The best cycling routes around Le Puy-Notre-Dame
4.5
(122)
708
riders
105
rides
Touring cycling around Le Puy-Notre-Dame features a landscape characterized by gentle rolling hills and fertile plains, interspersed with historical châteaux and vineyards. The region offers a mix of quiet country roads and routes that connect charming villages and significant landmarks. Elevation changes are generally moderate, making it suitable for various cycling abilities.
Best touring cycling routes around Le Puy-Notre-Dame
- The most popular touring cycling route is Château de Saumur – Montreuil-Bellay Castle loop from Montreuil-Bellay, a 56.3 miles (90.6…
Last updated: May 25, 2026
4.3
(9)
81
riders
90.5km
05:27
420m
420m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
39
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(5)
21
riders
45.5km
02:44
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
riders
141km
08:35
790m
790m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
13
riders
32.7km
02:02
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Gennes-Saumur-Les Rodiers sur Loire 40 km. Nice to do
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Beautiful view taken from the small bridge
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Simply enjoy the beautiful views over the city but especially over the mighty Loire River.
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A castle-palace of the Dukes of Anjou in the 19th and 19th centuries, the Château de Saumur, where King René resided, is the last example of the princely palaces built by the Valois dynasty. It served as the residence of the city's governors, a prison, and later an arms and ammunition depot. It was purchased by the city in 1906 to house the municipal museum, now the Musée de France. Today, we discover the rich collections scattered throughout the former apartments of the Dukes of Anjou in an educational museography. Want to know more? Click here: https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/castles-and-country-houses/Saumurcastle-5261718/
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice there for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. In February 2025, a fire broke out. Source Wikipedia
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History: In 1454, while ploughing his field, a farmer discovered in the "ardille" (clay, a word that according to legend gave its name to Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers) a stone statuette about thirty centimetres high representing a Pietà. The farmer took it home. Twice he discovered that the Pietà returned to its place of discovery, near a fountain that was already known for its healing properties. From that moment on, devotions developed around this statuette, which was placed in a niche under a stone arch. Jean Olivier, Bishop of Angers, laid the foundations of the Notre-Dame-des-Ardilliers chapel. Bishop Gabriel Bouvery, Bishop of Angers, opened the new church on 30 July 1553. It was a place of pilgrimage. The fountain was said to perform miracles. In 1614, thanks to the support of Marie de Medici, the management of the sanctuary was entrusted to the Order of Oratorians. In 1619, they settled in Ardilliers and founded a royal college in 1624. Louis XIII granted it the status of royal chapel and, from 1628 to 1643, the Oratorians built the buildings to the east of the chapel that would house their community, the classrooms and the students' dormitories. From 1634, Richelieu had a chapel built on the north wall of the chapel for votive and funeral purposes. The chapel was closed during the Revolution. The Oratorian house became a barracks and the rotunda was converted into an ammunition store. In 1796, the Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence opened a hospice for the expelled. In 1798, the hospice became the property of the city of Saumur. The chapel was put back into use in 1799, but was damaged by damp. From 1849, architect Charles Joly-Leterme began restoring the building. The Sisters of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Providence became the owners of the former Oratorian House in 1866. During the Battle of the Cadets, in June 1940, the bombing destroyed the roof structures of the chapel and the Oratorian House. The vault of the nave collapsed. The buildings were restored between 1947 and 1957. The oak frame of the dome was replaced by a concrete shell to reduce the pressure on the walls. The Oratorian House was converted into a school in 1953. A fire broke out in February 2025. Source Wikipedia
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Very nice gravel along the banks of the Loire. Know that you are not alone here. Enjoy together, each at their own pace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Le Puy-Notre-Dame?
There are over 100 touring cycling routes available around Le Puy-Notre-Dame, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and interests.
What are some easy touring cycling routes for beginners in Le Puy-Notre-Dame?
For beginners, there are 44 easy routes available. A good option is the Montreuil-Bellay Castle – Ballastière Pond loop from Les Quarts, which is 14.5 km long and takes about 50 minutes to complete. This route offers gentle terrain suitable for those new to touring cycling.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, there are 8 difficult routes for experienced touring cyclists. One challenging option is the Château de Saumur – Montreuil-Bellay Castle loop from Montreuil-Bellay. This route spans 90.6 km with significant elevation changes, typically taking over 5 hours to complete.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the touring cycling routes?
The routes around Le Puy-Notre-Dame feature a landscape of gentle rolling hills and fertile plains, often passing through vineyards and alongside historical châteaux. You'll also encounter charming villages and river crossings, providing a rich mix of natural beauty and historical architecture.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Many routes around Le Puy-Notre-Dame are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Montreuil-Bellay Castle – View of Pont Cessart loop from Montreuil-Bellay is a moderate 39.6 km circular path offering views of historical architecture and river crossings.
What historical sites or attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes?
The region is rich in history. Many routes pass by or near impressive landmarks such as the Montreuil-Bellay Castle and the Château de Passavant. You might also encounter the Abbaye d'Asnières or the Ballastière Pond, offering diverse points of interest.
When is the best time of year for touring cycling in Le Puy-Notre-Dame?
The region's moderate climate makes spring and autumn ideal for touring cycling. During these seasons, the weather is generally pleasant, and the landscapes are particularly beautiful, whether with spring blossoms or autumn colors in the vineyards.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Le Puy-Notre-Dame?
The touring cycling routes in Le Puy-Notre-Dame are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 130 reviews. Cyclists often praise the blend of historical châteaux, picturesque vineyard landscapes, and quiet country roads, as well as the variety of routes suitable for different abilities.
Are there any less-known or 'hidden gem' routes for touring cyclists?
While many routes are popular, exploring some of the 44 easy or 48 moderate trails can lead to quieter experiences. Consider routes that venture deeper into the local countryside, such as the Saumur – Château de Saumur loop from Montreuil-Bellay, which offers a moderate 45.7 km ride through varied terrain, potentially revealing less-traveled paths.
Can I find places to eat or drink along the touring cycling routes?
Many touring cycling routes connect charming villages and towns, where you can typically find local cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. Montreuil-Bellay, for instance, is a common starting point for several routes and offers amenities for refreshments.
What is the typical duration for a touring cycling route in this area?
Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. Easy routes like the Montreuil-Bellay Castle – Ballastière Pond loop can be completed in under an hour, while moderate routes such as the Saint-Médard Church of Thouars – Montreuil-Bellay Castle loop from Montreuil-Bellay might take over 3 hours. The most difficult routes can extend to 5 hours or more.
Most popular routes around Le Puy-Notre-Dame
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