Bike rides | Stunning Saint-Nazaire

Bike Rides in Saint-Nazaire and the Brière

The Vélidéale: a new cycle route that crosses France from the Limousin to the Atlantic Ocean!

Cycle tourists will be able to enjoy a new trail from Royère-de-Vassivière in the Creuse right up to Saint-Nazaire on the Atlantic coast. This itinerary takes you through 4 regional nature parks, showcasing nature and the discovery of its rich biodiversity. The Vélidéale winds its way through unspoilt landscapes shaped by history and heritage, where water is ever-present.
More than just a trail, this route leads you through hidden landscapes and puts the spotlight on initiatives committed to both conserving and bringing you closer to nature. It’s a new type of tourism, a way to discover France in a whole new light.

La Loire à vélo

Did you know? Saint-Nazaire is the gateway to the famous cycling route “La Loire à Vélo” (Loire by Bike). If you start your tour in Saint-Nazaire, or if, after cycling along the Loire river, you arrive in Saint-Nazaire to return by train, take an hour for a leisurely exploration of a 6.2-mile loop in Saint-Nazaire which leads you to the harbour, the seafront and the city centre.

Saint-Nazaire is linked to the Loire à Vélo route by the bridge which spans the Loire estuary. For safety reasons you are advised against crossing it on your bike.

How to cross the bridge during the summer
In 2024, the service is available from 1st July to 1st September, every hour from (9am to 12.30pm) and from (2.30pm to 7pm). In peak season from 15th July to 18th August, extra shuttle buses are added, running every 30 minutes.
Where are the stops located?
Two stops are served on each side of the Saint Nazaire bridge:
In Saint-Nazaire, boulevard des apprentices, at the corner of rue de l’aviation
In Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, Place Bougainville
For more info call +332 51 82 62 62
More information to cross the Bridge the rest of the year
The rest of the year the taxis on both sides by Saint-Brevin Taxi company (+33 240 27 23 07) can take you to the other side, as does a regular bus ‘Aléop’ (booking possible from Monday to Friday, +0033 969 39 14 14).
- Booking is required the day before travel at the latest, on +0033 969 39 14 14 (booking service open from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday and from 9am to 12pm on Fridays. To make a booking for Saturday, Sunday or Monday, call before 12pm on the Friday before the planned date of travel).
- Number of places for standard bikes: 8 maximum
- Folding trailers only are allowed on the buses
- Owners remain responsible for their bikes and their secure attachment
- Consult the timetable: Line 317 Saint-Nazaire<>Saint-Brevin-les-Pins until june, 28 2024 and Line 317 Saint-Brevin Saint-Nazaire from June, 29 2024 to august, 31 2024
- I reserve my place: I click, select “Car” then “Loire-Atlantique” and “Request for information”.
- Indicate in the “Postal code and municipality” fields: 44600 SAINT-NAZAIRE
- NB: everything is in French, you can however leave a message in English to reserve or be called back.

Vélocéan

To go by bicycle from Guérande Peninsula to Saint-Nazaire, follow the Vélocéan signs.

The Vélocéan route stretches from the coastal cities of Mesquer in the north to Bourgneuf-en-Retz in the south.

A Modern Journey Through an old Land – By bike

Four cities in western France – Nantes, Saint-Nazaire, Rennes and Saint-Malo – invite you to explore the region’s heritage in a unique and inspiring way. You can now enjoy this adventure by bike!
A special cycle route connects Nantes to Mont-Saint-Michel, covering 245 miles. It is divided into five sections, each leaving from a city with excellent transport links. This route combines other trails such as La Loire à Vélo, Vélodyssée®, La Voie 2 de Bretagne and Vélomaritime, and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
So whether it’s for a one-week trip, a weekend getaway, or a full-day outing, get on your bike and go on an adventure through the historic lands of Brittany!

For more information, please visit the website of A Modern Journey Through an old Land.

Take a look at the cycle trails and itineraries in Saint-Nazaire and the Brière! cycle routes!

Which do you prefer: the coast, riverside or being lost in nature?
Look for the white icon in the grey bar to the left of the title, and click on this to reveal a key. Then, to look at your chosen itinerary, click on the matching colour:

green the Vélidéale: a new cycle route
blue the Vélocéan de Saint-Nazaire à La  Baule à vélo
red you’ll find Loire à Vélo and A Modern Journey Through an Old Land
blue-green it’s the cycle route Saint-Nazaire in Rozé in the Brière
pink from Saint-Nazaire to Pornichet by bike
purple the circuit of Brière’s Charms by Bike in Saint-André-des-Eaux
orange La Brière des îles between Rozé Port to Saint-Malo de Guersac and île de Fédrun to Saint-Joachim.

You can click on the marker points to access the full details of your chosen route (itinerary, distance, climb) on the map below:

Ask at the Tourist Office for all and any details concerning cycle trails.

Bike hire and repair services Our tips

Want to hire a bike or get yours repaired? Find your nearest bike hire shop or repair shop here.

Bike hire and repair services

Want to hire a bike or get yours repaired? Find your nearest bike hire shop or repair shop below.

Where can I park my bike safely in Saint-Nazaire and in the Brière?

To get the most from your cycle trip to Saint-Nazaire, you can use one of the many secure bike boxes, which allow you to park your bike in a secure place, along with your panniers and luggage. You can also check the map of bike-parking spots available throughout Saint-Nazaire, including bike racks and single or group bike boxes (you’ll need a badge to use the group boxes).

Cyclists Welcome: Accueil Vélo® in Saint-Nazaire and in the Brière

Logo Marque Accueil Velo

To travel in complete safety by bike, the national network Accueil Vélo® – meaning ‘cyclists welcome’ – has selected accommodation providers, restaurants and other businesses who offer a high standard of service and welcome to cyclists. Below, you’ll find the list of local businesses who have set up a personalised service to ensure a warm welcome in Saint-Nazaire and in the Regional Nature Park of Brière.

HERITAGE MUSEUM ECOMUSÉE

Discover the story of a city built twice in 100 years.

Advice from the Tourist Office

Advice from the Tourist Office:

make sure your bike is well-maintained (whether it’s your own or a hire-bike)
wear comfortable clothing and footwear (so you get off to a good start!)
wear a cycle helmet (so you don’t lose your head)
stay hydrated (preferably with water!)
take a picnic with you to enjoy at one of our many picnic spots (and remember to dispose of the rubbish afterwards)

Feel free to contact the team at the Tourist Office before you head out, so you can check the accessibility of the route and pick up any particular maps or info. In the meantime, you can download the cyclist and pedestrian map from Saint-André-des-Eaux by following the below link.

More ideas for outings

Stunning Saint-Nazaire is an ideal destination for those who enjoy discovering something new and who appreciate surprising and varied landscapes. By foot, by cruise ship, even on a flat-bottomed boat, this is a place where you can always get a good dose of fresh air!