The Loire à Vélo is an 800-kilometre signed cycle route following the river from its source to the Atlantic, and the Ancenis section is among the flattest and most scenic. The path runs along the levée — the flood embankment — on the south bank, with the Loire spreading wide to one side and fields of sunflowers or maize to the other depending on the season.
From Ancenis, it is about 50 kilometres west to Nantes and roughly the same distance east to Angers, both manageable day rides. Bikes can be rented in town from several outlets near the waterfront. The route is well signposted and largely traffic-free; the main challenge is choosing where to stop for lunch.