The Loire Valley is famous for its castles and landscapes classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, but it also reveals ideal roads for bikers looking for great rides. Leaving Nantes to reach Orléans, you will cross vineyards, follow the Loire and discover historic cities, while enjoying itineraries that combine curves, panoramas and heritage. We explain to you!
Stage 1: From Nantes to Angers (90 km)
Departure from Nantes
Your trip starts in Nantes, a modern city that knows how to highlight its rich past. Before taking the road, you may want to visit the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany or stroll through the medieval district of Bouffay. Once in the saddle, pay attention to traffic, which can be very dense when leaving Nantes, especially during rush hour. Drive slowly and take the time to get used to the road layout. Make sure that you are full and that your equipment is complete to tackle this first portion of the trip with peace of mind.
Discover Ancenis
After about forty kilometers, the road clears up and takes you to Ancenis, a small town overlooking the Loire. Take advantage of crossing the bridge to feel the softness of the Loire: a perfect moment to turn off the engine for a few moments and admire the view. The medieval castle of Ancenis, with its panoramic view of the river, already introduces the rich historical past of the region. If you feel the need to take a break, it's the perfect time to try some local specialties or simply have a coffee before leaving.
Arriving in Angers
The last kilometers to Angers offer a nice overview of the country roads of the Pays de la Loire, with more rolling sections and a few slight turns. At the entrance to Angers, the imposing silhouette of the fortress with seventeen towers marks your destination. Inside, the Apocalypse tapestry is definitely worth a visit. But Angers is not just a simple heritage: its dynamic city center, its pedestrian streets and its terraces will allow you to decompress after a first day of driving. Remember to book your accommodation if you want to spend the night in the area, especially in summer when visitors flock.
Stage 2: From Angers to Saumur (70 km)
The Anjou wine route
Get on your motorbike and follow the D952, a pleasant road that runs along the Loire. The first turns will give you confidence, while the landscape gradually opens up onto the vineyard. As you cross the lands of Anjou, you will see rows of vines pass by, sometimes planted on gently sloping hillsides. If you like oenology, some wineries offer tours and tastings. We reserve the tasting for the passenger that said, and again, in moderation! The hilly landscapes, marked by hamlets and bell towers, will enhance your progress to the city of Saumur.
Arrival in Saumur and its castle
As we approach Saumur, the road begins to offer a more pronounced panorama of the Loire. The castle of Saumur, perched on its rocky outcrop, dominates the city and announces a remarkable setting. Saumur is also the city of the Cadre Noir, a famous cavalry school, which you can visit if you have enough time. Its cobbled streets and tufa houses give you the impression of going back in time. Here again, you will find something to eat and spend the night, whether in the city center or in the surrounding countryside.
Stage 3: From Saumur to Tours (80 km)
The troglodyte houses and the Mushroom Museum
Leaving Saumur, the road takes you to discover an unusual universe: troglodytic houses, dug into tufa rock. The Mushroom Museum, not far away, explains to you how these underground cavities are also used to grow mushrooms. This short digression offers you a different perspective on the region and allows you to take a break between two sections of road.
Chinon Castle and its history
By heading back to Chinon, you enjoy winding roads crossing the local vineyards and sometimes along the Vienne. Chinon is revealed at the foot of its medieval fortress, famous for having welcomed Joan of Arc. The ascent to the castle is easy by motorbike, and the view of the surroundings is well worth it. If you still have time and desire, some cellars in Chinon gladly open their doors to present their red, light and fruity wines.
Visit Villandry and its gardens
On the way to Tours, plan a detour to Villandry. French gardens are renowned for their symmetry and aesthetics. Visiting the castle is still optional, but contemplating the perfect geometry of the flower beds and vegetable gardens from the belvedere is already a sight in itself. As time flies during a day of motorcycling punctuated by visits, watch the clock so as not to arrive in Tours in the middle of the night.
Stage 4: From Tours to Blois (65 km)
The castle of Langeais
From Tours, you can stop in Langeais, whose medieval castle and drawbridge recall the power challenges of the late Middle Ages. The road to get there is pleasant, without too much traffic, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the turns that punctuate the course. The visit allows you to discover furnished rooms that recreate the atmosphere of the time, before getting back on your machine and moving a little further towards the royal Loire Valley.
Azay-le-Rideau and its enchanting silhouette
Continuing, you come across Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance jewel located on the banks of the Indre. The castle is reflected in the calm waters, creating a unique picture. You can take a few photos, enjoy a snack, or stroll in the park. The roads leading to Azay-le-Rideau are relatively straight, but punctuated by small villages where it is good to stop to refuel or simply chat with the locals.
Arrival in Blois, royal city
Heading north, the road guides you to Blois, where the royal castle overlooks the Loire. The historic center has half-timbered houses, paved streets and a friendly atmosphere. Medieval remains side by side with Renaissance architecture, offering an overview of the various periods that have marked the city's history. If you're feeling tired, you'll find all sorts of accommodations here, from hotels to more intimate guesthouses.
Stage 5: From Blois to Orleans (65 km)
Chambord Castle
Your final stop is in store for a magnificent show: the Château de Chambord. Its multiple chimneys and its impressive architecture emerge in the heart of an immense forest park. The roads leading to it are relatively wide and pleasant, although quite busy in high season. Upon arrival, you can choose to park for a while and visit the building, in particular its famous double revolution staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. If you simply prefer to enjoy the outdoors, a walk or bike ride around the castle is a good alternative (you can forget about riding a motorbike!).
Cheverny Castle
As you hit the road again, take a detour to discover Cheverny, recognizable by its classic style with perfect symmetry. Immortalized by Hergé in the guise of Moulinsart, this family estate is home to superb, richly decorated rooms. The park and its kennels bear witness to the hunting tradition that is still perpetuated. This more intimate visit contrasts with the magnitude of Chambord, offering you two facets of the aristocratic life of the time.
Discover Orléans and its history
The final route to Orleans allows you to end this trip in style. Orléans, marked by the heroism of Joan of Arc, reveals an imposing cathedral, a pedestrian city center where it is pleasant to stroll and several monuments recalling past battles. This is where your journey along the Loire ends. You can consider spending the night to explore more of the city, or plan to go home if you are limited by time. In any case, Orléans is a great way out to conclude this adventure on two wheels.
The mild spring and summer weather in the Loire Valley extends from May to September. These months benefit from long days and generally mild weather, ideal for enjoying the roads and visiting castles. Fall can also be a good choice if you enjoy the warm colors of the vineyards, keeping in mind that some tours close earlier.
Conclusion
Driving from Nantes to Orléans along the Loire river is like experiencing both the cultural heritage of France and the pleasure of a road punctuated by varied scenery. The castles, all unique, tell their own chapter of history, while the wine-growing landscapes and the Loire add a very pleasant bucolic note to this road-trip! On a motorbike, you enjoy additional freedom to stop, take a detour or admire a viewpoint. Each of these sections contains pleasant surprises, whether it's a well-drawn bend, a picturesque village or a gastronomic discovery.
Do not hesitate to contact us to prepare your next motorcycle itinerary departing from Nantes, since we have an agency there with motorcycles ready to drive! You can also go to our main page, and discover the new features to come for this year 2025 😉
