Hiking Collection by SimonWicart
The Loire from ocean to source – GR 3 between Nantes and Angers
6 days
5-7 h/day
124km
990m
980m
In this Collection, I invite you to follow the course of the river for 125 kilometres (78 mi) between Nantes and Angers. You’ll depart from the former capital of Brittany and venture onto the right bank of the Loire. Adventure along the Loire follows the river's gentle flow with many cultural stops at villages and towns along its banks. Each Tour offers new landscapes to discover.
Along the way, you'll come across beautiful towns like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil and Chalonnes-sur-Loire. The spectacular Château de Clermont, the former home of Louis de Funès, and Saint-Florent abbey lie en route. Your taste buds will be happy in the hills bordering the mighty mills of Ardenay, in the heart of the Layon.
This Collection ends at the picturesque village of Rochefort-sur-Loire, where I suggest leaving the GR 3 and joining the GR 35 towards Angers. Not only is it easy to organise your return home from Angers, but it also allows you to discover one of the great medieval cities of the Loire Valley.
You can take the train to reach the start in Nantes by travelling via Paris. You can hop on a train from Angers to London or Manchester on the return journey. Like Nantes, the town has excellent transport links.
You'll find a range of accommodations in this section of the GR 3. Gites and inns are plentiful in the towns but less so in the villages. At the end of the first stage, I’d suggest camping. Remember that an excellent wild camper leaves with no trace and is respectful of nature and the locals. You can also pitch your tent on the other stages. The banks of the Loire and the GR 3 have plenty of flat terrain for a pleasant night under the stars.
This section of the GR 3 is hikeable year-round, but it's most pleasant from early spring to mid-autumn. Remember to bring appropriate clothing for both cold and rain. In summer, the breeze can mask the heat but remember sun protection and stay hydrated.
Enjoy your trip!
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Useful links :
The first stage of the GR 3 between La Baule-Escoublac and Nantes: komoot.com/collection/2156818
Visibility:
Anyone
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The Loire, from the ocean to its source -- The GR 3 between Nantes and Angers
119km
970m
960m
Last updated: November 21, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Activities
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
22.2km
07:14
290m
280m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
21.5km
06:41
130m
140m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
6
Distance
124 km
Duration
38:58 h
Elevation
990 m
980 m
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