The Loire by bike in the Cher
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The Loire by bike, the longest cycle route in France, starts in Cher
"The amazing Loire à Vélo cycling trail runs through one of the most beautiful regions of France following the majestic River Loire from Cuffy, in the Cher, to the Atlantic."" (Guide du Routard). The 800km trail, the longest cycle route in France, starts at Cuffy where the River Allier flows into the Loire and runs along the eastern border of the Cher département. Sometimes the trail follows the river Loire itself and at others its Canal Latéral. It is not a difficult trail in cycling terms with no major obstacles and it gives you time to stop and admire the myriad of treasures which border the river. Cycling through this 126km section of the Loire is an eco-friendly and sensory experience through a wilderness of unspoilt vegetation and abundant wildlife. Before setting out on this long haul, start off with a visit to one of the Loveliest Villages in France, Apremont-sur-Allier, to enjoy the wonderland atmosphere of its beautiful park and medieval houses beside the River Allier. Then go to ‘Kilometre Zero’ and… start pedalling !
The first of the essentials to see along the route is right at the starting point in Cuffy at the Bec d’Allier where the River Allier flows into the Loire. An amazing photo opportunity ! Then off you go along the Loire or the Canal as far as Marseilles-lès-Aubigny, an enchanting riverside village and harbour on the main part of the Loire with migratory and local birds, beavers, wading birds and gulls all busy on and by the river. Next stop is Beffes, where the clear waters of the old flooded quarry at Chabrolles have become a major Regional Diving Centre.
From the Réserve Naturelle du Val de Loire to Sancerre
Carry on along the cycle trail which halfway along this section crosses the Réserve Naturelle du Val de Loire, taking you through different natural environments of the Loire. Just a little bit further and you find yourself in the Sancerre wine-growing area with scenery guaranteed to take your breath away. The Cher section ends a few kilometres higher up at Briare in the Loiret département.
A short distance away from the cycle trail, don’t miss the Art and History District of La Guerche-sur-Aubois, La Tuilerie Architecture and Heritage Discovery Centre devoted to promoting the area and the church of Saint-Etienne du Gravier, a listed monument because it used to have an old priory referred to in a unique, rare document at the B.N.F (National Library of France).
Its weathercock dating from 1590 is the oldest one in France still in place. Stop off at the Espace Métal, a museum in the Halle de Grossouvre, a former charcoal store whose modern, fun exhibition is the work of the well-known scientific TV presenter Jamy Gourmaud. For a little history, stroll around the Cistercian Abbaye de Fontmorigny at Menetou-Couture or the 13th century La Grand’Cour castle at Mornay-Berry, while sporting enthusiasts enjoy a round of golf at Saint-Hilaire-de-Gondilly.
"What I like about the banks of the Loire, is making the most of the relaxed way of life, watching the royal, unspoilt river and ending my journey at a typical little ‘auberge’ with a dish of fried whitebait".
To get to Kilomètre Zéro at Cuffy, take A77 from Paris or N7 coming from the South, or catch a train to La Guerche-sur-l’Aubois."
