Cycle the Loire - Nevers to Orléans

Nevers is a charming town at the confluence of the Loire and Nievre rivers and has many historic buildings despite being heavily bombed in WWII. Its typical ‘faience’ (pottery) workshops date from the 16th century and the Ducal Palace is considered to be one of the first chateaux of the Loire. The Magny-Cours circuit, a Formula 1 racetrack until 2008, is nearby. Nevers is also a place of pilgrimage as it is where Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes became a nun at St Gildard convent, dying here in 1879. She was beatified and later canonised in 1933. Nevers' Saint-Arigle covered food market is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Departing Nevers, you cycle first to Cuffy, where the Loire and the Allier converge. It's the official start point of the 'Loire a velo' (800km in total, ending at the Atlantic Ocean). Heading north, you continue to the monastic city of Charité-sur-Loire and ride on the oldest bridge of the Loire, dating from the 16th century, into the centre. Surrounded by ramparts, La Charité-sur-Loire is famous for its Clunisian priory, founded in the 11th century. This Benedictine monastery, along with its church, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Charité-sur-Loire is on the Way of St James (Le Puy Camino), the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. 210m ascent, 238m descent

Departing Nevers, you cycle first to Cuffy, which is the official start point of the 'Loire a velo', then heading north, you continue to the monastic city of Charité-sur-Loire and ride on the oldest bridge of the Loire, dating from the 16th century, into the centre. Surrounded by ramparts, La Charité-sur-Loire is famous for its Clunisian priory, founded in the 11th century. This Benedictine monastery, along with its church, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Charité-sur-Loire is on the Way of St James (Le Puy Camino), the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. 210m ascent, 238m descent

You leave Sancerre along the tow path of the Canal Lateral towards Bennay, before reaching Cosne-sur-Loire, a town known for its flowers and offering beautiful landscapes over the Loire river. From here you follow the 'Loire a velo' to Belleville-sur Loire, Beaulieu-sur-Loire and finally your destination for today, Briare. Bordered by 72 lamp posts and magnificent pillars, its canal bridge is a 'must-see' monument, a unique structure - and until 2003, the longest canal bridge in Europe. 117m ascent, 266m descent

Cycle over the Loire on the 'canal bridge' and proceed to Saint Brisson-sur-Loire, which has a medieval chateau with catapults and cannons. Continue to the city of Gien, which was heavily bombed in WWII and has since been rebuilt, and enjoy its exceptional panoramic view. In the afternoon you cycle to Sully-sur-Loire, which has a remarkable chateau surrounded by moats overlooking the river, where you stay overnight. 331m ascent, 347m descent

You can enjoy panoramic views as you cycle to Saint Benoit-sur-Loire. Its abbey is one of the most renowned Romanesque churches of France and it has been a place of pilgrimage since 673, when relics of St Benedict were brought here. Ride to Chateauneuf-sur-Loire, one of the major ports of the Loire during the 18th century. Finish in Orleans, the 'City of Art and History', saved by Joan of Arc from the siege of the Plantagenets during the Hundred Years' War in 1429. 359m ascent, 371m descent

Your trip concludes after breakfast, or you can continue cycling on our Cycle the Loire - Orleans to the Atlantic Coast (trip code ULV).