The Véloroute du Canal d’Orléans links the Loire at Orléans with Châlette-sur-Loing through the waterways and wooded countryside of the Loiret. Presented locally as Le Canal d’Orléans à vélo, it brings together canal heritage, village stops and opportunities to continue towards Montargis.
From the Loire to the canal
From Orléans, France Vélo Tourisme describes a ride along the Loire’s right bank before the canal enters the picture at Combleux, a village associated with boatmen. Locks, lockkeepers’ houses and other structures connected with navigation give the waterway its character.
Further along, the former electricity works at Fay-aux-Loges offers a reminder of the area’s industrial past. The route continues towards Combreux, at the edge of the Orléans forest. Donnery and Fay-aux-Loges have rest areas, while Étang de la Vallée near Combreux provides an option for a longer break.
Waterways, woods and canal history
Tourisme Loiret’s Loiret Balades guide describes the route between Orléans and Châlette-sur-Loing as a greenway through a landscape of woodland, ponds and farmland. Étang de la Vallée and Étang des Bois have leisure areas; the guide notes supervised swimming in summer.
The canal itself has a longer history than the cycle route. According to Loiret Balades, its first section was dug in the 1670s, with the extension to the Loire built in the following decade. Freight traffic later declined and the canal was removed from the navigable waterways register in 1954. The Département du Loiret acquired it in 2021 and describes its work as combining heritage restoration, flood management and the creation of the greenway.
Towards Montargis and beyond
At the eastern end, the Montargis tourism office highlights Buges, where the canals of Orléans, Loing and Briare meet. Montargis itself is known for its waterways, bridges and footbridges. France Vélo Tourisme advises following Canal d’Orléans signs to Châlette-sur-Loing, then La Scandibérique signs towards Montargis.
The canal route also works as part of a longer journey. It connects with La Loire à Vélo and La Scandibérique, and the Montargis tourism office describes a larger Loiret au fil de l’eau loop using the Loire and the canals of Orléans, Briare and Loing.
Planning a ride
France Vélo Tourisme divides the journey into sections via Combreux and Chailly-en-Gâtinais, making it possible to plan a shorter outing as well as a through ride. It describes the route as suitable for beginners and mostly away from road traffic, but cautions riders to stay alert at road intersections.
Loiret Balades publishes a guide with points of interest, bicycle hire information and Accueil Vélo services, including accommodation. Check the details of the stops you want to use before setting out. France Vélo Tourisme lists stations at the ends of the journey but none along the route, and cautions that taking bicycles on regional trains can be difficult at busy times.