New Véloroute in Sury-aux-Bois attracts cyclists from all over the world!

New Véloroute in Sury-aux-Bois attracts cyclists from all over the world!

The recently opened Véloroute du Canal d’Orléans has quickly become a highlight for cyclists. A month ago, the final section of the route, which runs through the charming village of Sury-aux-Bois, was inaugurated. In total, the Véloroute stretches over an impressive 78 kilometers and connects the towns of Châlette-sur-Loing and Chécy. Up to a hundred cyclists are already using this picturesque route every day, breathing new life into the small town, which has only 800 inhabitants. Locals report international encounters, particularly with cyclists from Germany and England, while at the same time the noise level in the village remains remarkably low.

Romain, the operator of the Bar-Épicerie Lacour des Grands, has seen a significant increase in visitor numbers, especially on weekends - he is pleased that the number of visitors has doubled since the Véloroute has been in operation. To cope with this increase, he plans to set up additional tables and chairs and has now listed himself on cyclist-friendly websites. The mayor of Sury-aux-Bois, Françoise Hébert, is proud of the positive impact of this development and the associated measures to improve the infrastructure.

A safe and welcoming bike path

The Véloroute du Canal d’Orléans is not just a leisure attraction, but a real example of sustainable tourism. It is classified as “voie verte”, which means that it is intended exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians and motor vehicles and horses are excluded. Numerous facilities have been created along the route, including rest areas with dry toilets, e-bike charging stations and picnic tables. This makes it easier for cyclists to take a break and enjoy the idyllic nature around the Forêt domaniale d’Orléans.

The route also links two important European cycle paths: the Loire à Vélo and the Scandibérique, which makes it even more attractive for cyclists. The overall project was financed with a budget of 18 million euros, supported by the Conseil départemental du Loiret, the Center Val de Loire region, the state and the European Union, and aims at economic development as well as social cohesion and environmental protection.

Diverse options for cyclists

The possibility of cycling through 20 municipalities between Orléans and Montargis gives visitors the opportunity to discover typical villages and natural beauties. The Véloroute offers two marked VTT circuits: the Tour de l’étang de la Vallée and the étang de la Vallée au Belvédère, which promise additional fun for mountain biking fans. For the safety of cyclists, measures have also been taken to minimize road crossings, which makes using this route particularly pleasant.

With over 230 km of cycle paths in the Loiret, the Véloroute du Canal d’Orléans is not only a contribution to promoting cycling in the region, but also part of a larger network of “Véloroutes” in France, which are now over 2,600 kilometers long. Cycling tours become increasingly popular during the summer months, and numerous accommodation options for cyclists round out the offer. Cyclists find a comfortable base for their tours in gîtes and other cyclist-friendly accommodation.

With the Véloroute du Canal d’Orléans, Sury-aux-Bois has not only created a new attraction, but also taken a step towards a more active and environmentally friendly future for cyclists in the region. If you want to explore the beauties of the Loiret, you definitely shouldn't miss this experience.

For more information and current updates on Véloroute, please visit France Bleu, Loire and Orléans Tourism and France.de.