Follow the Atlantic Ocean coast and finish in the city of wine, Bordeaux an entertaining/amazing part of the ‘Vélodyssée’.
During this relaxed coastal road you can enjoy the woods, dunes, salt sea air and the sparkling light. Take a break now and then for a refreshing dive into the sea or a nice lunch in this Eldorado for ‘seafood’ lovers !
Check out our video to discover our trip:
APP
The route descriptions we have made for this trip will be supplied via a travel app, for “GPS” navigation with visual/audio guidance (reading of the track on your smartphone). When you book this self-guided cycling holiday, we will send you explanations on how to use this app and send you an access code. The app contains routes and practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no internet connection is necessary. You can then easily follow the routes we have prepared for you via your phone.
You individually travel to La Rochelle. Check in at your hotel. Have you arrived early, take a stroll through the capital of Charente-Maritime, vibrant and full of character, well known for its mild climate. Discover the lively Vieux Port full of outdoor cafés, busy shopping streets and many town monuments.
As the famous towers which defend the port of La Rochelle hove into view, a cycle path section takes you to the Port of Minimes, then onto the Cove of Godechaud, right next to the sea. The delightful Bay of Châtelaillon now comes into sight and offers weary cyclists a very pleasant stopping point. After the Bay of Châtelaillon comes a pretty seaside section before heading back inland towards the ‘royal city’ of Rochefort. While the middle section of this route might appear somewhat commonplace, the remarkable town of Rochefort is well worth exploring.
Challenge : 48.4 km, 1278m ascent, 1265m descent
It’s with great regret that you leave behind Rochefort, its gardens on the banks of the Charente and its transporter bridge of Martrou. You take the former steam-train tracks – now greenway – and La Vélodyssée meets the marshes, criss-crossed with little channels, before heading onto the oyster centre of Marennes. The Marennes Country, home to the leading oyster farms in Europe, spreads over salt marshes and the Seudre estuary. End of your cycling day in La Tremblade, an authentic village. In summer, the sea festival is a must: traditional boats, oyster opening competition, giant eclades and fireworks!
Challenge : 46,3 km, 201m ascent, 209m descent
You start today along the famous “Côte Sauvage”, here cycle paths are numerous and a truly memorable part of the route takes you through the forest of Coubre (and its lighthouse "Phare de la Coubre"). Farther, enjoy the splendid sea views. Following cycle lanes, the itinerary weaves through the coastal forest and array of pretty beaches, one of which is the charming village of Saint-Palais, before reaching the sandy beaches of Royan. All you have to do is to enjoy this seaside resort and catch a boat tomorrow morning!
Challenge : 38.8 km, 256m ascent, 250m descent
Take the ferry to cross the estuary of the Gironde to reach the region Medoc famous for its great wines. Upon entering the Gironde, a new world reveals itself to travellers. Pleasant cycle lanes wind their way from Verdon to the charming Soulac-sur-Mer with its lively streets and pretty seaside villas, you take the path towards Montalivet. The sea entices you in for a cooling dip; south direction to Hourtin, there is a more forested area which is most pleasant in hot weather.
Challenge : 71.9 km, 279m ascent, 273m descent
Through a long forest, leaving Hourtin to reach bank of the estuary of the Gironde and the vineyards of Pauillac. A day to discover the real natural diversity of the Médoc. The end of your cycling day takes you through the most renowned international vineyards, you stop in the prestigious village of Margaux, land of “Grands Crus”!
Challenge : 68.8km, 323m ascent, 326m descent
For your last day on bike, leaving the prestigious “Château Margaux” and cross the vineyards until you reach the gates of Bordeaux. Enter in the beautiful old center, cross the city along the banks of the Garonne and end this adventure on the famous “Place de la Bourse”. Bordeaux, the old town, closed to cars, is ideal for the walking tour. Discover the medieval streets and the magnificent white stone buildings.
Challenge : 33.8 km, 389m ascent, 398m descent
After breakfast, end of your cycling trip. Some time left? We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to visit the beautiful Bordeaux!
All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We choose comfortable 2*/3* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included.
The bike rental includes the drop-off fee for the bike’s return
Arcade Escape 21 Speed
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
Gitane 400Wh
The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock
7 Nights included
2/3 Star Hotels or 3/4 Star Hotels (supplement applied)
Tourist tax included
Breakfast included, Halfboard optional on request
Maps and tourist information on all the places of interest
24/7 Bilingual Emergency hotline
Luggage transport to your next accommodations. Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (15 kg maximum)
For time tables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
We strongly advise you to download the sncf mobile app prior to departure.
If you want to travel on a train with your bike, you can find more information via this link.
Parking informations on request
We will supply the directions of this trip with a personalized code which gives you access to our travel App.
The closest airports are Nantes Airport or Bordeaux Airport.
Also possibility of arrival in Paris airports Charles de Gaulle in the North and Orly in the South are served by a large number of scheduled and low cost airlines.They are connected with Paris by metro and bus services. From Paris you can take a train to La Rochelle, see below.
You can get to La Rochelle by train. On the end of your trip you can take a train from Bordeaux.
For timetables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
From Paris to La Rochelle (approx. 4h40 - 470 km/295 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin.