Le bec d'allier, confluence Loire-Allier vu du ciel
FMR Travel Blog

Between the Loire and its parallel canal

40 km from Nevers to Sancoins

Starting out on the Via Allier cycle route means first following a stretch of the greater EuroVelo 6 cycle route linking the Atlantic to the Black Sea. Here, you ride through a protected environment. Runners and cyclists share this way beside the Canal Latéral à la Loire, peacefully used by pleasure boats. The Loire itself lies a stone’s throw away, described as one of Europe’s last great wild rivers, providing a haven of peace for large migrating birds and an ideal habitat for beavers.

Sortie en bateau sur la Loire
FMR Travel Blog

Boat outings on the Loire

If you can spare a few hours, do book a boat outing on the Loire. Enjoy being transported along by the river’s currents, accompanied by your guide Christophe, looking out for the diverse flora and fauna around the confluence of the Bec d'Allier. Step onto islands to observe, using powerful binoculars, a beavers’ dam, or emblematic birds such as plovers, terns, bee-eaters and egrets.

Boat outings on the ALLIER and the LOIRE

Parcours aventure
Fun parc

An adventure trail

Not far from the route of the EuroVelo 6, near Gimouille, the Fun Parc Aventure is an outdoor leisure park that offers a variety of activites. One of them can be enjoyed with family or friends and consists in testing your acrobatic agility. You’ve guessed, we’re talking about a treetop assault course. No need to worry about your level of fitness, as a dedicated team will accompany you in this fun, sporty game. Happy climbing!

Fun Parc

Map of the route

Map of the route

Nevers / Sancoins

1 Nevers / Sancoins

39 km
2 h 34 min
I begin / Family
Your journey along the Via Allier cycle route begins in the ducal city of Nevers. You’re led across the Loire, following its parallel canal (canal latéral) to Le Guétin canal-bridge, taking you over the Allier River. At the natural site of Le Bec d’Allier, admire how the waters of Allier and Loire merge. Cycling a little further, you reach Apremont-sur-Allier, a member of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. This place, dominated by a château with floral gardens awarded the national accreditation of a Jardin Remarquable, provides a Romantic stop! Before the small town of Sancoins, La Halle de Grossouvre and its Espace Métal recall the area’s iron-forging past.