V47 - The Loir Valley by Bike
Glad asfalt
Terre
Grindasfalt
Description
Loir Valley: a gentle getaway between nature and heritage
Nestled between region Pays de la Loire and Centre Val de Loire, the Loir Valley Greenway by Bike (V47) offers a peaceful and enchanting route, ideal for a family outing or a more sporty adventure by e-bikeThis cycle path follows the Loir for 320 km, from its source to Saint-Eman (Eure-et-Loir) to Angerswhere it connects to the famous Loire by bike (EuroVelo 6)The route crosses four departments: Eure-et-Loir, Loir-et-Cher, Sarthe and Maine-et-Loirerevealing a diversity of landscapes including orchards, vineyards and cave dwellings.
The greenway offers sections dedicated exclusively to bicycles, safe and signposted, perfect for cycling accessible to everyone, even the youngest cyclists. A large part of the route consists of a cycle path with very little car traffic. By consulting the carte of the Loir Valley Greenway by BikeYou will easily identify the sections best suited to your needs.
Among the essential steps: Illiers-combray, the literary cradle of Proust; Vendome, its narrow streets and its castle; troo, a small troglodytic gem; or even La Chartres-on-the-Loir and the vineyards of JasnièresFurther south, Le Lude and its majestic castle announce the arrival in Anjou. In DurtalThe route flirts with contemporary open-air art before joining Angers and its imposing castle of the Dukes of Anjou.
The V47 is not isolated: it crosses the Veloscenia (V40), the Francette bike (V43), the velobuissoniere (V44) and the route Saint-Jacques by BikeThis network makes it a prime destination for cycling enthusiasts.
Here, every pedal stroke is an invitation to discovery. So, E-bike or classic bicyclePut on your helmet and let yourself be carried along the Loir river.
Stages
Map of the V47 - The Loir Valley by Bike
The Loir Valley by bike, also known as the V47, is a greenway that stretches for 320 km along the Loir River, offering an ideal route for families looking for a pleasant cycling experience.
This well-marked cycle path takes you through the region's magnificent landscapes, passing through picturesque villages and along the banks of the Loire River. To begin your cycling adventure along the Loir Valley, it's recommended to consult the route map. This map will allow you to plan your journey according to your preferences and needs. You'll be able to locate the various accommodations available along the greenway, such as gîtes, hotels, campsites, and bed and breakfasts. Accommodations with the Accueil Vélo (Cyclists Welcome) label are particularly well-suited to cyclists, offering quality services to ensure a pleasant stay.
These accommodations are located less than 5 km from the route, making access easy and allowing you to fully enjoy the cycle path. Some even offer secure, enclosed garages for your bicycle, ensuring its safety overnight. If you're traveling with family, cycling in the Loir Valley is the perfect place for an active and fun-filled holiday. Children will love the diverse scenery and the many activities available along the greenway.
Furthermore, the cycle path is laid out on shared roads with low traffic density, ensuring the safety of all cyclists, including children. Along the way, you can discover the region's treasures, such as the fields, vineyards, and orchards that crisscross the Loir Valley. The charming villages along the Loir River also offer an opportunity to explore the region's history and culture. Remember to take regular breaks to enjoy the unspoiled nature surrounding the cycle path. To make your cycling trip along the Loir Valley easier, it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially in tourist areas.
This way, you can ensure you have a comfortable place to rest after a day of cycling. Consult the Accueil Vélo (Cyclists Welcome) accommodation map to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Regarding transportation, the Loir Valley cycling route is well-served by trains. However, it's important to note that during peak periods, transporting bicycles on regional trains (TER) can be difficult. It's therefore advisable to plan your trip accordingly. To reach the starting point of the route in Illiers-Combray, you can take the train to Illiers-Combray station. However, to avoid a change, you can also opt for Chartres station, located 35 km away, by taking the Véloscénie cycle route. This option will allow you to easily reach the starting point of the Loir Valley cycling route.