4.4
(145)
4,577
riders
34
rides
Road cycling routes around Fontevraud-L'Abbaye traverse a landscape characterized by the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, featuring gentle rolling hills and historical sites. The region's terrain includes river valleys, vineyards, and areas with unique troglodyte dwellings carved into soft rock. Elevations are generally modest, with most climbs being gradual, making it suitable for varied road cycling experiences.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
23
riders
56.5km
02:20
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.6
(7)
101
riders
40.9km
02:07
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Sign up for free
5
riders
27.5km
01:29
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
34.4km
01:30
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is a unique cultural site! An abbey with a royal destination, a formidable prison is today a place of creation (museum of modern art).
3
0
Fontevraud-l'Abbaye is located in the natural region of the Loire Valley, listed as a "living cultural landscape" by UNESCO. As its name suggests, the history and present of the municipality are closely linked to the Abbey of Notre-Dame, founded in 1099. The abbey presents the originality of being part of a mixed order, but led by abbesses until the Revolution. was the necropolis of the Plantagenet dynasty. The recumbent figures of Richard the Lionheart, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine are still preserved there. The vast abbey complex was transformed by Napoleon I into a penal colony and then into a "central house". This extraordinary prison closed its doors in 1963. While the abbey church and the various monastic sites were rehabilitated, the entire old abbey has since housed a prestigious cultural centre with, among other things, a renowned art museum, welcoming meetings and artists in residence. Art, history and heritage are highlighted throughout the year.
4
0
Located at the crossroads of Anjou, Touraine and Poitou, welcome to the Fontevraud-l'Abbaye Tourist Office, our travel advisors will welcome you in front of the Saint-Michel church to help you discover the destination. Let us advise you and discover a village full of charm. Formed around the famous royal abbey, the Plantagenets necropolis, it is today a lively village, rich in numerous monuments, shops and craftsmen. The Tourist Office offers you: a privileged welcome - a free wifi hotspot - a shop with a wide choice of regional products, gifts, books and souvenirs - good tips to visit more and spend less when buying your entrance tickets - a complete tourist guide - a website - but also to travel light, by leaving your luggage with us. More information and opening hours at https://www.ot-saumur.fr/nl/sheets/vvv-kantoor-fontevraud-labbaye-5404626/
5
0
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place steeped in history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of this ancient site and discover the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, an architectural and historical jewel that will fascinate young and old alike. Thanks to captivating exhibitions, fascinating guided tours and a rich cultural programme, you will immerse yourself in the unique world of this abbey, founded in the 11th century and once a necropolis of the Plantagenets. Every stone, every vault, every corner tells a story... But Fontevraud is much more than a historical site... Broaden your discovery with a visit to the Fontevraud Museum of Modern Art, which houses more than 800 works donated by Martine and Léon Cligman. A prestigious collection that combines ancient and modern art, for an artistic immersion through the ages. Triggered? Find out more at https://www.ot-saumur.fr/en/abbeys-and-religious-heritage/royal-abbey-of-fontevraud-5344942/
4
0
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic communities in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a place with a rich history, located in the heart of the Loire Valley and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5
0
View of the Vienne and the village of Candes Saint Martin
0
0
There are over 30 road cycling routes in the Fontevraud-L'Abbaye region, catering to various skill levels. These routes explore the unique landscape characterized by river valleys, vineyards, and historical sites.
Yes, the region offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Fontevraud Royal Abbey – View of Candes-Saint-Martin loop from Fontevraud-l'Abbaye is an easy 27.8-mile (44.8 km) trail with modest elevations, perfect for a relaxed ride. The gentle rolling hills and generally gradual climbs make many routes accessible for beginners and families.
For those seeking longer distances, the Fontevraud Royal Abbey – Montsoreau Castle loop from Fontevraud-l'Abbaye covers 65.4 km (40.6 miles) and offers a moderate challenge. Another option is the Fontevraud Royal Abbey – troglodytes loop from Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, a moderate 35.7-mile (57.5 km) path that explores unique troglodyte dwellings.
The road cycling routes around Fontevraud-L'Abbaye are generally characterized by gentle rolling hills and modest elevations. While there are 25 moderate routes, there are currently no routes classified as 'difficult' in the immediate area, making it more suitable for intermediate cyclists or those preferring less strenuous climbs.
The region is rich in historical and natural attractions. Many routes pass by the historic Fontevraud Royal Abbey. You can also explore unique troglodyte dwellings, such as those near the Souzay-Champigny troglodyte site. Castles like Montsoreau Castle and Château de Saumur are also prominent features along some routes, offering scenic viewpoints and historical insights.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Fontevraud-L'Abbaye are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Fontevraud Royal Abbey – View of Candes-Saint-Martin loop and the Clos d'Entre les Murs – troglodytes loop, both starting from Fontevraud-l'Abbaye.
The best time for road biking in Fontevraud-L'Abbaye is typically during spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with less heat than summer and fewer crowds, making for ideal cycling conditions through the vineyards and river valleys.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's blend of historical sites, such as the Royal Abbey and troglodyte caves, with the scenic beauty of the Loire and Vienne river valleys. The well-maintained roads and varied terrain suitable for different skill levels are also frequently highlighted.
While specific cafes are not listed for every route, the region is dotted with charming villages and towns, especially along the Loire and Vienne rivers. You'll often find opportunities to stop for refreshments in places like Candes-Saint-Martin, Montsoreau, or Saumur, which are frequently part of the cycling loops.
Parking is generally available in Fontevraud-L'Abbaye itself, often near the Royal Abbey or in designated public parking areas within the village. For routes starting from other towns or villages in the region, you can usually find parking in the town centers or near local attractions.
The terrain around Fontevraud-L'Abbaye is characterized by the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, featuring gentle rolling hills and river valleys. You can expect a mix of flat sections along the rivers and gradual climbs through vineyards and agricultural lands. The elevations are generally modest, making for a pleasant cycling experience without overly strenuous ascents.


Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.