The best road cycling routes around Candes-Saint-Martin
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(69)
1,741
riders
205
rides
Road cycling around Candes-Saint-Martin offers routes through the scenic Loire Valley, characterized by its gentle river plains and historic villages. The landscape features vineyards, troglodyte dwellings, and the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers. Elevation gains are generally modest, with routes often following riverbanks or winding through agricultural areas.
Best road cycling routes around Candes-Saint-Martin
- The most popular road cycling route is Fontevraud Royal Abbey – troglodytes loop from Montsoreau, a 27.2 miles (43.7 km) trail that takes…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
4.0
(2)
21
riders
43.7km
01:52
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
23
riders
53.1km
02:31
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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5.0
(1)
45
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
20
riders
10.5km
00:34
100m
100m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
15
riders
11.4km
00:37
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a unique cultural site! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art).
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Welcome to the shop. Let yourself be triggered by the products offered. The abbey is a unique cultural place! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art). Buy a ticket and dive back in time.
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Fontevraud-l'Abbaye is located in the natural region of the Loire Valley, listed as a "living cultural landscape" by UNESCO. As its name suggests, the history and present of the municipality are closely linked to the Abbey of Notre-Dame, founded in 1099. The abbey presents the originality of being part of a mixed order, but led by abbesses until the Revolution. was the necropolis of the Plantagenet dynasty. The recumbent figures of Richard the Lionheart, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are still preserved there. The vast abbey complex was transformed by Napoleon I into a penal colony and then into a "central house". This extraordinary prison closed its doors in 1963. While the abbey church and the various monastic sites were rehabilitated, the entire old abbey has since housed a prestigious cultural centre with, among other things, a renowned art museum, welcoming meetings and artists in residence. Art, history and heritage are highlighted throughout the year.
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Located at the crossroads of Anjou, Touraine and Poitou, welcome to the Fontevraud-l'Abbaye Tourist Office, our travel advisors will welcome you in front of the Saint-Michel church to help you discover the destination. Let us advise you and discover a village full of charm. Formed around the famous royal abbey, the Plantagenets necropolis, it is today a lively village, rich in numerous monuments, shops and craftsmen. The Tourist Office offers you: a privileged welcome - a free wifi hotspot - a shop with a wide choice of regional products, gifts, books and souvenirs - good tips to visit more and spend less when buying your entrance tickets - a complete tourist guide - a website - but also to travel light, by leaving your luggage with us. More information and opening hours at https://www.ot-saumur.fr/nl/sheets/vvv-kantoor-fontevraud-labbaye-5404626/
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The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place steeped in history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of this ancient site and discover the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, an architectural and historical jewel that will fascinate young and old alike. Thanks to captivating exhibitions, fascinating guided tours and a rich cultural programme, you will immerse yourself in the unique world of this abbey, founded in the 11th century and once a necropolis of the Plantagenets. Every stone, every vault, every corner tells a story... But Fontevraud is much more than a historical site... Broaden your discovery with a visit to the Fontevraud Museum of Modern Art, which houses more than 800 works donated by Martine and Léon Cligman. A prestigious collection that combines ancient and modern art, for an artistic immersion through the ages. Triggered? Find out more at https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/abbeys-and-religious-heritage/royal-abbey-of-fontevraud-5344942/
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nice village, with a nice restaurant near the church
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The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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View of the Vienne and the village of Candes Saint Martin
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Candes-Saint-Martin?
There are over 190 road cycling routes in the Candes-Saint-Martin area, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
What is the general difficulty level of road cycling routes in Candes-Saint-Martin?
The majority of road cycling routes in Candes-Saint-Martin are classified as moderate, with 165 routes. There are also 30 easy routes suitable for beginners and 2 more challenging options for experienced cyclists.
When is the best time of year for road cycling in Candes-Saint-Martin?
The Loire Valley, including Candes-Saint-Martin, is particularly pleasant for road cycling from spring through early autumn. The weather is generally mild, and the vineyards and river landscapes are at their most beautiful. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Candes-Saint-Martin?
Yes, there are several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Roadbike loop from Fontevraud-l'Abbaye is a gentle 6.4-mile (10.2 km) path, and the Montsoreau Village and Castle loop from Montsoreau is an 8.3-mile (13.3 km) trail that takes you through historic villages.
Can I find long-distance road cycling routes in the area?
Yes, Candes-Saint-Martin offers longer road cycling routes that allow for extended exploration of the region. The Fontevraud Royal Abbey – troglodytes loop from Montsoreau is a popular choice, covering 27.2 miles (43.7 km) and exploring historical sites and unique cave dwellings. Another option is the Through the vineyard – Montsoreau Castle loop from Montsoreau, which is 25.1 miles (40.4 km) long.
Are there circular road cycling routes around Candes-Saint-Martin?
Many of the road cycling routes in Candes-Saint-Martin are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Fontevraud Royal Abbey – troglodytes loop from Montsoreau and the Troglodytes – Turquant loop from Montsoreau, which is a moderate 9.7-mile (15.6 km) ride.
What historical sites or landmarks can I see while road cycling around Candes-Saint-Martin?
The region is rich in history and offers many landmarks. You can cycle past the impressive Montsoreau Castle, explore the unique Souzay-Champigny troglodyte site, or visit the magnificent Fontevraud Royal Abbey. The village of Turquant, known for its troglodyte dwellings, is also a notable stop.
Where can I find scenic road cycling routes with viewpoints?
Road cycling around Candes-Saint-Martin is inherently scenic, with routes often following the Loire and Vienne riverbanks, offering picturesque views of the confluence and the surrounding vineyards. Many routes pass through charming historic villages and offer glimpses of the gentle river plains and troglodyte dwellings, providing natural viewpoints throughout your ride.
Are there road cycling routes with parking available?
Given the region's popularity for cycling, many starting points for routes in and around Candes-Saint-Martin, especially near villages like Montsoreau and Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific route descriptions on komoot for detailed parking information at the trailhead.
Are there cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?
Yes, the road cycling routes often pass through or near charming villages like Candes-Saint-Martin, Montsoreau, and Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, where you can find cafes, bakeries, and restaurants to stop for refreshments. The region's focus on tourism means amenities are generally accessible along popular cycling paths.
What do other road cyclists enjoy the most about road cycling in Candes-Saint-Martin?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's beautiful river valleys, historic villages, and vineyards, as well as the modest elevation gains that make for enjoyable rides. The unique troglodyte dwellings and the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers are frequently highlighted as memorable features.
Most popular routes around Candes-Saint-Martin
Most popular attractions around Candes-Saint-Martin
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