Nantes
Nantes stands out for a dense cycling network and strategic position on EuroVelo 1 (La Vélodyssée) and EuroVelo 6 (La Loire à Vélo). The metropolis aims to double cycling’s modal share to 12% by 2030 through express routes and safer links.
Stolen Bikes in Nantes
Bike theft is an ongoing challenge in Nantes — current risk: Medium‑High. Learn how to protect your ride with our Security Tips and understand coverage options in the Insurance Guide. If your bike was taken, you can report a stolen bike in Nantes to alert the community.
At a glance
Daily riders
6% (target 12% by 2030)
Dedicated paths
795 km of cycling routes
Bike sharing stations
125
Theft risk
Medium‑High
Stolen bikes are commonly targeted near transit hubs and popular areas. Use two quality locks and register your frame number.
Quick map
Open Nantes on the map
Why it’s special
EuroVelo hub: EV1 (La Vélodyssée) and EV6 (Loire à Vélo).
Dense, expanding mesh of protected lanes and bike lanes.
Comprehensive secure parking (VéloParks) and Bicloo public share.
Mostly flat topography—accessible to riders of all levels.
Parks and Loire/Erdre riverbanks for scenic rides.
Safety tips
Use white/yellow front and red rear lights at night; keep reflectors fitted.
Signal clearly; ride predictably; make eye contact at junctions.
Ride on the right and use cycle lanes where provided; yield to pedestrians.
Announce “à gauche / on your left” when passing on shared paths.
Slow near tram tracks; cross them at a safe angle to avoid wheel pinch.
Ride like a local
Rules that matter
- Lights required at night/low visibility (front white/yellow, rear red); reflectors mandatory.
- Signal turns/stops with clear hand signals; ride with traffic on the right.
- Use cycle tracks where available; no riding on sidewalks (ages 8+).
- Yield to pedestrians at crossings; respect “priority to the right” when unsigned.
- No handheld phone use; no headphones/earbuds in both ears.
Typical fines (EUR)
Unwritten etiquette
- Be calm and predictable; maintain the flow
- Use your bell as a friendly heads‑up
- Glance over your shoulder before lane changes
- Make eye contact at crossings
Security & parking
Parking like a pro
- Use the thousands of on‑street racks; lock the frame (and a wheel) to the rack.
- For long‑term/downtown, use Naolib VéloParks (secure shelters at interchanges).
- Gare de Nantes (North access): ~1,200 secure spaces; first 24h free.
- Avoid locking to trees/railings; choose bright, busy areas at night.
Theft & lock strategy
- Use two different high‑quality locks (e.g., U‑lock + chain).
- Always lock the frame to an immovable rack; include a wheel if possible.
- Mark the bike with Bicycode®; keep serial and photos handy.
- Prefer VéloParks or supervised parking for overnight or long stays; remove accessories.
Gare de Nantes VéloPark (Accès Nord)
Large, secure bike parking hub with ~1,200 spaces near the North access; video surveillance and first 24h free—ideal for day trips and overnights.
Rent a bike
Paulette – Location de vélos
≈€16–€25/day
City • Trekking • E‑bike • Tandem
Détours de Loire
≈€18–€22/day (Trekking)
City • Trekking • Touring
Epic day trips
L’Erdre: Nantes → Sucé‑sur‑Erdre • 30 km round trip
Flat, green riverside route past châteaux and manors; family‑friendly.
Estuaire: Nantes → Saint‑Brevin‑les‑Pins • ≈60 km one‑way
Final Loire à Vélo stretch to the ocean; return by TER from Saint‑Nazaire.
Muscadet vineyards to Clisson • ≈45 km (from Le Pallet, round trip)
Rolling vineyard landscapes to elegant Clisson; access via TER Nantes–Clisson.
What’s next
Grandes Voies Vélo
220 km of structured, bidirectional, protected “bike highways” planned by 2026.
Loire crossings
Upgrades to bridges and future projects (e.g., Pont Anne‑de‑Bretagne) to add high‑quality bikeways.
Secure parking expansion
Doubling VéloPark capacity at stations and multimodal hubs to boost bike‑transit intermodality.
Your perfect day
Quais de l’Erdre warm‑up
Roll north along the Erdre’s green banks; pause at Île de Versailles gardens.
Centre‑ville lunch
Park at racks or a VéloPark; explore cafés and crêperies in the center.
Loire à Vélo segment
Head toward Île de Nantes or west along the Loire for river views and art installations.
Back via greenways
Return on calm neighborhood links; stop for a sunset photo on the river.
Live here or visiting? List your bike to help the community
Join thousands protecting each other from theft. Add your bike now and get instant alerts if it goes missing.
List your bike in Nantes