La Loire à Vélo: an unforgettable adventure through nature, castles, and eco-friendly stops.

La Loire à Vélo, France’s longest cycling tourist route at 900 km, offers a unique itinerary along Europe’s last wild river. Ideal for discovering the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this cycling route connects nature, culture, and heritage from Nevers to the beaches of Saint-Brevin-les-Pins. Easy to ride, it is suitable for families and beginner cyclists alike. Renowned for its royal castles, the Loire Valley is home to must-see landmarks such as Château de Chambord, Château de Cheverny, Château Royal de Blois, Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, and Château de Chenonceau. Through varied landscapes, iconic castles, gardens, and vineyards, the route invites you to enjoy an eco-friendly and active exploration of one of France’s most beautiful regions.

To make the most of this experience, why not take a break in one of our éthic étapes centers? You can choose from three of our establishments:

• l’éthic étapes Ile d’Or à Amboise,
• l’éthic étapes Lac de Maine à Angers,
• l’éthic étapes Val de Loire à Blois.

At each stop, enjoy a warm welcome and services specially designed for cycle tourists. Hop on your bikes and follow us for an unforgettable adventure along La Loire à Vélo, stopping at our éthic étapes centers along the way!

éthic étapes Ile d’Or - Amboise

Amboise is a must-see stop for cycle tourists exploring La Loire à Vélo. Here, you can admire sweeping views of the Loire River as well as the region’s famous vineyards.

Renowned for its many castles, the Centre-Val de Loire region never fails to amaze visitors. From Amboise to Chenonceaux and Azay-le-Rideau, there is no shortage of places to explore. Cycling enthusiasts simply need to hop on their bikes and follow the marked routes for an unforgettable experience.

 

éthic étapes Île d’Or is a unique place located in the heart of Amboise.

As its name suggests, éthic étapes Île d’Or is located on an island nestled between two branches of the Loire River. Yes—an island right in the city center!

In this unique setting, just a stone’s throw from the royal castle of Amboise, the establishment welcomes groups and individual guests all year round. In every season, the landscapes never fail to amaze visitors.

If you look up, you may even spot hot air balloons drifting above Amboise on clear days. These balloons offer a chance to (re)discover the city from the sky. From above, you can admire the wildlife along the Loire, the royal castle that once housed François I, the Clos Lucé—Leonardo da Vinci’s final residence—as well as Château Gaillard and its orangery.

An unforgettable experience to see the region from a whole new perspective.
 

A lively and gourmet city

Amboise is a lively and festive town, hosting numerous concerts and night markets during the summer. These events give visitors the opportunity to meet local shopkeepers and discover regional specialties such as wine, cheese, rillons, rillettes, and fouées—small wood-fired breads filled to taste, from rillettes and snail butter to chocolate spread for the sweetest cravings.

A commitment to sustainable development

éthic étapes Île d’Or, certified with the “Accueil Vélo” label, is committed to promoting sustainable practices. It offers discounted stays for cyclists and is part of Group’AVélo, a network of group accommodations located along major cycling routes. This network ensures affordable pricing and a consistent level of service across all establishments. The association is also recognized for its commitment to ecological transition.

The MJC d’Amboise offers “Savoir rouler à vélo” stays, an original alternative to traditional summer camps. Children discover soft mobility by cycling along the La Loire à Vélo, with nights spent camping around Amboise. A fun and educational experience that raises awareness of environmentally friendly transport methods.

An ambitious project for 2025

Given how popular Amboise is with cyclists, éthic étapes Île d’Or is planning to develop a dedicated area within its bicycle garage for cleaning, repairs, and electric bike charging.

This project could be carried out in partnership with the Mairie d’Amboise, with the aim of also creating a bike parking facility for local residents and visitors who are not necessarily staying at the establishment.

This initiative, expected to be completed by 2025, is designed to meet the growing needs of cycle tourists and to further promote soft mobility.

éthic étapes Lac de Maine - Angers

A must-see stop in Saumur

On the route between Amboise and Angers, a stop in Saumur is a must! This emblematic town of the Loire Valley invites you to explore its rich heritage.

You’ll discover a wide range of cultural sites, starting with its majestic medieval castle, which offers breathtaking views over the Loire River. Wine lovers will be delighted by Saumur’s renowned houses such as Louis de Grenelle, Ackerman, and Veuve Amiot, all offering guided tours and tastings of their celebrated wines.

Don’t forget to admire the charming tuffeau-stone houses, built from local limestone, which give the town its unique character.
 

On the way to Angers by bike 🚴‍♂️

Back in the saddle! Take the La Loire à Vélo between Saumur and Angers.

Discover the vineyard-covered hills of the Saumur region and enjoy the breathtaking Ligurian landscapes along the way. As you approach the éthic étapes Angers Lac de Maine, take in the banks of the Maine River along the quays of Bouchemaine, before reaching the large Lac de Maine, marking your arrival in Angers.
 

Arrival in Angers: comfort and relaxation 🌿

After the effort comes comfort! 😊

From the moment you arrive, the team at éthic étapes Angers Lac de Maine welcomes you with a smile and ensures everything is ready for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Settle in and enjoy a unique setting in the heart of a 220-hectare natural area, just a short distance from the city center of Angers. The rooms, designed for 2 to 5 people, are ideal for resting after active days on the road.

On the dining side, enjoy a complete homemade meal in a self-service restaurant, where the kitchen team carefully prepares each dish to help you recharge your energy!

At éthic étapes Angers Lac de Maine, everything is designed to offer a unique experience combining comfort, nature, and services—whether you're stopping over or staying longer.
 

A commitment to eco-responsibility 

Certified “Accueil Vélo” and awarded the European Ecolabel, éthic étapes Angers Lac de Maine reflects a concrete commitment to responsible tourism, promoting soft mobility while ensuring high-quality services.

You’ll find secure facilities for parking bicycles, repair kits for minor issues, as well as detailed information on cycling routes and local points of interest. Like éthic étapes Île d’Or in Amboise, the Angers Lac de Maine site is also a member of the Group’AVélo network.

Its eco-responsible management is also reflected in daily practices such as waste sorting, reduced energy consumption, and the use of short supply chains for food sourcing. These initiatives combine comfort and environmental respect, ensuring a stay in harmony with nature.

An ideal location in the heart of nature 🌿

Ideally located in the heart of the “green lung of Angers,” éthic étapes Angers Lac de Maine is the perfect starting point for your adventures.

Enjoy peaceful walks along the water, outdoor sports activities, or set off to discover the treasures of the Anjou region. Angers is an essential stop on your journey along La Loire à Vélo!

Here, you can explore the medieval Château of Angers, its buildings, ramparts, and gardens, immersing yourself in the history of the Dukes of Anjou and King René. Inside its walls, don’t miss the Apocalypse Tapestry, a remarkable 103-meter-long masterpiece listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
 

Angers: a green and sporty city 🌿🚴

Angers is a sporty city, as shown by its many facilities. It has even been awarded the “Active and Sporty City – 4 laurels” label. Secure, collective bicycle parking areas are available 24/7, making it easy to park your bike with peace of mind.

Angers has also been ranked the greenest city in France according to the 2023 Green Cities Observatory, with nature present throughout the urban landscape. When visiting the city center, we recommend the Promenade Jean Turc along the Maine River, where you can admire views of Saint-Maurice Cathedral, the castle, and the architecture of the La Doutre district, once a stronghold of the local bourgeoisie.

To explore the rest of the city center, be prepared for a bit of a climb! If you’re looking for a unique challenge, you can even attempt the “Défi Saint-Maurice,” a local record attempt: climbing the 103 steps leading to Saint-Maurice Cathedral in under 25 seconds. A fun and original way to discover the city while testing your endurance.
 

Ethic Etapes Val de Loire - Blois

Discover the treasures of the Loire Castles by bike

Come and explore the wonders of the Loire Castles, in the heart of a region with exceptional heritage and a preserved quality of life. Just 1.5 hours from Paris, enjoy a wide range of activities: magnificent gardens, vibrant festivals, authentic craftsmanship, centuries-old winemaking traditions, fascinating troglodyte dwellings, and of course the famous ZooParc de Beauval—all just 1.5 hours from Paris.

The CIS éthic étapes Val de Loire de Blois is the ideal starting point for this incredible adventure.

On your marks, get set… go! 🚀

Castles, historic towns and villages, renowned vineyards, local gastronomy, Loire landscapes, and unique getaways… La Loire à Vélo offers a unique opportunity to experience an exceptional journey of discovery. Let yourself be carried by the gentle lifestyle along the Loire River and the richness of its heritage.

The CIS éthic étapes Val de Loire de Blois is the perfect accommodation base to explore famous Loire castles such as Château de Chambord, Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, and Château de Cheverny, while enjoying a preserved living environment and a wide range of activities.

By bike, for a human-scale adventure

Come and discover the Loire Castles by bike! 🚴‍♂️ Leave your car at your accommodation or travel by train with your bikes. The rest of your holiday continues on two wheels.

It’s an adventure accessible to families, with just a few kilometers to ride to reach farms, ponds, or castles—depending on your mood and the day’s plans.

Explore Blois and its surroundings

CIS éthic étapes Val de Loire de Blois, an official partner of La Loire à Vélo, invites you to discover Blois, a city with exceptional architectural heritage. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, Blois perfectly embodies the balance between culture and quality of life. The city hosts numerous national events that shape its vibrant cultural life.

The center is located just 15 minutes by bike from downtown Blois, allowing you to enjoy varied landscapes along your journey on the 900 km of the Loire cycling route.

Services tailored for cyclists

At CIS éthic étapes Val de Loire de Blois, you’ll find a secure bike garage, a restaurant to recharge your energy, and rooms accommodating 1 to 6 people for a well-deserved rest. After a day of cycling adventure, you can relax and set off again refreshed!

A label guaranteeing quality cyclist hospitality

Suite à un audit réalisé cette année par l’Agence de Développement Touristique Val de Loire Loir-et-Cher, le CIS Val de Loire a obtenu le renouvellement de son label “Accueil Vélo” pour une période de 3 ans. Un label qui atteste du respect de plusieurs critères, tels que : un emplacement à moins de 5 km d’un itinéraire vélo, des équipements adaptés aux cyclistes, l’accès à des informations pratiques (conseils, itinéraires, météo etc…), et des services dédiés aux voyageurs à vélo - transfert de bagages, lessive et séchage, location et lavage vélo.
Quel que soit votre itinéraire, les éthic étapes d’Amboise, Angers et Blois vous garantissent un accueil chaleureux et des services pensés pour les cyclotouristes. Alliant confort, convivialité et respect de l’environnement, ces établissements vous proposent de vivre une aventure unique, placée sous le signe de la découverte et de la mobilité douce.
Enfourchez vos vélos et laissez-vous transporter par la magie de la Loire à Vélo !