Why this stage is ideal for beginners
When families ask me where to start the Loire by Bike, I almost always answer: here, towards Orléans. The route is part of EuroVelo 6, the great European axis that follows the river for nearly 900 km, but this particular section is one of the gentlest. The gradient is virtually flat, the cycle path is wide and separated from traffic over most of its length, and the "Loire à Vélo" signage is crystal clear. Allow around 18 km from Meung-sur-Loire to Orléans, that is two hours at an easy pace, breaks included. It is exactly the format that suits children from the age of eight, occasional cyclists or a first family attempt, with no apprehension.
The route from Meung-sur-Loire to Orléans, kilometre by kilometre
From La Maison du Château, you reach the path within a few minutes along the bank of the Loire. You set off eastwards, the river on your right. The path first runs through the Loire meadows, then skirts the villages of Cléry-Saint-André and La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin by the towpaths and minor roads. You pass through Saint-Pryvé-Saint-Mesmin before reaching Olivet, its loop of the Loiret and its mills, one of the prettiest passages of the whole stage. The arrival into Orléans is by the redeveloped quays, facing the cathedral. The waymarking is continuous: you simply follow the green signs and the thread of the water, never having to take out the map.
The shorter variant towards Beaugency
If you would rather ride westwards, the Meung-sur-Loire to Beaugency stage is even more accessible: only around ten kilometres, over barely an hour. It is ideal for a half day, or for a first warm-up on the afternoon of your arrival. The path winds between the river arms and the sandbanks, with fine openings over the water. At the finish, the medieval town of Beaugency rewards the effort: its keep, its bridge over the Loire, its cobbled lanes. You can have lunch on the spot, then return by the same route or come back by train. This short loop is my favourite for giving hesitant guests a taste of the Loire by Bike.
Loire ferries and dykes: reading the landscape
Two features set the rhythm of the Loire by Bike and deserve a word. The dykes, first: these are the great levees that have channelled the river for centuries. The path often runs along them, offering an open view over the valley, but exposed to the wind, so bring a windproof even in fine weather. The Loire ferries, next: these traditional boats that once carried people across the river are the subject of festivals and demonstrations in season, notably at the great gatherings of Loire boatmen. If you come across a ferry in action, stop: it is a living slice of Loire heritage. Ask locally about the crossings and events under way, as they vary from one year and one season to the next.
The highlights along the way
The appeal of this stage is that it is never monotonous. On the Orléans side, the basilica of Notre-Dame de Cléry, burial place of Louis XI, is worth the slight detour. La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin and its wild Loire banks border the Saint-Mesmin nature reserve, a paradise for water birds. Olivet lines its riverside guinguettes and mills along the Loiret, a perfect stop for a refreshment. In Orléans itself, the quays, the cathedral of Sainte-Croix and the old centre are worth setting down the bike for an hour or two. To the west, Beaugency alone concentrates keep, abbey and medieval bridge. On so short a stage, this density of discoveries is a real luxury.
Hiring a bike, and my train-return tip
No need to bring your own bike: several "Accueil Vélo" accredited hire firms cover the area, in Orléans, in Beaugency and in Meung itself depending on the season, with hybrid and electric bikes. Allow on average 15 to 20 euros a day for a hybrid, more for an electric one, helmet included. Book in high season. My favourite tip, which I repeat at every arrival: the regional trains on the Orléans–Tours line take bikes without booking outside peak hours. So you can ride out towards Orléans or Beaugency, visit at leisure, then come back by train to Meung-sur-Loire without retracing your steps. That is what makes this stage so comfortable, even for legs with little training.
Practical tips starting from La Maison du Château
A few host recommendations for a successful stage. Set off early in summer, before nine, to enjoy the cool air on the exposed dykes. Bring water, sun cream, a lock and a small repair kit, as shops thin out between the villages. The bakery is a few steps from the house: stock up on pastries before you go. Let me know about your outing plan: I keep the bikes safe in the inner courtyard and have the local Loire by Bike maps to hand. On your return, the terrace and the espresso await you. On the spot, 1h30 from Paris, the river is within a wheel-turn of you from the morning.
The Meung-sur-Loire to Orléans stage, or towards Beaugency, is the best gateway to the Loire by Bike: flat, signposted, rich in heritage, and doable in a few hours. With the train return, it suits the whole family. From La Maison du Château in Meung-sur-Loire, you take to the saddle by the river, ten minutes from Beaugency and 1h30 from Paris.