The best gravel rides around Chacé
4.3
(35)
329
riders
50
rides
Gravel biking around Chacé features routes primarily along the Loire River, characterized by its flat to gently rolling terrain and historical landmarks. The region's landscape includes riverside paths, agricultural areas, and occasional wooded sections, offering varied surfaces for gravel cyclists. Elevation gains are generally moderate, with some routes featuring more significant climbs.
Best gravel bike trails around Chacé
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur loop from Varrains, a 35.1 miles (56.5 km)…
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.4
(7)
69
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.
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.
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4.0
(1)
15
riders
52.4km
03:37
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
14
riders
47.7km
03:03
330m
330m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
15
riders
42.7km
02:32
290m
290m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Chacé?
There are over 50 gravel bike routes in the Chacé area, offering a diverse range of experiences. You'll find options from easy riverside paths to more challenging routes with greater elevation.
Are there any easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Chacé offers several easier routes. While many routes have moderate to difficult ratings due to distance or elevation, you can find gentler sections, particularly along the Loire River. For a moderate option that's less demanding than some of the longer loops, consider the Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur Castle loop from Varrains, which is 47.7 km with 325m of elevation gain.
What are the most challenging gravel cycling routes in Chacé?
For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, routes like the View of the Loire – Château de Saumur loop from Saumur stand out. This route covers 95 km with over 830m of elevation gain, offering a significant test of endurance. Another demanding option is the Le Thoureil Village – View of the Loire loop from Saumur, at 65.5 km with 628m of climbing.
What kind of scenery and landmarks can I expect along the gravel bike trails in Chacé?
The routes around Chacé are rich in scenery, primarily following the Loire River with its picturesque riverside paths. You'll also pass through agricultural areas and occasional wooded sections. Historical landmarks are a major highlight, including impressive castles. Notable attractions include the stunning Château de Saumur and the historic Montsoreau Castle.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes or loops in the Chacé area?
Many of the gravel bike trails around Chacé are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the popular Loire Riverside Gravel Trail – Saumur loop from Varrains and the Fontevraud Royal Abbey – Loire Riverside Gravel Trail loop from Saumur.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Chacé?
The Loire Valley generally offers pleasant cycling conditions from spring through autumn. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn provides comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm, but riverside routes often offer a refreshing breeze. Winter conditions can be damp and cooler, but many routes remain rideable.
Are there gravel bike trails near Chacé that pass by cafes or places to stop for refreshments?
Given the region's popularity and the presence of villages and towns along the Loire, many routes will naturally pass through or near places where you can find cafes, bakeries, or restaurants. Saumur, for instance, is a larger town that serves as a starting point or passes through several routes, offering ample opportunities for refreshments.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Chacé?
The gravel biking routes in Chacé are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 45 reviews. Riders frequently praise the combination of extensive riverside riding, the historical sites encountered along the way, and the varied terrain that caters to different skill levels.
How can I access the gravel trails around Chacé using public transport?
Saumur is a key hub in the region with a train station, making it a good starting point for accessing many of the gravel trails. From Saumur, you can often connect to smaller towns and villages along the Loire via local bus services, though checking schedules and bike carriage policies in advance is recommended.
Where can I find parking for gravel bike trails near Chacé?
Many of the routes start from or pass through towns like Saumur or Varrains, where public parking is generally available. Look for designated parking areas within these towns, especially near popular attractions or trailheads. Always check local signage for parking regulations and fees.
Are there any less crowded gravel bike trails in the Chacé area?
While popular routes along the Loire can see more activity, especially on weekends, the extensive network of trails means you can often find quieter sections. Exploring routes that venture slightly away from the immediate riverside or choosing to ride during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) can lead to a more solitary experience.
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