4.5
(102)
664
riders
71
rides
Mountain biking around Cinais offers varied terrain within the Indre-et-Loire department of central France. The region features river valleys, wooded hills, and limestone slopes, providing diverse backdrops for mountain bike trails. Cinais is bordered by the Vienne River, and the landscape includes forests, vineyards, and plateaus like the Camp des Romains. These natural features contribute to a range of cycling experiences.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
4.3
(10)
21
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
28
riders
40.9km
02:03
80m
80m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(3)
21
riders
38.1km
02:13
150m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
13
riders
37.2km
02:56
430m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(11)
8
riders
23.2km
01:43
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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We visited the castle in July 2025, the moat is empty and it all locked up but unoccupied. Its worth having a look at because you can get a good view through the front fence and gate.
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History in brief Antiquity: the site is strategically located on a promontory and has been inhabited for 3,000 years. It was not fortified until the end of the Roman Empire. Middle Ages: in 1154, the new King of England, Henry II Plantagenet, became ruler of an empire stretching from Scotland to the Pyrenees and made Chinon his continental capital. He had a large palace built next to the fortress, which has now disappeared. In 1189, abandoned by his sons, Richard the Lionheart and John Lackland, and fleeing from the King of France, he eventually died there. Philippe Auguste had the defensive Tour du Coudray built there after the siege of 1205. Renaissance: in 1454, the fortress became the main residence of Queen Marie d'Anjou, who lived there without her husband. She spent lavishly on decorating the house to her taste. From the 16th century onwards, the fortress was gradually abandoned and fell into disrepair. Despite the dangerous nature of the terrain, it became a public promenade in 1824 and was listed as a monument in 1840. The restoration of the estate began in 1854 thanks to the efforts of the writer Prosper Mérimée. Source: https://loirelovers.fr/en/visit-royal-fort-chinon/
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The Saint-Michel church in Savigny-en-Véron was built in 1848 by architect Gustave Guérin, replacing an old chapel dedicated to the Holy Angels. Almost all the stained glass windows feature this angelic iconography. Be sure to pay attention to the mosaic above the entrance portal. The Lamb of God overlooks the church square.
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A must-see: the Happy-culteurs of Champigny sur Veude (the station).
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Candes-Saint-Martin is the home of Saint Martin, Bishop of Tours, who died there in 397 on the exact site of the present collegiate church.
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The banks of the Vienne are perfect for cycling. Beautiful places allow you to contemplate its course and its natural environment, like this one located on the right bank between Chinon and Saumur.
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The cave houses in question were carved into sandy limestone, which was probably deposited in the Cretaceous period. You can see from the layered structures that they were shallow sea or coastal deposits.
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The Holy Sepulchre of St Martin with a free guided tour
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There are nearly 70 mountain bike trails around Cinais listed on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 21 easy, 43 moderate, and 4 difficult options.
The terrain around Cinais is diverse, featuring river valleys, wooded hills, and limestone slopes. You'll encounter forests, vineyards, and plateaus, including the notable Camp des Romains. The Vienne River also borders Cinais, contributing to varied landscapes.
Yes, some trails offer notable elevation gains. For instance, the Royal Fortress of Chinon – Views of Chinon and beyond loop from Beaumont-en-Véron includes over 420 meters of ascent, providing a good workout. Another option is the Cinais Roman Camp – Roman camp loop from La Roche-Clermault, which features over 410 meters of climbing.
You can explore several historical and natural landmarks. The Royal Fortress of Chinon is a prominent feature, often visible from routes like the View of Candes-Saint-Martin – Château de Chinon loop from Thizay. The mysterious Camp des Romains plateau, with its boulders and moorland, is also accessible by bike. Other nearby attractions include the Fontevraud Royal Abbey and various castles like Montsoreau Castle.
The mountain bike trails in Cinais are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 90 reviews. Many riders appreciate the varied terrain, scenic views of the Vienne valley, and the mix of forests and vineyards.
While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always explicit, the region offers 21 easy-rated trails that are generally suitable for less experienced riders or families. These routes typically have less elevation gain and smoother surfaces, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Cinais are designed as loops. Examples include the Royal Fortress of Chinon – Views of Chinon and beyond loop from Beaumont-en-Véron and the Rabelais Museum loop from Seuilly, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.
The Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park, where Cinais is located, is beautiful throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for mountain biking. Summer can also be good, though it's wise to ride earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat.
Yes, the Chinonais region is known for its vineyards, and many mountain bike routes will take you through or alongside these picturesque landscapes, offering unique views and a sense of the local culture. The varied gradients of the hillsides also add to the riding experience.
Yes, the View of Candes-Saint-Martin – Château de Chinon loop from Thizay is specifically designed to provide views of Candes-Saint-Martin, a charming village at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, as well as the Château de Chinon.
The trails often traverse diverse natural habitats including river valleys, wet meadows, wooded hills, and limestone slopes. You'll also find areas of moorland and heathland, particularly around sites like the Camp des Romains, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park.


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