The best traffic-free bike rides around Le Puy-Notre-Dame
4.5
(144)
791
riders
83
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Le Puy-Notre-Dame traverse a landscape characterized by extensive vineyards, a defining feature of the Saumur wine region. The area is situated on a tuffeau mound, offering elevated perspectives of the surrounding countryside. This region is part of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Natural Park, ensuring a protected natural environment. Cyclists can expect routes that weave through wine estates and past historical villages, often with mostly flat terrain.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Le Puy-Notre-Dame
- The…
Last updated: May 24, 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
(3)
13
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Le Puy-Notre-Dame
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 no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Le Puy-Notre-Dame?
There are over 75 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Le Puy-Notre-Dame, offering a wide range of options for exploring the region's vineyards and historical sites. You'll find routes suitable for various skill levels, from easy to difficult.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Le Puy-Notre-Dame?
The Loire Valley, including Le Puy-Notre-Dame, is particularly pleasant for cycling from spring to early autumn. During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the vineyards are lush. Spring offers blooming landscapes, while autumn provides beautiful colors and harvest activities. Summers are warm but generally manageable for cycling.
Are there any easy, car-free cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Le Puy-Notre-Dame offers several easy, no-traffic routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Montreuil-Bellay Castle – Ballastière Pond loop from Les Quarts is an easy option that allows you to enjoy the scenery without significant climbs. Many routes weave through the extensive vineyards, providing a gentle cycling experience.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no traffic touring cycling routes?
The terrain around Le Puy-Notre-Dame is generally varied but often features gentle slopes, especially through the vineyards. While the wider Loire à Vélo route is known for its mostly flat sections, Le Puy-Notre-Dame itself is situated on a tuffeau mound, meaning some routes may include moderate ascents and descents, offering rewarding views. You'll primarily cycle on paved paths, quiet country roads, and dedicated cycle tracks.
What historical landmarks or attractions can I see along the routes?
Many routes pass by significant historical sites. You can cycle past impressive castles like Montreuil-Bellay Castle or Château de Passavant. The region also boasts a rich troglodyte heritage, with fascinating underground cellars that can be explored as detours. The village of Le Puy-Notre-Dame itself features a magnificent 12th-century Collegiate Church and well-preserved medieval houses.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the moderate Montreuil-Bellay Castle – Château de Saumur loop from Montreuil-Bellay, which offers a scenic circular journey. These loops are ideal for day trips, returning you to your starting point.
Can I find places to eat, drink, or stay along the no traffic cycling routes?
Absolutely. The region is well-equipped to welcome cyclists. You'll find numerous opportunities for wine tourism, with local winegrowers offering tastings of Saumur-Puy-Notre-Dame AOC wines. Many estates also provide gîte accommodations. Towns and villages along the routes, such as Montreuil-Bellay, offer cafes, restaurants, and various lodging options. Look for establishments displaying the 'Accueil Vélo' scheme for cyclist-friendly services.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Le Puy-Notre-Dame?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 130 ratings. Reviewers often praise the serene vineyard landscapes, the historical charm of the villages, and the well-maintained, quiet routes that allow for a truly immersive touring experience away from traffic.
Is it possible to combine cycling with other activities, such as visiting natural parks?
Yes, Le Puy-Notre-Dame is located within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Natural Park, offering a rich and protected natural environment. This means you can easily combine your cycling tours with exploring the park's diverse ecosystems. The region also has marked hiking and trail running routes, providing additional outdoor activity options.
How do the difficulty levels of the routes vary?
The no traffic touring cycling routes around Le Puy-Notre-Dame cater to all levels. Approximately 31 routes are classified as easy, 39 as moderate, and 8 as difficult. This variety ensures that whether you're looking for a leisurely ride through vineyards or a more challenging tour with greater elevation, you'll find a suitable option.
Are there any specific routes that offer panoramic viewpoints?
While specific viewpoints are not always explicitly marked, routes that ascend the tuffeau mound on which Le Puy-Notre-Dame is situated, or those that traverse higher sections of the vineyards, often provide rewarding panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the extensive Saumur vineyard. The Château de Saumur – Montreuil-Bellay Castle loop from Montreuil-Bellay, for example, includes varied terrain that can offer scenic vistas.
Can I access the no traffic cycling routes using public transport?
While Le Puy-Notre-Dame itself is a smaller village, it is approximately 20 km from Saumur, a key town along the main Loire à Vélo route, which is well-connected by public transport. Cyclists can often reach Saumur by train and then cycle to Le Puy-Notre-Dame or other starting points. For detailed public transport information, it's best to check local and regional transport schedules.
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