Imagine pedalling through French vineyards, past châteaux and sunflower fields, dressed in retro cycling gear, on a vintage bike older than your grandparents.
That’s Anjou Vélo Vintage — a one-of-a-kind cycling festival held every summer in Saumur, a charming town in the heart of France’s Loire Valley. And this year, my daughter and I joined thousands of other riders for a 35KM adventure we’ll never forget.
What Is Anjou Vélo Vintage?
For one weekend every June or July, the town of Saumur transforms into a time capsule. Riders arrive in 1930s–1980s cycling gear — tweed jackets, caps, lace dresses, and wool jerseys — and mount lovingly restored bikes from a bygone era.
The event isn’t a race. It’s a celebration:
- 🍷 Wine tastings in the vineyards
- 🎶 Live music along the route
- 🏰 Scenic stops at castles, villages, and vineyards
- ☀️ And of course, plenty of sun — this year was hot, hot, hot!
Watch our full ride here 👇
🎥 Watch on YouTube: Vintage Bikes, Wine & Heatwaves – A French Retro Ride
A Family Affair: Rebuilding Two French Bikes
Before we could join the ride, we had to rebuild the bikes.
- My daughter’s ride began as two broken 1960s Automoto frames — rusted, cracked, and barely salvageable.
- I took on a 1930s French single-speed — no gears, no modern parts, and plenty of garage frustration.
Cycling the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — famous for its wines, castles, and bike-friendly routes. Saumur itself is home to one of the most striking castles in the region, and it’s the start and finish line for the ride.
We passed through open countryside, shaded woodland, and riverside trails — all with a soundtrack of accordion music and vintage cheer.
Planning Your Own Ride?
If you’re thinking of travelling to France for a unique cycling holiday, I highly recommend putting Anjou Vélo Vintage on your list. You don’t need to race — just bring a vintage spirit, an old bike (or rent one locally), and prepare to smile all day.
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If you love cycling, France, or stories that bring the past to life, join me each week for new videos from my life on two wheels here in France.
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