The best cycling routes around Beaulieu-Sur-Loire
4.5
(451)
2,570
riders
76
rides
Touring cycling around Beaulieu-Sur-Loire is characterized by its gentle terrain, primarily following the course of the Loire River and its associated canals. The landscape features extensive waterways, including the Briare Canal and Canal Latéral à la Loire, with numerous historic locks and bridges. The region offers generally flat routes, making it suitable for various cycling abilities, often passing through open countryside and riverside paths.
Best touring cycling routes around Beaulieu-Sur-Loire
- The most popular touring cycling route is Briare Canal Bridge – Briare canal bridge loop from Neuvy-sur-Loire, a 57.3 miles (92.3 km) trail that takes about 5 hours 24 minutes to complete, offering extensive views along the canal.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Canal Latéral à la Loire – Beautiful view over the loire loop from Bonny-sur-Loire, an easy 20.1 miles (32.3 km) path. This route provides scenic vistas over the Loire River and its surrounding landscape.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Historic canal lock – Escargot🤗 rise loop from Belleville-sur-Loire, a 32.6 miles (52.5 km) trail leading through historic canal infrastructure, often completed in about 3 hours 7 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Beaulieu-Sur-Loire is defined by canal pathways, riverside routes, and historic locks. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy family-friendly rides to longer, more challenging routes.
- The routes in Beaulieu-Sur-Loire are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 430 reviews. More than 2,300 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Beaulieu-Sur-Loire's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
4.6
(59)
445
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(42)
201
riders
35.9km
02:13
100m
100m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.2
(6)
53
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(7)
31
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
9
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Fantastic area for cycling, with the highlight being the aqueduct over the Loire at Briare
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Rivers and canals crisscross the country, the latter in particular being a crucial part of the transport infrastructure in earlier times. Later, first rail, and later again trucks, took over the task of transporting goods. In the competition between different modes of transport, they were faster and cheaper than barges – and thus more efficient. When building the artificial waterways, however, it had to be taken into account that differences in elevation always had to be overcome, and so locks are often lined up along the canals – at varying intervals, depending on the local situation. Only with their help was shipping possible.
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It is presumably a former "chemin de halage" (in German "treidelpfad" or "leinpfad"), which runs alongside the canal's bed. In earlier times, such a path was an essential part of the transport infrastructure. Before ships could be powered by motors, horses walked along the bank, pulling the boat against the current. This was called "treideln" (pulling), and this is how the towpaths got their name, which has been passed down to this day. Where these paths, which run close to the bank, have been preserved, they are popular with hikers, walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
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A striking contrast in the quality of the road or the developments of the Briard Canal are painful to see compared to those of the Orléans Canal.
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This historic canal lock is located on the Loire River. The facility was formerly used to lock barges from the Loire Lateral Canal through the Loire to the Canal de Briare and vice versa. A towpath was built on a river island in the Loire River to allow towing from the Loire and across to the other side of the river. Since this type of Loire crossing depended on the water level of the Loire and its meandering course, the new Briare Canal Bridge was later built. The historic river locks at Mantelot and Combles thus became obsolete.
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The trip along the canal is a meditation - at least as relaxing as one.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general terrain like for touring cycling in Beaulieu-Sur-Loire?
The terrain around Beaulieu-Sur-Loire is generally gentle and flat, making it suitable for various cycling abilities. Routes primarily follow the Loire River and its associated canals, featuring extensive waterways, historic locks, and bridges. You'll often find yourself cycling through open countryside and along riverside paths.
How many touring cycling routes are available around Beaulieu-Sur-Loire?
There are over 75 touring cycling routes available around Beaulieu-Sur-Loire. These include a mix of easy, moderate, and some more difficult options to suit different skill levels.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Beaulieu-Sur-Loire?
Yes, Beaulieu-Sur-Loire offers many family-friendly routes due to its generally flat terrain and dedicated canal pathways. An excellent option for families is the Canal Latéral à la Loire – Beautiful view over the loire loop from Bonny-sur-Loire, which is an easy 20.1-mile (32.3 km) path providing scenic vistas over the Loire River.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Many touring cycling routes around Beaulieu-Sur-Loire are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Historic canal lock – Escargot🤗 rise loop from Belleville-sur-Loire is a 32.6-mile (52.5 km) circular trail that takes you through historic canal infrastructure.
What kind of attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes?
The routes often pass by significant historical and natural landmarks. You can explore the impressive Briare canal bridge, various historic canal locks, and the scenic Canal Latéral à la Loire. The Saint Stephen's Church and the Châtillon-sur-Loire bridge are also notable points of interest.
What is the best season for touring cycling in Beaulieu-Sur-Loire?
The best seasons for touring cycling in Beaulieu-Sur-Loire are typically spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and the natural scenery along the canals and riverbanks is particularly beautiful. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it may be warmer, while winter can be cold and damp.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for experienced cyclists looking for a longer challenge, the Briare Canal Bridge – Briare canal bridge loop from Neuvy-sur-Loire is a demanding 57.3-mile (92.3 km) trail. This route offers extensive views along the canal and requires a good level of fitness.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Beaulieu-Sur-Loire?
Parking is generally available in the towns and villages along the Loire River and canals, such as Neuvy-sur-Loire, Bonny-sur-Loire, and Belleville-sur-Loire, which serve as common starting points for many routes. Look for public parking areas near the canal paths or town centers.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Beaulieu-Sur-Loire?
The touring cycling routes in Beaulieu-Sur-Loire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 430 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the gentle terrain, the picturesque canal pathways, and the historic infrastructure like locks and bridges that define the region's unique cycling experience.
Are there any moderate difficulty touring cycling routes?
Yes, there are several moderate routes for those looking for a bit more distance without extreme difficulty. The Canal Pathway – Port of Saint-Satur loop from Neuvy-sur-Loire is a good example, covering 30.6 miles (49.3 km) along the canal.
Are there shorter, easy touring cycling routes available?
Absolutely. For a shorter, easy ride, consider the Historic canal lock – Mantelot lock loop from Le Bout des Plantes. This route is 11.9 miles (19.2 km) long and offers a pleasant ride past historic canal features.
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