Sometimes, the best way to truly get a sense of place is from the open road. You can’t beat the feeling of wind in your hair and the sun beating gently on your face as you watch the countryside glide past. And what can be more freeing, easy and sustainable than doing that by bike?
To help you plan your next cycling adventure, has just dropped a brand-new ranking of the world’s most beautiful cycling trails. You’ll find everything snow-capped mountains and the Sahara desert on Morocco’s Route of Caravans and coastal views on the Shinamani Kaido in Japan.
But the most stunning trail of all went to the Loire à Velo in France, a 900km route that stretches from Nevers to the Atlantic Ocean. It beat some stiff competition to be awarded the top spot, including the breathtaking new Trans Dinarica trail in the Western Balkans.
So, what’s special about the Loire à Velo? Well, it’s situated in the land of fine food, rolling vineyards and serene rivers in the Loire Valley. Known as the ‘Garden of France’, the entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
En route, you’ll pass by 22 fairytale castles, including Château d’Angers, which is home to the Apocalypse Tapestry, and a whole range of iconic cities. Orléans, a history buff’s dream for its connection to Joan of Arc, and foodie hotspot Tours are just a few to name.
Of course, you don’t have to complete the entire Loire à Velo in one go – that would take around one to two weeks, depending on your fitness levels. Fortunately, picking a few select sections of the route couldn’t be easier thanks to the Loire à Vélo train, designed for visitors on two wheels. And dozens of hotels, repair shops and parking spots proudly declare ‘cyclists welcome’.
All in all, this sounds like wheeley good trip (sorry).
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