VAE en mode cruising de Fontainebleau à Briare

At the level of St-Mammès, you shift from the Seine to follow the Canal du Loing. This stage is quieter than the previous one, but the surfacing is rough in parts. Moret-sur-Loing has a bike museum at which cyclists along the Scandibérique may wish to pay homage, while Nemours is proud of its very complete museum dedicated to prehistory in the Ile-de-France Region. Both towns boast a remarkable medieval heritage and are well worth a proper stop. Riders, do make the most of a pause along the charming Canal du Loing before heading further south along the Scandibérique cycle route.

The Scandibérique continues through the Gâtinais area, along the towpath beside the Canal du Loing. This canal crosses gentle landscapes, with a mix of woods, fields and lakes. At the level of the hamlet Les Varennes, to enjoy a recreational break, ride over to the outdoor leisure centre at Souppes-sur-Loing, bathing here a treat on hot days. Also consider a detour to the historic fortified town of Château-Landon, with its interesting heritage. After the hamlet of Pont de Dordives, the cycle route reaches Buges Lock, where the Loing, Briare and Orléans Canals meet. Ride on to the town of Montargis, nicknamed the ‘Little Venice of the Gâtinais’.

Leaving Montargis, you change canal, the Scandibérique leading you on via the towpath beside the Canal de Briare. The Loing River meanders on by next to the canal, providing a green setting along this most peaceful of stages. Greet the lock-keepers and those on boats on the canal as you head down this friendly waterway, the route dotted with charming Gâtinais villages. You reach the highlight of this stage of the Scandibérique adventure at Rogny les 7 Écluses, the name giving away the reason for this village’s fame – its flight of seven locks! Do pause here for a picnic, taking in the grand view.

From Rogny-les-7-Écluses, the Scandibérique continues to follow the course of the Briare Canal, first taking you beside the Étang-Neuf supply channel running parallel to Rogny’s flight of seven locks. While waiting for the definitive route, a provisional route guides you between Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses and the place called "Le Petit Chaloy". Engineering constructions put in place for the benefit of the canal’s boatmen are dotted along this stretch, which proves a delight for nature lovers too. Briare is renowned for its historic bridge-canal and its boating tourism, plus it’s the place where the Scandibérique joins the Loire à Vélo route, in a picture-postcard setting!