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 market days are Tuesday-Friday mornings and all day Saturday, at Marché Carnot.

Meals:  Nil

Departing Nevers, you cycle first to Cuffy, which is the official start point of the 'Loire a velo', then heading north, you continue to the monastic city of Charité-sur-Loire and ride on 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 Way of St James, the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Ascent 26m/85ft, descent 57m/187ft

Meals:  B

Your day starts with a cycle through the Loire Valley National Nature Reserve, then you can admire the vineyards and the bell tower of the Pouilly-sur-Loire church. From Pouilly you continue between fields and woods towards the famous Sancerre vineyards. We recommend a stop to visit a local wine producer, to sample a glass of Sancerre blanc (sauvignon blanc) with a tasting of the typical Chavignol chevre. A medieval hilltop town, Sancerre is overlooked by its 15th century 'Tour des Fiefs', a remaining tower of the feudal chateau. Ascent 171m/561ft, descent 27m/85ft

Meals:  B

You leave Sancerre along the tow path of the Canal Lateral towards Bennay, before reaching Cosne-sur-Loire, a town 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 your destination for today, Briare. Bordered by 72 lamp posts and magnificent pillars, its canal bridge is a 'must-see' monument, a unique structure - and until 2003, it was the longest canal bridge in Europe. Ascent 54m/178ft, descent 57m/187ft

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, and enjoy its exceptional panoramic view. In the afternoon you cycle to Sully-sur-Loire, which has a remarkable chateau surrounded by moats overlooking the river, where you stay overnight. Ascent 26m/85ft, descent 57m/187ft

Meals:  B

You can 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. Ride to Chateauneuf-sur-Loire, one of the major ports of the Loire during the 18th century. Finish 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. Ascent 26m/85ft, descent 57m/187ft

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  B