Cycling around Angers: 6 marked loops

Cycling around Angers is best experienced on marked loops that follow the Maine, Mayenne, and Loire rivers. Six routes start from the city center or its immediate surroundings, ranging from 23 km for a morning ride to 87 km for more seasoned cyclists. The terrain is flat, making it accessible for families. Looking for where to ride, what distance to aim for, and how to choose based on your level?

Here are our favorite loops and tips for cycling in Anjou with confidence, starting from our hotel in Angers !

Key takeaways

• Six marked cycling loops start from Angers or its immediate surroundings.
• Distances range from 23 km for the Mayenne loop to 87 km for the Layon-Aubance vineyard route.
• The terrain is flat, making it suitable for families and beginners alike.
• The Loire à Vélo and the Vélo Francette routes intersect right in the heart of the city.
• You can rent a bike in the city center, either seasonally or via self-service stations.

Cycling in Angers: our 6 favorite loops

Six major marked loops radiate from Angers. Almost all of them start from Parc Balzac and remain technically easy to cycle. Several pass near the historic center; discover things to do in Angers between stages!

Here is our selection, from shortest to longest.

The Mayenne loop, 23 km along the water

Starting from Parc Balzac, the Mayenne loop takes about an hour and a half to complete. It follows a greenway to Montreuil-Juigné, then continues along the river's towpath. The highlight is the Île Saint-Aubin, a Natura 2000-classified wetland where a guinguette (open-air café) is open from May to November.

The Angevine Loop, 39 km between the Maine and the Loire

The Angevine Loop follows the Maine river from Parc Balzac to Bouchemaine, then heads back toward the resort areas of Sainte-Gemmes, Les Ponts-de-Cé, and the slate quarries of Trélazé. Expect a 2.5-hour ride covering 39 km. It is the most popular loop, with a 5 out of 5 rating from cyclists on the France Vélo Tourisme guide.

The loop between the Loire and the Aubance, 52 km through the vineyards

Starting from La Daguenière, this 52 km loop climbs the wine-growing hillsides of the Aubance after following the Loire. The plateau rolls between vineyards, groves, and typical Anjou villages. A stop is a must in Blaison-Gohier, a charming "Petite Cité de Caractère," halfway through this more athletic bike ride.

Vineyards and the Thouet Valley, 64 km towards the troglodytes

Starting from Saumur, the Vineyards and Thouet Valley loop takes you to discover the plain troglodytes of the southern Saumur region. Spanning 64 km, it crosses vineyards to the village of Le Puy-Notre-Dame before reaching the fortified town of Montreuil-Bellay. A loop to be savored over a day or a weekend.

Between the Loire and Falun, 76 km south of the Saumur region

The Between the Loire and Falun loop partially follows the "Loire à Vélo" route before heading into the Saumur region and its amazing troglodytes. Over 76 km, the itinerary reveals the village of Rochemenier and its troglodytic farms, as well as a countryside dotted with cellars and small hamlets between Saumur and Gennes.

The Loire, Layon, and Aubance circuit, 87 km for athletic riders

The longest in our selection, this 87 km loop starts from Chalonnes-sur-Loire and follows the Layon along an old railway line. It passes through wine-growing villages to the Château de Brissac, then returns towards the Loire via Savennières and the island of Béhuard. Allow for nearly 6 hours of cycling for lovers of wine and heritage.

Which loop should you choose based on your level?

Choosing a bike loop in Angers depends mainly on the distance, as the flat terrain makes the effort easier. Here is our advice:

LevelRecommended loopsDistanceIdeal forBeginner and familyMayenne loop, Angevine loop23 to 39 kmA first outing, children on bikesIntermediateLoire and Aubance, Thouet Valley52 to 64 kmA full day on the hillsidesAdvancedBetween the Loire and Falun, Loire-Layon-Aubance76 to 87 kmExperienced riders and vineyard lovers

Our top pick: between May and November, stop at the guinguette on the Île Saint-Aubin, accessible by a small hand-operated ferry from the banks of the Mayenne. It’s a break that few guides mention, perfect for the halfway point of the Mayenne loop.

Want to set your wheels in a natural setting before tackling the Loire à Vélo? Book your room in Angers at the Château des Forges and start cycling directly from the estate!

FAQ — Cycling in Angers

Where can you go cycling in Angers if you are a beginner?

For beginners, the Mayenne loop (23 km) and the Angevine loop (39 km) are the easiest. Both start from Parc Balzac and follow greenways and flat towpaths, away from traffic. You ride along the water for almost the entire way, making these bike rides accessible to the whole family.

Can these loops be done with the family?

Yes, these loops are very well-suited for family outings. The flat terrain along the banks of the Maine, Mayenne, and Loire limits the effort, and the marked routes avoid most busy roads. The Mayenne loop, which is short and features the Île Saint-Aubin guinguette, remains the most suitable for young children.

What is the best cycling loop around Angers?

The Boucle Angevine is the most popular among cyclists, holding the top rating on the France Vélo Tourisme guide. Spanning 39 km, it connects the Maine and Loire rivers, the resort towns of Sainte-Gemmes, and the slate quarries of Trélazé. In a single day, it captures the waterscapes, vineyards, and heritage sites that define Anjou’s reputation.

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