The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Benoît-Sur-Loire
4.6
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3,728
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77
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Benoît-Sur-Loire are primarily characterized by the flat terrain of the Loire River valley. The region features an extensive network of cycleways, levee roads, and quiet rural lanes, offering minimal traffic for cyclists. The landscape includes the serene Loire River and its banks, as well as the open market garden plain known as the "Val d'Or." This area provides a mix of natural beauty and historical sites, making it suitable for various cycling experiences.
Best…
Last updated: May 6, 2026
4.8
(4)
6
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
3
riders
18.3km
01:07
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
7
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
19.9km
01:10
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Saint-Benoît-Sur-Loire
Tips from the Community
Great place to stay, whether riding La Loire en Vélo or exploring the area by car. Fantastic host, comfy rooms and you can get a load of washing done too! The table d'hôte option was a lot of fun too - ask if they are hosting the night you are staying - you won't regret it. Book direct for best price www.kopp.fr
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A beautiful place created by a local association. Breaks are possible with benches and shade.
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the temple of love
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Nestled in a meander of the Loire, the town of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire is home to one of the most beautiful jewels of Romanesque architecture: an 11th and 12th century basilica including the porch tower, decorated with twelve historic capitals. , the monumental portal and the nave constitute the most remarkable elements. Founded around 650 on the grounds of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa, Fleury Abbey has housed the relics of Saint Benedict, founder of Western monasticism and patron saint of Europe, since 672. During the 8th century, the patronage of the Prince of the Apostles was abandoned for that of Saint Benedict. This event is at the origin of the rapid expansion, prosperity and influence of the abbey which became Saint-Benoît de Fleury, while the village later became that of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. In the 9th century, after the ordeal of the Norman invasions which pillaged and destroyed the monastery, Fleury Abbey flourished again. The 10th and 11th centuries were the great era of Fleury's spiritual, intellectual and artistic influence. The construction of Fleury was probably completed in 1218. A few centuries later, the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion ruined the monastery and disrupted regular life, the community's numbers collapsed. The French Revolution will end up dispersing the community of Fleury Abbey. But in 1944, a community of around forty monks resettled in the area and undertook the reconstruction of the monastery. A community of thirty-three monks lives there today under the direction of Father Abbot Etienne Ricaud. In 1947, the fourteenth centenary of the death of Saint Benedict led the abbey to be elevated to the status of a basilica. The visitor is invited to admire the fabulous historic capitals present in the porch tower, the nave and the choir; the magnificent paving which extends around the altar as well as the crypt where the relics of the patron saint rest. Not to be missed is the north portal and its monumental lintel carved in high relief.
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We already find traces of a monastery in Fleury in the year 620. In 660, relics of Saint-Benoît were brought there and the abbey became Saint-Benoît de Fleury. Around the year 1000, the abbey experienced a golden age and the construction of the current basilica was launched. It will be consecrated in 1218. From the 16th to the 18th century, wars and the Revolution damaged the monastery. However, a community of 24 monks still lives there today.
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Bridge lit by LEDs, different illuminations and colors depending on the time of year, particularly summer, an application was even created for the occasion under the name bridge & lights
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Located on the right bank of the Loire, Châteauneuf-sur-Loire has a vast and pleasant wooded park. There is also the maritime museum which traces the history of sailors and navigation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire?
There are over 80 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire listed on komoot. These routes are designed to offer serene rides through the picturesque Loire Valley, minimizing encounters with vehicle traffic.
What is the best time of year to enjoy no-traffic touring cycling in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire?
The Loire Valley, including Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, is particularly pleasant for cycling from spring to autumn. Spring offers blooming landscapes, while summer provides warm weather for riverside rides. Autumn brings beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures. The region's integration into the Loire à Vélo route means it's well-suited for cycling during these seasons, with many services available.
Are there easy, no-traffic routes suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire offers many easy, no-traffic routes perfect for families and beginners. The terrain along the Loire is largely flat, making it accessible for all skill levels. For example, the route Châteauneuf-sur-Loire – Châteauneuf-sur-Loire Bridge loop from Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire is an easy 30 km option that keeps you away from busy roads.
What historical and natural attractions can I discover along these quiet cycling routes?
The no-traffic routes often lead you past significant landmarks and natural beauty. You can visit the majestic Basilica of Saint Benedict at Fleury, the spiritual heart of the village. Further afield, routes might take you towards the impressive Sully-sur-Loire Castle or the Châteauneuf-sur-Loire Castle. The serene Loire River banks and the Val d'Or meadows also offer picturesque views.
Can I find circular no-traffic touring routes around Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire?
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic touring routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Café de la Ville loop from Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, which offers a pleasant 18 km ride through the local scenery.
Is parking available for cyclists near the starting points of these quiet routes?
Yes, Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, being a key stop on the Loire à Vélo, is cyclist-friendly. You'll find various parking options within the village, often near the river or the Abbey, providing convenient access to the network of cycleways and quiet rural lanes that form these no-traffic routes.
Are there places to eat, drink, or stay along the no-traffic cycling routes?
Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and the surrounding villages along the Loire à Vélo route offer a good selection of services for cyclists. You'll find charming cafes, restaurants, and 'Accueil Vélo' certified accommodations that cater specifically to touring cyclists, ensuring you have places to refuel and rest during your journey.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire?
The no-traffic touring routes in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 500 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the peaceful riverside paths, the flat and well-maintained surfaces, and the opportunity to explore historical sites like the Abbey of Fleury without the disturbance of vehicle traffic.
Can I access these no-traffic routes using public transport?
While direct public transport options to the immediate starting points of all routes might vary, the Loire à Vélo route, which Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire is part of, is generally well-connected. Regional trains (TER) in the Loire Valley often allow bicycles, making it possible to reach towns near the cycling network and then connect to the no-traffic routes.
Are there any longer, moderate no-traffic touring routes for more experienced cyclists?
For those seeking a longer, moderate challenge away from traffic, routes like the Sully-sur-Loire Castle – Sully-sur-Loire Castle loop from Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire offer a rewarding experience. This route covers approximately 50 km with minimal elevation gain, allowing you to enjoy the scenic countryside and reach notable landmarks like the Château de Sully-sur-Loire on quiet paths.
Are the no-traffic touring routes in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire suitable for cycling with dogs?
Many of the quiet paths and cycleways along the Loire River and through rural areas are suitable for cycling with well-behaved dogs, especially if they are accustomed to riding in a trailer or basket. Always ensure your dog is comfortable and safe, and be mindful of local regulations regarding dogs in public spaces or nature reserves.
Is there a route that combines natural beauty with historical sites?
Yes, the Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés – Beautiful barge on the Loire loop from Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire is an excellent choice. This easy 21 km route takes you along the tranquil Loire River and allows you to visit the historic Carolingian Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés, offering a blend of natural scenery and cultural heritage on quiet paths.
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