Cycling routes in and around AngersCycling the region’s major bike paths is all well and good (very good even). But riding to visit the best nearby landmarks is even better! Experience slow tourism*, tourist attractions and something special with family or friends. Want to get off the beaten track? Follow the guide.
Loire à Vélo signs The Loire à Vélo was France’s first ever “véloroute” and is still the queen of bike paths. It’s quiet, safe, suitable for little riders and keen cyclists alike and families love it in the sunshine. On top of that the route is jam-packed with historical and cultural landmarks to visit on the way.
Head to Saintes-Gemmes-sur-Loire for your first easy ride. The town’s presbytery and grounds welcome visitors to a world of colour and aroma. Soak up the peace and beauty of 5 levels of terraces (French-style monastic garden, blue garden, green garden, yellow garden, holly oak terrace and botanical garden) before you gaze at the Loire and île aux Chevaux below.
Notre-Dame church
Hot air ballons surrounding Château de Brissac
Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire presbytery
Cyclotourists on the Anjou loop of the Loire à vélo4 minutes from Savennières on the Loire à Vélo bike path: ride past the Anjou hillside vineyards in Savennières to île de Béhuard. This stunning spot is listed as a Petite Cité de Caractère® and is a joy to explore by bike with fabulous views of the Loire and pretty little lanes. Step inside the Monument Historique-listed Notre-Dame Church to explore its 15th century treasures. End your island loop with a lemonade at La Croisette, a lovely little guinguette in an idyllic setting with unobstructed views of the Loire.
50 minutes from Les Ponts-de-Cé on the Loire à Vélo bike path: put pedal to the metal to visit the famous “Giant of the Loire Valley” or Château de Brissac. Where does the nickname come from? Its sheer size! 7 floors, 204 rooms and a whole host of well-kept secrets make it the biggest château in France. Don’t miss a tour of its medieval kitchens and royal bedchamber with stunning tapestries.
Treat yourself to a weekend in Angers to recharge your batteries!
Pedal your way to discover all the city has to offer. We’ve got a great deal: take advantage of the must-sees and discounted bike hire with the Angers City Pass 72h. Don’t wait any longer and book it now.
CityPass 72hNo trip would be complete without a tour of Angers and its hotspots. Need inspiration? Pop into Tourist Information to get your fill of advice before leaving your bike in one of the bike storeroom’s lock-ups on-site. That way you can explore the city centre on foot, visit its incredible architecture and its biggest attraction: Château d’Angers! Venture inside its castle walls flanked by 17 imposing towers to get up close and personal with a feat of art and precision: the famous 100m long Apocalypse Tapestry and its medieval history, a unique piece in Europe.
Take a short ride and drink in incredible views from the Belvédère de la Piverdière. It’s worth the climb up to the observation deck for the views of the Maine, cathedral spire and Angers cityscape on the horizon.
Small-group guided tour of Angers' main sites
Promenade du bout du monde in front of the Château d'Angers
Conciergerie Vélo Box
Slates Museum in TrélazéThe Slate Museum in Trélazé brings history to life 2 minutes from the bike path. Listen up! Join the master stonemason Rossignol on a trip back in time to experience everyday life for miners of old. Explore models, machines and tools for a real insight into Anjou’s traditional rock.
The pretty La Doutre neighbourhood is just 5 minutes from the loop and home to the Jean-Lurçat and Contemporary Tapestry Museum. Gaze in wonder at La Chant du Monde (The Song of the World) wall hanging by Jean Lurçat or be inspired by the textile designs from the 1930s to the present day at Hôpital Saint-Jean next door.
Family time in Terra Botanica
Place du Ralliement, Angers
Roussière lock
Plessis Macé castleThe Vélo Francette (V43) packs in the best of France with Normandy, Anjou and Vendée. There’s nothing better than a bike ride to reap the rewards. The landscapes and precious Ramsar Convention-listed wetlands in the Anjou Lower Valleys are yours for the taking.
Good to know: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the protection and conservation of wetlands and their ecosystem. A major environmental campaign.
It’s just a 3 minute ride from the Vélo Francette to the Terra Botanica Park. Dive into the biggest botanical theme park in Europe with your little monsters and unleash your wild side in its 5 natural worlds. With magic, events, animals you’ve never seen before and a real change of scene, it really does have the wow factor !
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Got energy to spare? Visit the medieval Château du Plessis-Macé, 20 minutes from Pruillé. Interactive tours, family events, escape rooms and murder mysteries bring the fortress to life all year round. Make sure you jot it down in your planner.
That’s it, let’s switch off from the daily grind with a ride on the Vallée du Loir à Vélo bike path. Say goodbye to stress and hello to relaxation in the peaceful Anjou landscapes.
Angers may be a must-visit but Villevêque (Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou) is another highlight with its NOV’art contemporary art festival in summer. What sets it apart? Artists exhibit their work in the great outdoors which makes for a really wild experience.
The Jean Lurçat and Contemporary Tapestry Museum
Cyclists in front of an art piece from Nov'art
Cyclists next to the Roche Foulques
Relax on the banks of the LoirEspace Air Passion, 20 minutes from Seiches-sur-le-Loir. The aviation museum is run by a passionate team and introduces you to the heyday of Anjou aviation and its heroes. Whether it be military or civil aviation, you’ll experience new heights !
27 minutes from Pont de Segré bridge (Angers), treat yourself to something different near Angers at Château à Motte. A bygone village has sprung up around the stone and earth landmark. Craftsmen, noblemen and everyone in between come together for countless events that children love.
Make your loved ones dream by sharing your next cycling getaway in Anjou!
