Hiking Collection by SimonWicart
GR3 from the ocean to its source – The Loire, a wild European river
9 days
17-58 h/day
1,321km
16,440m
14,970m
Departing from La Baule-Escoublac, you’ll follow the course of the Loire all the way back to its source. Nine Tours make up this beautiful itinerary. All are inspired by the famous GR 3 and you can complete them in five to ten days. You can customise the route based on your preferences – choose to cover only a portion or the entire route, use public transport to skip sections you've already done and craft the adventure that best suits you. Keep in mind that each Tour has a link to a more detailed Collection for further information.
Numerous abbeys, castles, monuments and museums dot the route. In the towns you find interesting, be curious and ask locals about the best places to explore. People usually take pride in their region and will be happy to guide you. When it comes to food, keep in mind that the Loire Valley is abundant in vineyards. During your journey, you'll encounter various estates producing unique wines where it’s well worth stopping.
For accommodation, you’ll find plenty of guest houses and inns in the larger towns, while villages are more limited. You’ll find plenty of camping options, so make sure you bring the necessary equipment. Don’t forget to respect nature and the local community when choosing where to pitch your tent. In terms of public transport, there are numerous railway stations along the route, and each Tour will guide you on how to reach them.
This Collection is perfect from early spring to late autumn. While winter isn’t off-limits, cold and rainy weather can make both the scenery and your adventure less enjoyable. Make sure you pack suitable clothing for the intense heat in the central plains and the biting cold on the elevated peaks. Three layers of light, warm and waterproof outfits are essential. And, of course, don't forget to stay hydrated.
Enjoy your trip!
Visibility:
Anyone
Do it yourself!
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
The Loire, a wild European river – GR3 from the ocean to its source
1,313km
16,990m
15,510m
Last updated: November 25, 2024
Do it yourself!
Premium
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
1. Stage 1: La Baule-Escoublac to Nantes – GR 3 from the ocean to its source
172km
44:32
1,040m
1,030m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
2. Stage 2: Nantes to Angers – GR 3 from the ocean to its source
124km
32:30
940m
930m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Sign Up To Discover Places Like This
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
3. Stage 3: Angers to Tours – GR 3 from the ocean to its source
190km
50:04
1,630m
1,590m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4. Stage 4: Tours to Orléans – GR 3 from the ocean to its source
159km
41:01
860m
830m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
6. Stage 6: Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire to Gilly-sur-Loire – GR 3 from the ocean to its source
191km
50:25
1,790m
1,720m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7. Stage 7: Gilly-sur-Loire to Chabreloche – GR 3 from the ocean to its source
109km
31:10
2,730m
2,320m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
8. Stage 8: Chabreloche to Puy-en-Velay – GR 3 from the ocean to its source
166km
58:15
4,390m
4,340m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
9. Stage 9: Puy-en-Velay to Mont Gerbier de Jonc – GR 3 from the ocean to its source
73.1km
17:33
2,460m
1,660m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Collection Stats
Activities
9
Distance
1,321 km
Duration
360:39 h
Elevation
16,440 m
14,970 m
Create your own Collection
Learn more
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free