Welcome to La Rochelle! Arrive at your leisure and enjoy exploring this historical city. You may like to take a stroll around the Old Harbour and marvel at the enormous towers which once guarded the entrance to the city. Wander around the charming historic centre where a number of museums tell the tales of the many merchants and explorers who left on voyages from La Rochelle, with many of their spoils now here on display. Make sure to spend some time relaxing in your hotel too ahead of your first day’s riding tomorrow!

If you would like to spend more time exploring La Rochelle and neighboring Ile de Ré then it is possible to organize an extra night and we can provide loop rides which range from 30 to 60km and take in the Ile de Ré. You would be riding through the fishing village of La Flotte en Ré which dates from the 18^th century, along the salt marshes and through L’Illeau des Niges, a natural reserve at the western most tip of the island. The return back to La Rochelle is along the western side of the island, through La Couarde-sur-Mer and Le-Bois-Plage-en-Ré. 

On today’s ride you will initially be following the coastline, pedalling through Chatelallion, a lively seaside town. Continue following the Velodyssey as it leads you away from the ocean and into the Baie d’Yves natural reserve and on to the 17^th century town of Rochefort. Upon leaving Rochefort you will need to take the transporter bridge, the Pont Transbordeur, built in 1900 and still used to this day to ferry pedestrians and cyclists from one side of the river Charente to the other – a real feat of engineering! The route continues on through wetlands, to the citadel of Brouages, which has recently been added to the prestigious list of “France’s most beautiful villages” and is well worth a visit. You will be staying a few kilomtres further on this evening in the town of Marennes, famed for its oyster production.

Rejoin the Atlantic coast this morning and enjoy a refreshing start to the day’s cycling, riding through pine forests. The wonderful fragrance of these pine trees will be the backdrop to today’s ride! You may like to give your legs a rest and visit the zoo at La Palmyre along your way. Continue on, following the coastline and pedalling through the towns of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer and Pontaillac, before reaching your destination for today – Royan. Royan is a relatively modern seaside town, boasting a covered market, the impressive Notre Dame de Royan church and a great seafront.

Today’s cycling will begin with fantastic views across the estuary from the clifftops above, so make sure to have your camera to hand! Riding on you will come across small hidden port towns and villages, such as the small flower-filled streets of Talmont-sur-Gironde. Further on, in Meschers, take the time to visit the troglodyte caves. Originally natural caves carved into the limestone rock overlooking the estuary, many were enlarged in the 19^th century to make them habitable! Ride on through forests to Saint Seurin d’Uzet and on to Mortagne where you will be staying this evening. Perched atop white cliffs, Mortagne is a very pleasant port town with views out over the estuary. The area around Mortagne is famous for its wine production and you can visit some of the local cellars to learn more about Pineau, Cognac and the wines of the Charente region.

Continue following the Velodyssey bikeway through marshlands this morning to Vitrezay, the gateway to the Gironde region of France! En route you may like to stop off at the Terres d’Oiseaux, an ornithological park and natural reserve home to over 100 hundred different species of bird! After a spot of birdwatching continue on along the bikeway to the citadel of Blaye. A UNESCO world heritage site since 2008, the citadel has been an important stronghold at various points throughout French history given its strategic location above Bordeaux and on the banks of the estuary.

This morning you will board the ferry from Blaye to cross the estuary. On the Médoc side you will be biking through the heart of some of Bordeaux’s vineyards, riding past Château Margaux amongst others! Perhaps try a glass or two of some of the locally grown and produced, world-renowned wine, though make sure you can still continue on to your final destination, Bordeaux! Finishing in this elegant city, another UNESCO heritage site, is the perfect way to round off a great trip down the Atlantic Coast along the Velodyssey cycle route.

After breakfast, depart from Bordeaux at the time of your choosing.