Nevers is a charming town at the confluence of the Loire and Nievre rivers and has many historic buildings despite being heavily bombed in WWII. Its typical ‘faience’ (pottery) workshops date from the 16th century and the Ducal Palace is considered to be one of the first chateaux of the Loire. The Magny-Cours circuit, a Formula 1 racetrack until 2008, is nearby. Nevers is also a place of pilgrimage as it is where Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes became a nun at St Gildard convent, dying here in 1879. She was beatified and later canonised in 1933. Nevers' Saint-Arigle covered food market is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Meals:  Nil

Departing Nevers, you cycle first to Cuffy, which is the official start point of the 'Loire a velo' route (800km and ending at the Atlantic ocean). From here you trail leads north to the monastic city of Charité-sur-Loire. You'll ride across the oldest bridge of the Loire, dating from the 16th century, into the centre. Surrounded by ramparts, La Charité-sur-Loire is famous for its Clunisian priory, founded in the 11th century. This Benedictine monastery, along with its church, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Charité-sur-Loire is on the Le Puy Camino (Way of St James), the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. 20m ascent, 48m descent

Meals:  B

Today you will cycle through the beautiful natural reserve ‘Loire Valley’ through vast, undulating vineyards. Admire the lovely bell tower/belfry of the church in Pouilly-sur-Loire and the woods and fields as you head to the famous Sancerre wine region. You can take a break on the way to taste a local wine grower’s ‘Sauvignon Blanc’, ideally accompanied by a Chavignol goat’s cheese. Enjoy the magnificent view of the Loire Valley from Sancerre situated somewhat higher and dominated by its 15th century Donjon. 253m ascent, 110m descent

Meals:  B

Leave Sancerre along the tow path of the Canal Lateral towards Bennay, before reaching Cosne-sur-Loire, known for its flowers and offering beautiful landscapes over the Loire river. From here you follow the 'Loire a velo' to Belleville-sur Loire, Beaulieu-sur-Loire and finally today's destination Briare. Bordered by 72 lamp posts and pilasters, the Briare Aqueduct is a 'must-see' monument of hydraulic engineering, a unique structure and the oldest canal bridge in France - and until 2003, it was the longest canal bridge in Europe. 65m ascent, 215m descent

Meals:  B

Cycle over the Loire on the canal bridge and proceed to Saint Brisson-sur-Loire, which has a medieval chateau with catapults and cannons. Continue to the city of Gien, which was heavily bombed in WWII and has since been rebuilt, where you can enjoy panoramic views. Here you'll find the castle of Anne de Beaujeu, built about 1500, and the beautiful 18th century bridge with its 12 pillars. Continue to Sully-sur-Loire, on the left bank of the river. Sully-sur-Loire. The château here dates from the late 14th century and is surrounded by canals/moats and offers great views of the river. 152m ascent, 168m descent

Meals:  B

Enjoy panoramic views as you cycle to Saint Benoit-sur-Loire. Its abbey is one of the most renowned Romanesque churches of France and it has been a place of pilgrimage since 673, when relics of St Benedict were brought here. Continue to Chateauneuf-sur-Loire, one of the major ports of the Loire during the 18th century. Arrive in Orleans, the 'City of Art and History', saved by Joan of Arc from the siege of the Plantagenets during the Hundred Years' War in 1429. 73m ascent, 85m descent

Meals:  B

Your trip concludes after breakfast, or you can continue cycling on our Cycle the Loire - Orleans to the Atlantic Coast (trip code ULV).

Meals:  B