Since I\u2019ve been living in Nantes, one of the main criteria for me when I move and look for a new apartment, is what the local area is like for cycling. Once you\u2019ve tried this more relaxing means of transport, you\u2019ll be hooked. Whether it\u2019s biking to work, to do your groceries, to get to the shops, to go out in the evening or just simply to get a breath of fresh air, I love cycling around Nantes!<\/p>\n
As the cycling capital of 2015, Nantes is one of the most cycling-friendly cities in France. Nantes celebrated this achievement the same year with a massive parade of more than 7,000 cyclists. There\u2019s plenty to choose from thanks to the many specially made tracks and protected cycle routes; there is a network of nearly 500km of cycle routes and tracks covering all of the Nantes Metropolis area.<\/p>\n
For those who don\u2019t have their own bike, Bicloo is THE perfect solution. As a 24\/7 self-serve bike service covering a wide area around \u00cele de Nantes\u2019s train station, I\u2019ve often taken out a 1-day or 3-day subscription for a friend who\u2019s staying for a few days. Super simple and incredibly practical! An annual subscription is of course also possible at a very reasonable price.<\/p>\n
Even though the downtown area is great for cycling, my favourite rides are still along the waterside. Skirting Erdre after starting out from Saint-Mihiel (close to \u00cele de Versailles) is magical. In just 5 minutes, I can get to a little corner of paradise, from little copses to large piers on the water taking me as far as Port Boyer. In fine weather, I nearly always take a picnic and a good book with me, and I feel like I\u2019m in the middle of the countryside, it\u2019s so beautiful and peaceful! The Loire is also very pleasant to cycle along. In the fishing village of Trentemoult in \u00cele de Nantes or by heading for Sainte-Luce, you can 100% guarantee a change of scenery!<\/p>\n
For girls, the Nantes folk have even invented a magic bicycle clip called the \u201cPoupoupidou\u201d, which lets us clip our skirts under the saddle so we can pedal without worrying about our skirts blowing up! One thing\u2019s for certain, cyclists love Nantes and the city returns the feeling.<\/p>\n