Reader Q&A: Cycling from Le Puy-en-Velay to Roscoff

Published by Andrew on 15 January 2018

We had a request by email for some advice on riding a tandem from Le Puy-en-Velay to Roscoff.

Cycling from Le-Puy-en-Velay
The Chapel of Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe, The Cathedral and the Virgin Mary Statue in Le Puy-en-Velay.
Photo: Mike Rowe
 
Q: A couple of years ago we used your info on accommodation when cycling from Hendaye to Calais. This year we are planning to take our tandem along the Loire from Le Puy-en-Velay to Roscoff.
 
I’m just wondering if you have a list of velo-friendly places to stay until we get to Nantes?

Lyn's answer: Great to hear from you and so pleased to help you again!
 
I have the main EV6 route mapped on this page with accommodation options. There are likely to be many more places but these are the ones I've confirmed so far with the manager or owner as being bike-friendly.
 
As you probably know already, the 'official' Loire bike route doesn't actually go through Le Puy. Some people pop up to the Burgundy network and use that to link to the Loire (maps here).
 
If you are going in via Clermont (possible if flying or needing a major train station), then I've confirmed two options, both owned by the Accor hotel group, which in my experience I've found very bike-friendly.
 
This hotel/apartment would give you a self-catering option. This one is an ultra budget F1 hotel option.
 
In Le Puy itself I've found two options. This place looks particularly good with a range of options/rooms. There is also Ibis chain hotel.
 
If you are going anywhere new Mont Dore, I can't recommend this place enough. The owner Margriet is a cyclist and a font of local cycling knowledge and this would be a good base to get square before starting out. You can of course tell her I sent you.
 
You've probably already seen my Loire pages but just in case:
 
You will find an overview of the full route here.
 
Plus (just in the order I've copied the links):
 
These articles were written for me by the original Cicerone Cycling the River Loire
guidebook author John Higginson. The book has been recently updated by Mike Wells and is recommended.
 
From Nantes you can take the excellent EV1 Atlantic Coast route to Roscoff.
 
The route includes the Nantes-Brest Canal - you may find this link usefulIt's written by the author of this excellent guide (who lives locally in Brittany): Nantes-Brest Canal guide.
 
I'm not sure if there might be canal barriers/gates that may be a problem with the tandem. If you are unsure, you can contact Wendy directly via Twitter @brittanyexpert.
 

All the advice and maps on our site are free (even these email Q&As) – you can help keep it that way by making a donation here. 

On the blog

Reviews

More books

Cycling in France?

Search for tours & accommodation

Yellow Jersey

© 2011-2024 Freewheeling France | Copyright, Cookies, Privacy and Advertiser T&Cs | Supported by GEL Studios