Nantes is the ideal starting point for a day’s cycling.
From Nantes to Mauves-sur-Loire
34 km (21 mi.)
You can pick heads or tails to reach Mauves-sur-Loire.
However, we recommend you take the north bank of the Loire… Leave the noise of the city and the Nantes skyline behind as you exit the Malakoff district, then charge handlebars-first into the calm of the nearby woods. Glide along the Loire à Vélo route, riding through Sainte Luce-sur-Loire, then Thouaré-sur-Loire, with Mauves-sur-Loire just a few pedal strokes away – and the river never leaves your sight. In Mauves-sur-Loire, cross over to reach the Levée de la Divatte dyke and its ever-changing scenery of market gardens, old stone hamlets, a lovely little port in Pierre Percée, and a view of some of Nantes’ vineyards. Now it’s time to return to the fervour of the city, with saddlebags full of memories
Good deal : Boat trip. www.detoursenloire.fr
Stop right here:
Along the way, there are plenty of places to park your bike and enjoy the old timey atmosphere of “guinguette” ( i.e. riverside café) in venues in finer weather (April to September)
La Sablière , Mauves Balnéaire , Station Nuage .
With the Pass Nantes : one free drink in each of these spots.
From Nantes to Sucé-sur-Erdre
17,74 km (11 mi.)
From that point on, the Erdre won’t leave your side…
From Le Voyage à Nantes’ reception desk opposite the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, take this route to get out into nature, and as close as possible to the Erdre River. But before you reach it, you’ll have to zig-zag your way through the city’s Bouffay district. Get lost here for a bit before returning to the Bateau Lavoir bar and then out to Île de Versailles. Leave with the latter to your left, then change banks at the Motte-Rouge bridge. From that point on, the Erdre won’t leave your side. You’ll probably move along at a snail’s pace, as this stretch of road is obviously very popular. But, why would you sprint? Just follow the signs for La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, then head to Sucé-sur-Erdre’s river port, where you can celebrate your arrival with a little dolce vita.
Good deal: This tour can be combined with a return trip + your bike back to town from Sucé-sur-Erdre train station.
Go even further :
Nantes Brest canal
The Erdre valley
From Nantes to Grand-Lieu lake (Bouaye)
20,82 km (13 mi.)
A watery tale. One that you live and write in the present, several times over.
Indeed, at one end, the river symbolizes the starting line. At the other, the Grand-Lieu lake is perfect for a photo finish that would send any Instagram account into a tizzy. But before we set social media ablaze, board the Navibus for Trentemoult from Gare Maritime on the north bank of the Loire. You’ll immediately feel your chest expanding at the sight of the wide-open spaces on the horizon. Once you’re on the other side of the river, follow the Vélodyssée and La Loire à Vélo routes. Turn off at Bouguenais, and head to Bouaye, where you’ll find the Maison du lac de Grand-Lieu.
Good deal: This tour can be combined with a return trip + your bike back to town from Bouaye train station.
Go even further : you can walk around the perfectly signposted 73km ( 45mi.) loop around the Grand-Lieu lake and discover even more of its secrets. lac de Grand-Lieu
Maison du Lac de Grand-Lieu free acces with the pass Nantes
