ornate lampposts, it was the longest canal bridge in Europe until 2003.

Day 5: Briare – Sully-sur-Loire — 40 km; +175 m
Cross the Loire on the canal bridge, then ride to the medieval château of Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire, famous for its catapults and cannons. The route continues to Gien and its exceptional panoramic view, before ending at the moated château of Sully-sur-Loire.

Day 6: Sully-sur-Loire – Orléans — 50 km; +130 m
Your final stage carries you past the 11th-century abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, one of France's most remarkable Romanesque churches. You will ride through Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, once a major Loire port, before arriving in Orléans — the City of Art and History, forever linked to Joan of Arc.

Day 7: Departure
End of the tour. Departure at your leisure.