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The Atlantic coast of the Poitou-Charentes Region is surrounded by four beautiful and unique little islands. The isle of Ré, the white one, the isle of Aix, the authentic one, the smallest of them, the isle Madam and the isle of Oléron, which is the shinning one. The isles of Ré and Oléron are the bigger ones and both of them are well connected to the French coast by a bridge. You cycle from la Rochelle south beside the Atlantic coast to discover the Charente maritime region. This cycle path has been named the Velodyssey and allows you to discover many islands such as Ile de Ré and Ile d’Aix. Along the route, you shall cycle passing wide sandy beaches, marshes and even some oyster farms. You will then enter in minor roads the Haute-Saintonge and Haute Gironde. Here you will pass many vineyards of the famous “Cognac” and “Pineau” of Charentes. There are also some interesting historic villages on the route where you can discover superb Romanic churches, caves and some unique Gallo-Romanic sites. You will see picturesque small ports on the Gironde river estuary. As you cross Gironde your final section takes you into Bordeaux via the famous Margaux Vineyards. You will be warmly welcomed every
La Rochelle
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Hooked on Cycling that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the chosen activity and for emergency evacuation and hospital care.
During the day arrive at La Rochelle where you will find the road book and bikes waiting for you. If you have time set out to explore the lively city where you can find some pretty historic sites. Visit the old harbour with its towers which were built at its entrance around the 13th century. Now explore the old city centre, with its many arches as well as the famous town hall from the 15th century.
Today a lovely cycle ride taking a loop tour to explore the pretty island of Ré, passing through the villages of Flotte en Ré. This village dates from the 18th century. You can see lovely fishing boats in Saint-Martin and admire its fortifications and its fortress. You can walk along the oyster beds and salt marshes of the nature reserve of the illeau Niges. You the cycle back via La Couarde and the Bois plage.
Today’s cycle ride takes you beside the coast and through the lively city of Chatelaillon. After a short visit continues into the Yve’s Bay nature reserve which leads you to Rochefort. Rochefort was founded in the 17th century around shipbuilding which still has its original and unique bridge named Eiffel. The cycle route now continues on the bike paths through the marshes of Marennes. You can take a detour to the Citadel of Brouage before arriving in Marennes which is well known for its oyster production.
Today you cycle through some pine forest on this wild coast. In Palmyre you can visit the zoo. It is easy to observe the animals here. Your destination is Royan, Royan ahs the lovely beaches of Vaux sur Mer and Pontaillac with a pretty marina. Royan is a modern tourist city that hides some beautiful villas of olden times an original covered market and a festive and lively waterfront.
You will leave Royan by cycling along the boulevard Garnier with its beautiful villas from the 14th century. You will continue at the top of the local cliffs where you will have a superb view over the estuary. As you continue you pass Talmont-sur-Gironde with its old church and often streets blooming with flowers. This is an artisan village of cave dwellers dug in the
limestone cliffs of Meshers-sur-Gironde. Why not take a stop at the park of the estuary, pole nature de la Charente Maritime. Soon you shall cycle through Saint-Seurin-d’Uzet, the old capital of Caviar, with its petty port. As you cycle south, you can visit the vineyard of Mortagne to discover all about the Pineau, Cognac and Charentais wined. You will reach Mortagne-sur- Gironde with its fishing and sailing port.
Today you are cycling beside an estuary on a very nice cycling path located between marshes and dykes until you reach Vitrezay, the gateway to Gironde. After a visit to the Terres d’Oiseaux, a bird sanctuary you follow a beautiful cycle to the Blaye Citadel, built by Vauban and listed by UNESCO (alongside Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc).
Discover Blaye and its famous citadel which was built by Vauban and then a ferry crossing which you across the estuary from Blaye to Lamarque, You cycle on the Médoc side in the heart of the Margaux and Haut Médoc vineyards. The Garonne River and the estuary of the Gironde mark profoundly the landscapes, through swamps, river banks and small ports. There are so many spaces of discovery of special fauna and flora. You now continue in minor roads into Bordeaux, your final destination.
Depart after breakfast.
2025 Prices – For a complete tour price breakdown please click the book now button and select your holiday tour date. Prices will then be listed.
Tour Code | Prices From (per person) | Book Now |
RochBor (7 Nights) | from £1130 | Book Now |
We arrived home safely yesterday and we really enjoyed the trip. Despite some uncertain weather, at the start of the week we enjoyed the scenery, the cycling, the food and the wine! The bikes were very good and we had no difficulty with them. So, all in all, very good
The condition of the track between Rochefort and Marennes was very poor. The weather has clearly been a problem in that area before our holiday which would account for the very muddy track