The best gravel rides in Loire-Anjou-Touraine
4.4
(304)
2,239
riders
150
rides
Gravel biking in Loire-Anjou-Touraine features diverse landscapes shaped by the Loire River and its tributaries, including the Cher, Indre, and Vienne. The terrain comprises extensive forests, cultivated plateaus, and hillsides covered with vineyards. Many gravel tracks are composed of "falun," a fine white limestone, offering varied riding conditions. The region also includes hedged farmland and marshlands, with some routes passing through areas with tufa stone dwellings.
Best gravel bike trails in Loire-Anjou-Touraine
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Loire…
Last updated: August 26, 2026
4.4
(7)
82
riders
52.5km
02:57
170m
170m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.4
(11)
76
riders
26.5km
01:22
140m
140m
Hard gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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4.6
(8)
44
riders
52.4km
02:50
120m
120m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(9)
60
riders
56.4km
03:17
420m
420m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.4
(7)
63
riders
56.3km
03:11
180m
180m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Tips from the Community
A must-see. As beautiful up close as from afar.
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Route worth the detour
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The sights are good but the terrain is not especially after high winds and heavy rain. Some people might find it tricky to navigate.
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For those who want to discover some art objects.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Loire-Anjou-Touraine?
Loire-Anjou-Touraine offers a wide selection of gravel bike trails, with over 160 routes available. These range from easy to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels.
What is the typical terrain like for gravel biking in Loire-Anjou-Touraine?
The terrain is incredibly diverse, shaped by the Loire River and its tributaries. You'll encounter extensive forests, cultivated plateaus, and hillsides covered with vineyards. Many gravel tracks are made from "falun," a fine white limestone, which provides unique riding conditions. The region also features hedged farmland, marshlands, and routes passing through areas with distinctive tufa stone dwellings.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails here?
The gravel biking routes in Loire-Anjou-Touraine are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 280 reviews. Riders often praise the scenic views of the Loire River, the varied landscapes, and the opportunity to explore historical sites and charming villages along the way.
Are there gravel routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several routes suitable for beginners and families. While many routes are moderate, there are 11 easy tours available. These often follow flatter sections along the river or through less challenging forest paths, allowing for a relaxed exploration of the region's beauty.
Are there more challenging gravel routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 52 difficult routes available. These trails often feature more significant elevation changes, longer distances, and potentially more technical sections, sometimes incorporating the unique "falun" terrain which can be demanding after rain. An example is the Fontevraud Royal Abbey – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur, which includes substantial elevation gain.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see along the gravel trails?
You'll be immersed in a patchwork of natural landscapes. Expect to ride alongside the majestic Loire River, through extensive forests, and past picturesque vineyards. The region also features hedged farmland, meadows, and marshlands. Keep an eye out for unique troglodyte dwellings carved into the tufa stone hillsides, and consider visiting highlights like Étang de Joreau or the scenic Loire Riverside at Turquant.
Are there historical sites or châteaux accessible from the gravel routes?
Yes, the region is rich in history and famous for its châteaux. Many gravel routes pass by or offer views of these architectural marvels. You might cycle near sites like Gardens of the Château de Villandry, Château du Rivau, Ussé Castle, or Montsoreau Castle. The Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – View of Château de Chinon loop from Montsoreau is a great example of a route combining natural beauty with historical landmarks.
What is the best season for gravel biking in Loire-Anjou-Touraine?
Spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons for gravel biking. The weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are vibrant with blooming flowers or rich autumn colors. Summer can be enjoyable, but the "falun" tracks can become very dusty. After rain, these tracks can become more technically challenging, so be prepared for varied conditions.
Are there any circular gravel routes available?
Yes, many of the gravel routes in Loire-Anjou-Touraine are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the popular Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur loop from Montsoreau is a circular route that offers beautiful riverside views.
Can I find routes that offer scenic views of the Loire River?
Absolutely. The Loire River is a central feature of the region, and many gravel routes are designed to showcase its beauty. The View of the Loire River – Ardoisières Lake loop from La Bohalle is a prime example, offering extensive scenic views of the river and a lake.
Are there options for parking near the gravel trails?
While specific parking information varies by starting point, many towns and villages along the Loire River and near popular trailheads offer public parking facilities. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for more precise parking recommendations.
Are there any routes that pass through vineyards or wine-growing regions?
Yes, the region is famous for its vineyards, particularly around Saumur, Chinon, Bourgueil, and Cravant-les-Coteaux. Many gravel routes weave through these picturesque wine-growing areas, offering stunning views and opportunities for gastronomic discoveries. The View of Candes-Saint-Martin – Saumur loop from Chinon passes through river valleys and near historic towns, often surrounded by vineyards.
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