As mentioned, “la Loire à Vélo” is first and foremost a trip through nature. In Cuffy, the route starts upstream the river, where it is still the wildest and most untamed, a reservoir of life. The official route of “la Loire à Vélo” actually starts a little further downstream, in the town of Guétin, opposite the canal bridge over which the green road to Nevers leads.

A little further downstream, between Cher and Loire, between the side canal and the main river bed, you enter the Val de Loire nature reserve. This area, between La Charité-sur-Loire and the surroundings of Sancerre, is criss-crossed by a maze of paths. Nature lovers are guaranteed not to want to miss this. Additional information is available at the ‘Pavillon du Milieu de Loire’ (located exactly halfway between source and the river mouth of the Loire) on the right bank of the river, in Pouilly-sur-Loire.

The second route ends at Sancerre and its famous vineyards. The route is easy to follow, it is well signposted. You can also follow the routes via the free app “La Loire à Vélo”. After downloading the maps using internet/wifi, you can use the maps offline. Suggestions are also given regarding sights and restaurants along the route.