Paris - Bordeaux by bike : The Scandibérique

🚲 Let's go for the Paris - Bordeaux adventure by bike on an electric bike , a muscle bike , or a gravel bike for the more athletic! A first day between nature and heritage to warm up.

🚴‍♂️ With DolceVia , head towards EuroVélo 3 , the Scandibérique. The route follows the Seine, crosses forests and some villages, perfect for a gentle start. Today's goal: reach Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry for a night by the water.

🌳 First nature break: the Bois de Vincennes. A last piece of greenery before leaving Paris, perfect for a calm start.

🌊 Break by the water at the lakes of Viry-Grigny. The place is ideal to catch your breath, have a picnic, or just enjoy the scenery before getting back on the road.

💧 Last stretch along the Seine with a stop in Corbeil-Essonnes. Some historical buildings to see, like the Grands Moulins and the Saint-Spire Cathedral. Just a few more kilometers before arrival!

🎒 Welcome to Saint-Fargeau-Ponthierry! After this beautiful day, it's time to rest at L’Escale Royale, a floating accommodation on the Seine. What could be more pleasant than a moment of rest by the water?

© Sortir à Paris

🚲 A new day in the saddle, heading to Fontainebleau via EuroVelo 3! Between charming villages, preserved nature, and gourmet breaks, this stage promises beautiful discoveries.

🏡 First stop in Moret-sur-Loing, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Its cobbled streets, picturesque bridges, and the banks of the Loing make it a perfect place for a break. Take the time to stroll and admire the period architecture.

🏰 Some must-see sights in Moret-sur-Loing: - The Porte de Samois and the Porte de Bourgogne, remnants of the old fortifications. - The House of François 1er, a witness to the king's passage through the region.

🌲 After this historical pause, it's off to Fontainebleau! The route crosses a beautiful forest with shaded paths, providing an ideal setting for a bike ride in nature.

🏰 Arrival in Fontainebleau. A little detour is necessary to admire the castle and its gardens. A dive into history, between refined architecture and greenery as far as the eye can see.

🧀 A gourmet break? Head to Terroirs de France to learn more about the production of Fontainebleau cheese and, of course, to taste this local specialty.

🛏️ To rest, enjoy comfortable accommodation in Fontainebleau in a calm and pleasant environment, perfect for recharging after this wonderful day of cycling.

© L'Escale Royale

🚴‍♂️ A new day in the saddle! Heading to Montargis, the "Venice of Gâtinais," crossing charming villages, preserved nature, and historical sites.

🏡 First stop in Grez-sur-Loing, a village with timeless charm that has inspired many artists. Its stone bridge, the Tour de Ganne, and its medieval church offer a lovely break. For a nature pause, why not go canoeing on the Loing?

🏰 Further on, Nemours and its castle-museum immerse you in history. Stroll through the center, explore the Prehistory Museum, or board Le Zia, a panoramic boat connecting Montcourt to Nemours with a stop at the castle.

🌿 After this cultural break, head to Souppes-sur-Loing. Between a leisure base and a peaceful canal, it's the perfect place for a relaxing pause before hitting the small roads of Gâtinais.

🏙️ Arrival in Montargis, a city of water and charm, nicknamed the "Venice of Gâtinais." With its 132 bridges and footbridges, it invites you to wander. Don't miss the Girodet Museum and the surprising story that links Montargis to China through Deng Xiaoping.

🛏️ For a restful night, settle into a warm and comfortable accommodation before tackling the next stage.

© Montargis Tourism

🚴‍♂️ Continue the Paris-Bordeaux cycling adventure from Montargis to Briare, between historic canals and charming villages.
🌊 Leaving Montargis, the "Venice of Gâtinais," the route follows the towpath of the Briare Canal, offering a peaceful ride along the meanders of the Loing. This section is ideal for enjoying the tranquility, meeting lock keepers and boaters, and passing through charming villages.
🏰 A must-stop in Châtillon-Coligny, a town with a rich medieval heritage featuring its ramparts, keep, and 14th-century buildings. A stroll through its streets will immerse you in history.
🚴‍♂️ The highlight of the stage: Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses, famous for its impressive system of locks dating back to the 17th century. An engineering marvel and a perfect spot for a picnic break with a view.
🌿 Head towards Briare, crossing wooded landscapes and ponds, along the Étang-Neuf channel. The route is dotted with structures related to river navigation, much to the delight of nature and river heritage enthusiasts.
🌉 Arriving in Briare, a major hub for river tourism, famous for its majestic canal bridge. Here, La Scandibérique meets the Loire à Vélo, offering a postcard-worthy arrival.
🛏️ For a restful night, settle in a peaceful and charming place to recharge before the next stage.
© Terre de Loire et Canaux

🚴‍♂️ Today's stage begins in Briare, where you cross the majestic canal bridge that connects La Scandibérique to La Loire à Vélo, a true symbol of river engineering. The cycling cruise continues along the royal river, offering splendid landscapes with every pedal stroke.
🏰 First stop in Briare, with its famous canal bridge and museums, including the Musée des 2 Marines and the Musée de la Mosaïque et des Émaux, for an immersion in local history.
🚴‍♂️ Head towards Saint-Brisson-sur-Loire, where you can visit its castle, a beautiful example of medieval architecture.
🍇 You will then cross the vineyards of the Coteaux du Giennois, classified AOC, perfect for a little tasting break.
🏰 In Gien, you won't miss the castle-museum, the Faïencerie Museum, and the Hunting Museum. The old town, with its picturesque streets and history, is also worth a detour.
🌿 The stage ends in Sully-sur-Loire, where the Renaissance castle of Sully-sur-Loire marks the entrance to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A must-see place and a great opportunity to discover the history of this iconic region.
🛏️ For a peaceful night, you can rest in comfortable and welcoming accommodation, ideal for concluding this stage.
© Gien Tourist Office

🚴‍♂️ After a peaceful break at the foot of the Sully-sur-Loire castle, this stage of La Scandibérique takes you through the endless loops of the Loire River to Orléans. A soothing journey, perfect for appreciating the beauty of nature and the riverside landscapes.
🏰 The first stop is at the Abbey of Fleury in St-Benoît-sur-Loire, a place rich in history and tranquility, ideal for a contemplative pause. Not far from there, the Carolingian oratory of Germigny-des-Prés immerses you in the medieval past.
🚢 Continue your journey by discovering the Loire Marine Museum in Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, where you will learn more about river navigation. The city's park, with its remarkable tree species, provides a perfect setting for a family picnic.
🏞️ In Jargeau, the levee allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the river before continuing your route to Orléans. With each pedal stroke, the silhouette of Orléans gradually emerges on the horizon, promising the end of the stage.
🌳 Before arriving in the city, make one last stop at the leisure base of Île Charlemagne, a place conducive to relaxation and nature, perfect for preparing for the urban hustle and bustle.
🛏️ For the night, choose a pleasant stay in charming and comfortable accommodation to conclude this stage.
© Orléans Val de Loire Tourism

🏰 After a night in Orléans, get back on the handlebars on La Scandibérique towards the confluence of the Loiret and the Loire, a pleasant moment to appreciate the beauty of the river landscape.

🌾 The route runs along a levee of the Loire through agricultural and market gardening plains, until Meung-sur-Loire. A stop at its castle, famous for its dungeons that imprisoned the poet François Villon, is a must.

🌉 Next, head to Beaugency with its historical heritage, including its 12th-century bridge with 23 arches. The quays of Beaugency, classified as "Most Beautiful Detour in France," transform into a beach in summer, while the cornfields become a fun maze for families on bikes.

⚡ The striking contrast between picturesque villages, the Saint-Laurent-des-Eaux nuclear power plant, and the castles will remind you of the historical importance of the river for human activities.

🚴‍♂️ As you approach Muides-sur-Loire, you will have to choose between following the Loire directly to Blois or embarking on an adventure on the left bank to discover the Land of the Castles by bike.

🛏️ For a unique night, book original and comfortable accommodation for a well-deserved break before continuing your journey.

© One two Trip

🚴‍♂️ The stage starts in Blois, with its castle and medieval streets, perfect for starting the day.

🏰 Next, head to Chaumont-sur-Loire, where you can visit the Château de Chaumont and its gardens.

🍷 After that, pass through Amboise and its castle, a great place to discover the history of the region.

🎨 Once in Tours, take the time to explore the city, known for its Saint-Gatien Cathedral, medieval center, and Plumereau Square.

🍷 Upon your arrival, enjoy a tasting of local wines, a perfect spot to discover the flavors of the region.

🍇 End the day by savoring local specialties accompanied by a glass of Touraine wine to mark the end of this adventure.

🛏️ 🏨 To conclude, relax in a charming accommodation set in a green environment.

© Tourist Office of Tours

🚴‍♂️ The stage starts in Tours, a city full of history. Explore the former medieval capital, stroll through the cathedral district, discover the half-timbered houses, the charming Plumereau square, and enjoy the many museums.
🏰 Next, head to Veigné, known for its old water mill, its Saint-Maxent church, its manor, and its park. A quiet place to take a break and enjoy the surroundings.
⛪ Continue your journey to Ste-Catherine de Fierbois, famous for its church and reliquary, a true historical gem to discover.
🧀 As you approach Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, stop to taste the famous Sainte-Maure cheeses, the "laitier" and the "fermier," these cylindrical goat cheeses with a straw in their center, perfect for a picnic!
🏞️ The itinerary takes you through a beautiful agricultural plateau and reveals villages rich in history, with parks, churches, and ancient ruins along the way.
🛏️ After this day of discovery, rest in a cozy accommodation to relax before setting off again the next day.
© Touraine Loire Valley

🚴‍♂️ The stage begins in Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, with its Boumiers dolmen, its castle, its church, and its remarkable market halls. A great starting point for exploration.

🏠 Next, head to Maillé, where you can visit the House of Remembrance, a place that reflects the local history.

🗿 Continue to Draché, where you will discover the menhir of the Pierre Percée, a fascinating remnant from prehistoric times.

⛪ In Ingrandes-sur-Vienne, visit the church, the Domaine de la Groie, and the remnants of the medieval castle.

🏙️ Finally, you will arrive in Châtellerault, a city rich in history with its Renaissance monuments and the Blossac theater. The former arms factory, transformed into a cultural space, is also a site to discover.

🛏️ After this day of discovery, relax in comfortable accommodation for a well-deserved break.

© Châtellerault Tourism

🚴‍♂️ The stage begins in Châtellerault, a city rich in history. Explore the city center with its Italian-style theater, the Théâtre Blossac, and several Renaissance-style monuments. The old arms factory, with its impressive brick chimneys, is a must-see to discover the city's industrial past.
🌿 Next, head to Vouneuil-sur-Vienne, home to the beautiful Pinail Nature Reserve and the Moulin de Chitré, a peaceful spot for a break in nature.
🏰 Continue your journey to the Château de Touffou, known for its stunning gardens and fascinating history.
🏙️ Proceed to Chauvigny, a perched medieval town offering breathtaking views of the surroundings and its historic castle.
🏛️ In Civaux, visit the archaeological museum and the fascinating Crocodile Planet.
🏞️ Finally, arrive at Lussac-les-Châteaux, where you can explore the Prehistory Museum and admire the five ancient pillars of the medieval bridge.
🛏️ After this day of discoveries, rest in a charming accommodation for a well-deserved break before setting off again.
© Les Portes du Temps

🚴‍♂️ The stage begins in Lussac-les-Châteaux, with a visit to the Prehistory Museum, an excellent starting point to dive into local history.
🌳 Next, head towards Availles-Limouzine along picturesque backroads where the tranquility of the area will accompany you through breathtaking landscapes. Take the time to stop at swimming areas along the Vienne for a refreshing break.
🏰 Continue towards Lessac, around its castle, where you will discover unique artistic works.
🌉 You will arrive at the majestic viaduct of Isle-Jourdain, an impressive passage before you move away from the river to pedal towards Availles-Limouzine.
🏰 In Confolens, explore the City of Art and History, with its magnificent ruins of the Saint-Germain-de-Confolens castle dating back to the 12th century.
🛏️ After this beautiful day, relax in comfortable accommodation to rest before continuing your journey.
© Angouleme Tourisme

🚴‍♂️ The stage begins in Confolens, leaving behind the medieval bridge, and continues along the banks of the Vienne River to Exideuil. The route then takes a more Charentais turn with a visit to the Château de la Chétardie.
🌳 Continue towards the lakes of Haute-Charente, including Lavaud and Mas Chaban, created to regulate the low flow of the Charente River in summer. These lakes offer water activities and birdwatching, ideal for a refreshing break before continuing to Massignac.
🏞️ The route continues with beautiful viewpoints, but also some steep climbs through the foothills of the Massif Central. The valleys are deep, and the Tardoire River can rise sharply. Montbron offers a pleasant water sports base for canoeing and kayaking.
🏰 Finally, you will arrive in Marthon, a village where the Scandibérique connects to the Flow Vélo. The village has managed to preserve its halls and its old Tour du Breuil, a former keep of a feudal castle.
🛏️ After this beautiful day, relax in charming accommodation to rest before continuing your journey.
© Flickr

🚴‍♂️ The stage begins in Marthon, heading towards Angoulême, where La Scandibérique accompanies La Flow Vélo through the Bandiat valley. You will take the greenway of the "Coulée d'Oc," a quiet road that immerses you in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside, passing through small villages rich in Romanesque heritage.
🌳 After Chazelles and its Quéroy caves, the route diverges towards Angoulême, following the Touvre river. Take the opportunity to stop and discover the amazing springs of this river fed by underground waters.
📚 Angoulême is a true pilgrimage for comic book lovers. Don't miss the painted walls, the Comic Strip Museum, the International City of Comic Strip and Image, as well as the Paper Museum. You can also discover the Treasure of Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the Regional Fund for Contemporary Art Poitou-Charentes.
⛪ Leaving Angoulême, the route then takes you to Mosnac and Châteauneuf-sur-Charente, where the Charente vineyard will offer you a lovely glimpse of the region.
🏰 The day ends in Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, with a visit to the Château de Barbezieux and the Saint-Mathias church.
🛏️ A pleasant accommodation awaits you to rest before continuing your adventure.
© Sud Charente Tourisme

🚴‍♂️ This stage of La Scandibérique takes you from Barbezieux to Clérac through increasingly dense forests, leading to the medieval fortress of Montguyon, before arriving in Libourne.
🌳 Clérac, in the heart of the Saintonge forest, offers a nature break. As you move towards the Bordeaux region, the landscape alternates between pine forests and lakes with blue reflections, created by kaolin extraction. This scenery accompanies the cyclist until Guîtres.
🍇 Finally, Libourne appears, an old river port at the confluence of the Isle and Dordogne rivers. The southern air is felt!

Not to be missed: 🔸 Montlieu-la-Garde – The House of the Forest
🔸 Clérac – Museum of Trades and Popular Traditions, Saint-Vivien Church (11th - 15th centuries)
🔸 Cercoux – Saint-Saturnin Church (12th - 13th centuries)
🔸 Guîtres – Abbey Church of Notre-Dame (11th century), Le Guicherot fountain, monumental well (17th century)
🔸 Saint-Denis-de-Pile – Romanesque Saint-Denis Church (12th century), suspension bridge over the Isle
🔸 City of Libourne – Clock Tower, Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology, Town Hall, the bastide of Libourne, the renovated quays
🛏️ A comfortable accommodation awaits you to rest before the next stage.
© Libourne Tourist Office

🍷 The Scandibérique crosses the prestigious vineyard of Saint-Émilion, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A stop is essential to stroll around the ramparts before crossing the Dordogne. Then, an ascent through the vines leads to the Roger Lapébie greenway. Be careful to head towards Créon to reach Bordeaux, and not towards La Réole, which leads to the Canal des 2 Mers!
🌿 The Entre-deux-Mers, between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, is a wine-growing region nestled on a limestone plateau. The greenway winds between the vines to Bordeaux, joining the right bank of the Garonne. The iconic Pont de Pierre marks the entrance to the city, leading to the Saint-Michel and Saint-Jean districts.
🏛️ Before continuing on the Scandibérique, take the time to discover Bordeaux, a transformed city that deserves a pause. Between culture and gastronomy, admire your reflection as a cyclist in the famous water mirror before heading towards the Landes de Gascogne.
🛏️ For a restful night, find comfortable accommodation in the center of Bordeaux.

© Explore France
✨ **Did you enjoy the Paris–Bordeaux adventure?** Discover other epic getaways: - Paris–Bruges by bike: an international crossing to the Flemish canals - Paris–Marseille by bike: the ultimate adventure across France - Paris–Tours by bike: to discover the châteaux of the Loire