The Vélodyssée Atlantic Coast Route from La Rochelle to Royan

Day 1: La Rochelle
You’ll arrive at La Rochelle in the afternoon and can then check-in at your hotel. This city is famous for its history and its touristic life. The old port with its 13th and 15th century towers at the entrance, the old-town and the arcades, the city-hall and much more await. Large choice of restaurants in La Rochelle, including a 2* Michelin Restaurant. Night in La Rochelle in 2* or 3* hotel (for the upgraded version).

Day 2: Island of Ré (30 or 90 km)
You will reach the island of Ré passing by Flotte en Ré (13th century), the oyster-farms, the salt marshes, and the nature reserve of L’illeau des Niges. Then you will return to La Rochelle. The island of Ré is very apt for cycling because there are many cycle paths and they are easy to ride as well. When the weather is suitable you can easily combine cycling with swimming. The villages in the island are very beautiful and well-preserved. The “white island” won’t disappoint you at all. Night in La Rochelle.

Day 3: La Rochelle – Rochefort (55 km)
You will leave La Rochelle and cycle along the coast to the resort of Châtelaillon by the Pointe des Boucholeurs, a little harbour with more than 250 ha of oyster farms. You will bypass the marshes of Yves, the meeting point of migratory birds. We will go around the peninsula of Fouras and continue onto the route to Pointe de la Fumée, the boarding place to the isle of Aix. You will cross Fouras by the south to Rochefort, along the banks of the Charente with its many squared dipping nets. You will also pass by the marshes of Basse Roche, St Laurent de la Pré and Rochefort Océan, a harbour and historic city. It is also highly recommended to visit the gardens of the Croderie Royale. Night in Rochefort in 2* or 4* hotel (for the upgraded version).

Day 4: Rochefort – Oléron (35 or 45 km)
We will leave the city of Pierre Logi along the Charente, on the Southern side, and cross it via the last transporter bridge in France (it is now under construction until 2019, so there is a ferry that allows you to cross). You will keep cycling along the river to Port des Barques. If the tide is beneficial, you can go around the island Madame. It is linked to the coast by a road which you can take when there is a low tide (+ 6 km for the round trip). Further South, you will cross the marshes of Moëze to the town of Brouage. In the town, there is a stoned fortress with many watchtowers where Marie Mancini, the love of Louis XIV, cried for her impossible love. Further on, you will pass by Marennes, the land of oysters and then you’ll reach Oléron by the bridge. Night on the island of Oléron in a 3* or 4* hotel (for the upgraded version).

Day 5: Oléron (50 km)
You will go on a round trip on the island of Oléron, the largest island along the French Atlantic coast. This island is larger than the island of Ré. You will explore the Birds Reservation that is located at the heart of the oyster-farms between St Pierre and Boyardville. You will continue cycling in the forest of Saumonards and return via Sauzelle. Night on the island of Oléron.

Day 6: Oléron – Marennes – Ronce-les-Bains (30 r 50 km)
You will continue across the oyster parks to Grand Village Plage. Then, continue cycling to the ecomuseum of Port des Salines. Don’t miss out on the beautiful cycle path to one of the most gorgeous beaches along the Atlantic coasts. Once there, you will be close to Trojan les Bains and Pointe de Manson. Then, you will get back on the continent and take a 2nd bridge to Ronce les Bains. Night in Ronce les Bains in a 3* hotel.

Day 7: Ronce-les-Bains – Royan (40 km)
This cycle route is on a superb path that starts in the forest of Courbe and ends at the lighthouse of Courbe. After that, you will cycle along the ocean to the beautiful village of St Palais sur Mer, where the architecture is that of the ‘30s. It is possible to swim at this location. Night in Royan in a 2* or 3* hotel (for the upgraded version).

Day 8: Royan
End of the tour after breakfast.