France is world-famous for its cycling heritage thanks to the Tour de France. Almost every sporty recreational rider has conquered one or more climbs from La Grande Boucle. In recent years, a gravel culture has also started to emerge. Our tip? A gravel biking trip to France. The Nature is Bike gravel festival might just be the symbol of this growing culture. In collaboration with the city of Angers, this three-day event offers something for every gravel enthusiast: from testing new gravel bikes and tasting local delicacies to participating in various gravel races. On y va!
In the Maine-et-Loire department, about 300 kilometers southwest of Paris, lies a region known by its provincial name Anjou. The early medieval capital Angers, with its well-preserved 13th-century castle and cathedral, is much more than an industrial city. Situated on the Maine River, you’ll still find traces of Roman influence here. Stroll through the charming old town of what is considered France’s greenest city, and enjoy the many riverside terraces.
At Lac de Maine, just a stone’s throw from downtown Angers, you’ll find the heart of the Nature is Bike Village—a cycling expo, a forum full of stories and inspiration, music, workshops, evening entertainment, and demo tracks from top bike brands. It’s the meeting place for gravel fans and lovers of adventurous cycling. Over a glass of wine or locally brewed beer and barbecue, stories and experiences are shared.
The concept of Nature is Bike is simple: promote gravel biking by combining a sporting challenge with the desire to reconnect with nature. With an official eco-conscious label, the festival is committed to sustainable development and eco-design. The entire festival breathes this philosophy, offering an experience that inspires both young and old visitors alike.
Nature is Bike offers a suitable challenge for gravel riders of all levels. The festival kicks off on Friday with the Gravel of Legend Legendre, a 320 km ultra-race with a 21-hour time limit. At the same time, the Gold Bikepacking Specialized also begins, covering the same distance, but self-supported with an overnight tent bivouac. Both races start on Gold Beach in Arromanches-les-Bains in Normandy—a symbolic nod to the arrival of gravel biking on the European continent.
On Saturday, there are two leisure rides: the Festive 30 and Festive 40, both featuring gourmet tasting stops with local food from the Pays de la Loire region. And festive it certainly is. As you wash down the hors d’oeuvres with local wine, a Dixie steel band provides the perfect musical backdrop. It captures the gravel-spirited vibe of the festival. “C’est le ton qui fait la musique” — the tone makes the music, as the French say.
With the meditative sound of endless gravel paths beneath your tires, alternating with true singletrack trails, Sunday’s rides take you through the Loire Valley and France’s third-largest wine region, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Gravel100 DT Swiss and the Panaracer 200 races lead you through the scenic Anjou landscape. About 75% of both routes are pure gravel roads and unpaved trails.
The Panaracer 200 is the only race at Nature is Bike officially classified by Klassmark. Timed sections are scattered along the 200 km route. Winners can earn points that count towards the Gravel Earth Series rankings—a global organization focused on top-tier gravel events in the most stunning locations on Earth. Respect for the environment, love for the terrain, and sustainable values with a positive impact are what the Gravel Earth Series stands for. The Panaracer 200 and Nature is Bike share that philosophy.
Warning signs appear 50 meters before and after each of the six timed sections, which range from 1.4 to 9.5 km in length. Forests and ponds alternate until you reach La Possonnière. You’ll cross the Loire River and tackle the sometimes challenging climbs of the Aubance and Layon. The wooded surroundings protect the Loire Valley vineyards from rain.
With castles aplenty in France, Château de Brissac is a particularly scenic and fitting location for a refreshment stop. From there, the route follows the Loire back toward Angers, offering stunning views. On what seemed like a sunny day, the god Donar (Thor) makes his presence felt. Taking shelter in a shed, the Panaracer 200 gains one last epic touch. Whether you’re riding to win or racing for yourself, it’s only really over when the finish photo is taken.
Want to experience this diverse gravel area by yourself? Book our trip France Loire Gravelbiketrip [here].
We organise Guided, Self Guided and Custom build Private Gravelbike Tours to France, Loire. Ask for the possibilities. The above post is a report of our exploration by bike through this beautiful area. Will you also join us?
