French Atlantic Coast, La Rochelle to Bordeaux

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 13^th century. Now explore the old city centre, with its many arches as well as the famous town hall from the 15^th 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 18^th 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 17^th 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 14^th 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.