From Nantes to the châteaux: explore the Loire by motorcycle

The Loire Valley is famous for its chateaux and UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, but it also offers ideal routes for motorcyclists in search of a great ride. From Nantes to Orléans, you'll cross vineyards, ride along the Loire and discover historic towns, all while enjoying itineraries that combine curves, panoramas and heritage. We'll explain!

Stage 1: Nantes to Angers (90 km)

Departure from Nantes

Your journey starts in Nantes, a modern city that knows how to make the most of its rich past. Before hitting the road, you may want to visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne or stroll through the medieval quarter of Le Bouffay. Once in the saddle, watch out for traffic, which can be very heavy on the outskirts of Nantes, especially during rush hour. Ride slowly and take your time getting used to the road layout. Make sure you're fully fuelled and equipped, so you can tackle this first stretch of road with peace of mind.

Discover Ancenis

After around 40 kilometers, the road opens up and takes you to Ancenis, a small town overlooking the Loire. Take advantage of the bridge crossing to feel the gentleness of the Loire: a perfect moment to switch off the engine for a few moments and admire the view. The medieval château of Ancenis, with its panoramic view over the river, already introduces the region's rich historical past. If you feel the need to take a break, this is the ideal time to sample some local specialities or simply enjoy a coffee before setting off again.

Arrival in Angers

The last few kilometers to Angers offer a taste of the country roads of the Pays de la Loire region, with more rolling stretches and a few gentle bends. As you enter Angers, the imposing silhouette of the fortress with its seventeen towers signals your destination. Inside, the tapestry of the Apocalypse is well worth a visit. But Angers isn't just about heritage: its lively city center, pedestrian streets and terraces will help you unwind after your first day on the road. Don't forget to book your accommodation if you want to spend the night in the area, especially during the busy summer months.

Stage 2: Angers to Saumur (70 km)

The Anjou wine route

Get on your bike and follow the D952, a pleasant road that runs alongside the Loire. The first bends will give you confidence, as the landscape gradually opens up to the vineyards. As you pass through the Anjou region, you'll see rows and rows of vines, some planted on gently sloping hillsides. If you like oenology, some estates offer tours and tastings. We'll reserve the tasting for the passenger, though, and only in moderation! The rolling countryside, marked by hamlets and bell towers, will enhance your progress all the way to the town of Saumur.

Arrival at Saumur and its château

As you approach Saumur, the road begins to offer a more marked panorama of the Loire. The Château de Saumur, perched on its rocky outcrop, dominates the town and provides a remarkable backdrop. Saumur is also home to the famous Cadre Noir cavalry school, which you can visit if you have enough time. Its cobbled streets and tufa stone houses will take you back in time. Here again, you'll find plenty of places to eat and spend the night, whether in the town center or in the surrounding countryside.

Stage 3: Saumur to Tours (80 km)

Troglodyte houses and the Mushroom Museum

Leaving Saumur, the road takes you to an unusual world: troglodytic houses, carved out of the tufa rock. The nearby Musée du Champignon explains how these underground cavities are also used to grow mushrooms. This short digression gives you a different view of the region, and allows you to take a break between two stretches of road.

Chinon castle and its history

As you head back towards Chinon, you'll enjoy winding roads through the local vineyards, occasionally skirting the Vienne River. Chinon is revealed at the foot of its medieval fortress, reputed to have welcomed Joan of Arc. The climb up to the castle is easily accomplished by motorcycle, and the views of the surrounding countryside are well worth the effort. If you still have the time and inclination, some of Chinon's wineries are happy to open their doors to present their light, fruity red wines.

Visit Villandry and its gardens

On the way to Tours, plan a detour to Villandry. Its formal gardens are renowned for their symmetry and aesthetic appeal. A visit to the château is optional, but contemplating the perfect geometry of the flower beds and vegetable gardens from the belvedere is a sight in itself. As time flies on a day of motorcycling and sightseeing, keep an eye on the clock to make sure you don't arrive in Tours in the middle of the night.

Stage 4: Tours to Blois (65 km)

Langeais Castle

From Tours, you can stop off at Langeais, whose medieval castle and drawbridge are a reminder of the power struggles of the late Middle Ages. The road to Langeais is pleasant and traffic-free, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the twists and turns along the way. The tour takes you through rooms furnished to recreate the atmosphere of the period, before you get back on your machine and head a little further into the royal Loire Valley.

Azay-le-Rideau and its enchanting silhouette

Continuing on, you come across Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance jewel set on the banks of the Indre. The château is reflected in the calm waters, creating a unique tableau. You can take a few photos, enjoy a snack or stroll through the park. The roads leading to Azay-le-Rideau are relatively straight, but punctuated by small villages where you can stop to refuel or simply chat with the locals.

Arrival at Blois, royal city

Heading north, the road takes you to Blois, where the royal chateau overlooks the Loire. The historic center boasts half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and a friendly atmosphere. Medieval remains stand side by side with Renaissance architecture, offering a glimpse of the different periods in the town's history. If you're feeling tired, you'll find all kinds of accommodation here, from hotels to more intimate bed & breakfasts.

Stage 5: Blois to Orléans (65 km)

Chateau de Chambord

Your final stop is a magnificent sight: the Château de Chambord. Its many chimneys and imposing architecture rise up from the heart of an immense forest park. The roads leading up to it are relatively wide and pleasant, although quite busy in high season. On arrival, you can choose to park for a while and take a tour of the building, including its famous double spiral staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. If you'd rather just enjoy the great outdoors, a walk or bike ride around the castle is a good alternative (forget the motorcycle!).

Château de Cheverny

On the way back, make a detour to discover Cheverny, recognizable by its classic style and perfect symmetry. Immortalized by Hergé as Moulinsart, this family estate is home to superb, richly decorated rooms. The park and its kennels bear witness to the tradition of hunting with hounds. This more intimate visit contrasts with the scale of Chambord, offering you two facets of aristocratic life at the time.

Discover Orleans and its history

The final drive to Orléans is the perfect way to round off your trip. Orléans, marked by the heroism of Joan of Arc, boasts an imposing cathedral, a pedestrian-friendly downtown area and several monuments to past battles. This is where your journey along the Loire ends. You can consider staying overnight to explore the city further, or plan to return home if you're pressed for time. Either way, Orleans is a great way to end your adventure on two wheels.

The Loire Valley's mild spring and summer extends from May to September. These months benefit from long days and generally mild weather, ideal for enjoying the roads and visiting chateaux. Autumn can also be a good choice if you enjoy the warm colors of the vineyards, bearing in mind that some visits close earlier.

Conclusion

Driving from Nantes to Orléans along the Loire River, you'll enjoy both France's cultural heritage and the pleasure of a route punctuated by a variety of scenery. The castles, all unique, tell their own chapter of history, while the wine-growing landscapes and the Loire River add a delightfully bucolic note to this road-trip! With your motorcycle, you'll have extra freedom to stop, take a detour or admire a viewpoint. Each of these stretches is full of pleasant surprises, whether it's a well-designed bend, a picturesque village or a gastronomic discovery.

Don't hesitate to contact us to plan your next motorcycle itinerary from Nantes, as we have an agency there with motorcycles ready to roll! You can also visit our main page to find out what's new for 2025 😉

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