The Loire à Vélo / Sentier de la Loire route between Nantes and Angers follows the left and right banks of the Loire River through one of France's most scenic river valleys in Pays de la Loire. Covering approximately 90 kilometres, the trail is primarily flat and well-signposted, making it suitable for walkers and cyclists of varying experience levels. The trailhead in Nantes begins at Quai de la Fosse, 44000 Nantes, a riverside quay in the heart of the city where the route meets the river promenade.
The entire corridor sits within the Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage corridor, passing through towns such as Ancenis, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, and the Corniche Angevine before reaching Angers. Terrain is almost entirely flat with a total elevation gain of under 30 metres, using maintained riverside paths, converted rail tracks, and minor rural roads. The surface alternates between tarmac, compacted gravel, and earthen tracks, with some sections following levée embankments above the floodplain. Shade is moderate to good under riverside willows and poplar alleys; exposed sections through vineyards can be sunny.
Key landmarks include the medieval Château de Montsoreau at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, the Abbaye de Saint-Florent-le-Vieil perched above the river, and the suspension bridge at Saint-Nazaire visible from the lower estuary end. Walkers choosing shorter day sections can use TER trains to return: the Nantes–Angers line stops at Ancenis and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, allowing one-way sections of 20–25 km each that fit comfortably into a walking day.
Water and provisions are readily available in all towns along the route. Dedicated cycling and walking rest areas with water points, toilets, and information panels appear roughly every 10 km. There are no mountain huts or refuges, but chambres d'hôtes, gîtes, and campsites are plentiful along the river corridor, especially in the Anjou wine country near Savennières and the Layon valley. No permits are required.
Parking is available at Quai de la Fosse underground car park (paying) and surface parks along the riverbank. Route maps and topo guides are available free from Nantes and Angers tourist offices.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Loire Valley, Pays de la Loire
- Best season
- April–October
What to bring
- Walking shoes or cycling shoes
- Waterproof jacket
- Water bottle
- Sun protection
- Paper or phone map (Loire à Vélo route map free at tourist offices)
Location
Start: Quai de la Fosse, 44000 Nantes
47.2104, -1.5681 View on map
Highlights
- 90 km riverside trail through the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley, connecting Nantes and Angers along flat, well-signed levée paths
- Passes Château de Montsoreau, Abbaye de Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, and the scenic Corniche Angevine ridge above the river
- Walkers can break the route into 20–25 km day sections using TER trains at Ancenis and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil
- Traverses Anjou wine country with Muscadet and Savennières vineyards flanking the path in autumn
- Regular rest areas with water points and information panels spaced throughout the 90 km corridor
Tips for visiting
- Pick up a free Loire à Vélo paper map at Nantes or Angers tourist offices — signal can drop on remote levée sections
- Walk one-way Nantes to Angers and take the 40-minute TER return train (from €8) to avoid retracing steps
- Spring (April–May) offers the best wildflower meadows; autumn (September–October) brings grape harvest colours in the Anjou vineyards
- The levée embankment sections are exposed to westerly wind — a windproof layer is useful even in summer
- Pre-book accommodation in peak July–August season, especially around Montsoreau and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil where options are limited
When to visit
April through October offers the best conditions, with the widest trail access, long daylight, and services open throughout. The Anjou wine harvest in September and October adds distinctive colour and local activity along the river corridor.
Accessibility
The Nantes riverside section (approx 10 km from Quai de la Fosse) is fully paved and accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Beyond the city, the compacted gravel levée paths are generally firm but uneven in places, making wheelchair access inconsistent. Stroller-friendly access is possible on tarmac sections near Angers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Loire à Vélo route safe to walk as well as cycle?
The majority of the route uses shared-use paths, and walkers are common, particularly on the suburban Nantes sections. On narrower levée tracks, cyclists pass faster, so walkers should stay to the right. Traffic-free sections dominate the corridor.
Can the route be completed in sections?
Yes. TER trains stop at Ancenis (approx 45 km from Nantes) and Saint-Florent-le-Vieil (approx 65 km), allowing walkers to tackle manageable 20–25 km day sections and return by train. Nantes–Angers takes 40 minutes and costs from €8.
Are there places to eat and drink along the way?
Towns and villages are spaced every 10–20 km, each with at least a boulangerie or café. Between towns, designated rest areas provide water points and toilets. The Anjou wine country near Savennières offers several domaines open for tastings and picnic stops.
Do walkers need a permit for the Loire à Vélo trail?
No permit is required for any section of the Loire à Vélo route. The trail is publicly maintained and free to use year-round.