Set on the banks of the Loire, on the edge of Burgundy and the Loire Valley, Nevers marks the upstream starting point of the Loire by Bike route. This signposted itinerary of 900 kilometres, including 630 kilometres in a straight line from Nevers all the way to the Atlantic Ocean at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, plus 270 kilometres of loops and variants, forms the westernmost section of EuroVelo 6, the great cycle route linking the Atlantic to the Black Sea. For the touring cyclist, Nevers is therefore a strategic stage town: a pivot point from which you can launch your journey towards the ocean or stop over before setting off again.
Nevers, kilometre zero towards the Atlantic
The official kilometre zero of the Loire by Bike route is at Cuffy, in the Cher, about a dozen kilometres from Nevers. From the town centre, you reach this starting point by following the canal and then the towpath, over roughly thirteen to fourteen kilometres of peaceful riverside riding. The route as a whole is very easy going: across the entire course, nearly 86 per cent runs on smooth surfaces, and the elevation gain stays modest, making it a cycle route accessible to families and long-distance travellers alike. On the departure section around Nevers, the path largely follows greenways and towpaths away from traffic.
The Bec d’Allier and the Guétin canal bridge
As you leave Nevers, the stage towards Cuffy holds two highlights. The first is the Bec d’Allier, the point where the Loire and the Allier meet, one of the finest confluences between a river and a stream, still wild and rich in wildlife and plant life. It is also from here that the Via Allier sets off, the V70 cycle route heading towards the Auvergne. The second is the Guétin canal bridge, a structure inaugurated in 1838 between Cuffy and Gimouille: 343 metres long, carried by eighteen stone arches, it allows the Loire lateral canal to cross the Allier, with a double lock that makes up a drop of nearly ten metres. Cyclists cross it on foot and enjoy a remarkable viewpoint.
What to see in Nevers before you ride
Before getting on your bike, the ducal city deserves a morning’s visit. The Ducal Palace, often described as one of the first great châteaux of the Loire, opens the walk. A few steps away, the Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte cathedral reveals its rare feature: two opposing apses, one Romanesque and one Gothic. The stroll continues to the Porte du Croux, a 14th-century medieval tower, and to the church of Saint-Étienne, a gem of Cluniac Romanesque art. At the end of the day, the Loire bridge offers one of the finest viewpoints over the city’s silhouette and its reflections in the river.
Neighbouring stages: La Charité, Pouilly, Apremont
Downstream, the first major stage is La Charité-sur-Loire, about 45 kilometres away. This book town, awarded the Cité du Mot label, is home to a Cluniac priory whose Notre-Dame priory church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. Further along the right bank, Pouilly-sur-Loire invites a stop in the heart of its renowned vineyard. Heading slightly up the Allier from Nevers, you can also reach Apremont-sur-Allier, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France and famous for its floral park. So many reasons to extend the adventure or to explore outward from Nevers on day trips.
Arriving and leaving by train with your bike
Nevers station makes flexible itineraries easy: you can reach the town by train, ride downstream, then return by rail. Bikes can be carried on board the regional TER trains, with a bike reservation required on certain services. All along the route, the national Accueil Vélo label identifies accommodation and services located within five kilometres of the path. Good news for summer 2026: from 27 June to 30 August, a dedicated service makes carrying bikes easier on the Tours-Bourges-Nevers line.
From Decize to the Atlantic: a long-distance itinerary
Upstream of Nevers, the cycle route continues towards Decize along the Rhine to Loire by Bike section, another stretch of EuroVelo 6. Downstream, the Loire by Bike route then heads towards Orléans, Tours, and on to Nantes and the estuary, through the châteaux of the Loire Valley. Across the whole course, around 62 per cent of the route uses low-traffic shared roads and 38 per cent dedicated cycle paths, which lets you adapt the effort to your level. Many cyclists split the adventure into several trips, making Nevers their starting point one year and their finishing point the next. The town therefore suits both a warm-up weekend and the launch of a great journey towards the ocean.
Getting your Nevers stage right
To make the most of Nevers, it is worth planning at least one night in town. The town brings together shops, restaurants and useful services before you set off: supplies, pharmacies, repair points. The banks of the Loire and the canal offer fine walks at the end of the day, while the market lets you put together a picnic for the next stage. The nearby Bec d’Allier makes an ideal nature outing for a half-day of active rest. In high season, when the route attracts many travellers, remember to book your accommodation in advance to be sure of finding a room in the right place.
Where to stay in Nevers as a touring cyclist
After a day in the saddle, nothing beats a comfortable place to store your bike, do your laundry and prepare the next stage. In Nevers, Yes Conciergerie welcomes travellers in short-stay rentals designed for rest: town-centre apartments a stone’s throw from the shops, and accommodation near the banks of the Loire and the start of the route. To plan your Nevers stage and book accommodation suited to a cycling trip, discover our concierge service in Nevers.
