Loir Valley Greenway

A chilled ride tracing the Loir River in western France. This greenway strings together traffic-free paths with a few short road links, so it feels safe and easy to follow. Expect a mix of smooth tarmac and long stretches of compact gravel—bring 35–40 mm tires and you’re golden.

The vibe: riverside views, vineyards and orchards, old mills, and sleepy villages for coffee stops. It’s mostly flat with gentle grades (old railway bits), so it works for families on the paved sections and for touring/gravel bikes on the whole lot. Wayfinding is solid—look for Voie Verte signs and the regional Vallée du Loir route markings.

This collection covers roughly 50 km, mostly path, with only brief hops on quiet roads. Ride it in either direction, link segments as you like, and don’t confuse the Loir with the Loire—the Loir is a smaller, quieter valley, and that’s the charm.

Best season? Spring to autumn for green vines and riverside shade; after rain the gravel can be soft. Pack water and an appetite for boulangeries.