Bike holidays from La Rochelle to Royan.
If you are looking for a bike tour in France where the best is just enough then this one is exactly the right one for you. Discover the Atlantic coast of the Poitou-Charentes Region in the most elegantly way possible. Let you inspire on the daily stages along the ocean and through beautiful and charming marsh lands in the backyard. And finally you will spend the night in the most impressive hotels that you will find along your way. And if you decided to book half board then you can discover French cuisine at the highest level, so that there is nothing left to say than ‘bon voyage et bonne appétit’.
Day 1: Arrival in La Rochelle
Please take time to visit the old harbor, its towers of the 13th and 15th century and the historic center with its arcades.
Day 2: Round trip to and on the Ile de Ré, ~40-70 km
You will cycle past the villages of Flotte en Ré with its colorful fishing boats, your road leads you to the Fort of Saint Martin and oyster parks. Further on you are biking through the natural park and the marsh of the island.
Day 3: La Rochelle > Rochefort, ~40 km
Today you are cycling along the coast and through nature reserve of Bay Yves. If you like, you can get a ferry boat to the island Île d’Aix to visit the Musée Napoléon. Today’s end destination is Rochefort, which was an important harbor and which impresses with its Transporter bridge.
Day 4: Rochefort > Ile d'Oléron, ~52 km
Rochefort is well known for its ship construction. During 250 years they built about 350 ships there. You can visit the „Corderie Royale“, which witnesses for that time. Afterwards the stage leads you along the coast line and through marsh lands to Marennes, which is an important place for oyster production. So take the chance and make some oyster tasting before passing the bridge to get to the Island of Oléron.
Day 5: Round trip on the Ile d'Oléron, ~30-70 km
Today you have to choose how much of this beautiful island you will discover with your bike. Salines, marsh lands and small villages are waiting for you. And the royal architect of Louis IVX., Vauban also left behind some impressive fortresses which once protected the French kingdom against the English.
Day 6: Ile d'Oléron > Royan, ~63 km
Leave the island of Oléron and ride along the cliffy coast line on a pretty bike lane under the pine-trees. You will arrive at the beach of Vaux sur Mer.
Day 7: Royan > Talmont > Royan, ~38 km
Pass the harbor of Pontaillac and ride along the Gironde estuary to get to the beautiful town of Royan. From Royan you will go on following again the Gironde estuary till you reach the charming village of Talmont. From the top of its Romanic church you will have a breathtaking view over the Gironde.
Day 8: Alas, end of your trip
Departure from Royan after the breakfast.
