
 
Day 1 - Arrival in Niort
Niort : door gate of the Marais Poitevin, was built in Roman Times along the Sèvre River.
Night in Niort Hotel *** (swimming pool)
Day 2 - From Niort to Fontenay le Comte 45km
You will leave the hotel for a journey through the Marais Poitevin. You will go through the most famous villages of the marsh such as Coulon, Arçais and Damvix. Your route will be punctuated by wild marshes, verdure and water.
It is possible to visit the flour trade House in Nieul sur l'Autize (a Regional Park attraction) which is one of the last water mills still in use. Getting to Fontenay le Comte, you may visit Terre Neuve Castle for the 16th century.
Night in Fontenay le Comte Hotel***.
Day 3 - Loop route by Mervent 38km
Mervent is a s State Forest. You will ride in Melusine's country, visiting Vouvant village which is one of the most beautiful village of France. Vouvant is a mix of Roman and Gothic styles from 12th and 13th centuries.
Night in Fontenay le Comte Hotel*** (swimming pool)
Day 4 - From Fontenay le Comte to La Rochelle 67km
Journey in Vendée marsh along the Autize River. Landscapes and colours change from green to blue. You will see the typical little low houses along the itinerary to the port of Marans. Marans is the last village before the ocean which marks one of the Marais Poitevin gates.
La Rochelle: City noted for its history. It is a vibrant tourist destination. You will enjoy the old port with its two towers that guard the entrance from the 13th and 15th centuries. You will also see the center with its arcades and the town hall from the 15th century.
Night in La Rochelle downtown Hotel***
Day 5 - Loop route to Ré Island 25 to 90km
Loop route to the island of Ré through the villages : La Flotte ( from the 18th century) and its fishing boats, Saint Martin with its fort and fortifications. Then you will pass through oyster beds, salt marshes and the nature reserve of L'Illeau des Niges. You will come back by La Couarde and Bois Plage villages.
Diner and night in La Rochelle Hotel***
Day 6 - From La Rochelle to Rochefort. 55km
The journey goes along the coast, by the lively towns of Chatellaillon and Fouras and through the Yves Bay Natural Reserve. In Fouras, you may take the ferry to Aix Island and visit this small island which was the last retreat place for Napoleon 1st. Rochefort : the town was built in the 17th century round shipbuilding.
Night in Rochefort Hotel**
Day 7 - From Rochefort to Marennes 35km
Original journey along the coast that leads you to Marennes and La Tremblade ports. They are the most typical ones of Charente Maritime, famous for their oyster beds, possible tasting.
Night in Marennes Hotel***
Day 8 - From Marennes to Saintes 60 km
Riding on cycle paths along the Seudre Canal by oister farms, through a pine forest on the Wild Coast, you will discover Saintonge and Charente hinterland charms. You will see Rétaud, Thézac and Chermignac befor arriving in Saintes.
Diner and night in Saintes hotel**
Day 9 - Loop route to Cognac area 55 km
By La Chapelle des Pots, a village where ceramics craft has been perpetuated since the 13th century. The roads are small, the landscape is changing and gently hilly. You will ride through vineyards that made the fame of Cognac area. You may stop to visit some caves and taste the local products.
Bight in Saintes hotel**
Day 10 - From Saintes to Benon 70km
Riding through Saintonges to Aunis, you will discover these hamlets nestled at the foot of the hills. Then you will ride to Benon forest.
Night in Benon hotel*** with swimming pool
Day 11 - From Benon to Niort 58 km
Back to Niort, riding through the Marais Poitevin on its secret tracks, along its narrow canal bordered with ash trees.
Night in Niort hotel*** with swimming pool
Day 12 - End of the tour after breakfast.
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