Loire Valley – Briare – Orléans
At Briare, the cycle route joins the Loire à vélo / EuroVélo 6 route, and they run together as far as Tours.
Briare is the gateway to the Unesco World Heritage Loire landscape, with its growing number of historic sites, the river with its marshes, meadows, islands and sandy shores where colonies of birds nest, and the revival of inland waterway transport, with “gabarre” and “futreau” boats gliding along the water’s edge.
< Briare
Orléans >
Itinerary Eurovelo3, recommended by CTE
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De Nevers à l'atlantique par l'EuroVelo 6
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The 5 stages of the section « Loire Valley – Briare – Orléans »
In Briare, take the time to watch the boats passing on Europe’s longest canal bridge, stroll through the town in search of mosaic decorations, or follow the “14 bridges and 7 locks” trail.
This stage, away from the Loire, alternates between greenways and small roads, woods, fields and villages, allowing you to discover the imposing castle of Brisson-sur-Loire. Gien, largely destroyed during the Second World War, has managed to preserve its authenticity thanks to an identical reconstruction.
The route first runs alongside the Loire, then turns inland towards Saint-Florent, where the view is superb. It then descends towards Lion-en-Sullias, where you should not miss the kilometre marker on the D951 indicating that you are equidistant from the source of the Loire (Mont Gerbier des Joncs) and Saint-Nazaire. It then leads to the greenway, where you can observe the many birds on the gravel banks in the middle of the river. Osprey? Garden warbler? Little egret? In Sully-sur-Loire, you will pass by the foot of its magnificent castle, which is reflected in the water of its wide moat.
Starting from Sully-sur-Loire, the Loire Valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route, mostly on dedicated lanes, follows the meandering river. It passes close to Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, home to Fleury Abbey, known as the “Romanesque basilica”. A short detour is necessary to discover the remarkable mosaic dome of the Carolingian oratory in Germigny-des-Prés. The route then joins the Chastaing promenade in Châteauneuf-sur-Loire.
This short stage on the left bank, with its changing landscapes between sky and earth, leads to the lively town of Jargeau, renowned for its medieval quarter, its andouille sausage and its carnival.
The route along the Loire embankment, always on the left bank, winds its way between shared roads and greenways, offering sumptuous scenery in all seasons.
In summer, before arriving in Orléans, a swim at the leisure centre on Charlemagne Island will delight children and adults alike!
Alternative to the section « Loire Valley – Briare – Orléans »
The Canal d’Orléans connects Montargis, known as the Venice of Gâtinais, to Orléans, an essential stop in the Loire Valley. The cycle route is away from the main tourist routes and winds its way along the meandering canal between forests, ponds and farms.
For more information, visit: Development of the cycle route along the Orléans Canal.
This section can also be the starting point for the loop known as “Le Loiret au fil de l’eau”, which includes the Briare Canal, the Loire Valley and the Orléans Canal.
The CyloTransEurope association remains in favour of EuroVelo 3 following the Orléans Canal.