The Atlantic coast by bike and its islands - La Rochelle, Ré and Oléron

The Atlantic coast by bike between La Rochelle and Arcachon, on the Vélodyssée

Discover an enchanting cycling tour in Charente-Maritime, combining nature, heritage and the good life. From La Rochelle, with its majestic towers and lively port, to the islands of Ré and Oléron, explore varied and unspoiled landscapes. Take advantage of the cycle paths to cross beaches, marshes and picturesque villages, with emblematic stops such as Rochefort and its rich maritime past. Sail towards La Rochelle while admiring Fort Boyard and let yourself be seduced by this unique getaway.

Highlights of this circuit along the Atlantic coast by bike:

• Cities of La Rochelle and Rochefort
• The variety of the Atlantic coastline
• The cycle paths of the Vélodyssée and the islands
• Ré la Blanche, a paradise for cyclists
• Oléron, wild and surprising

Day 1: Arrival in La Rochelle

Put down your suitcases in an ideally located hotel and set off to explore the wonders of La Rochelle. Stroll under the arcades of the historic center, walk along the ramparts to enjoy breathtaking views, or be impressed by the majestic towers that watch over the old port. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Gabut district or discover the old gates that protected the fortified city. La Rochelle is a city where life is good!

Day 2: loop on the island of Ré (from 45 to 90 km)

This morning, head to the island nicknamed "Ré la Blanche". With cycle paths in all directions, discovering the island by bike is the best and easiest way to do it. Take the bridge to get there. Once on the island, enjoy the many beaches and visit the charming villages of La Flotte or Saint-Martin-en-Ré. With its Vauban fortress and its lively port, Saint-Martin-en-Ré is a marvel not to be missed. The bravest can continue to La Couarde, Loix or even the Baleines lighthouse, located at the end of the island. Each effort is rewarded by magnificent and preserved landscapes. If you want to shorten the stage and/or avoid taking the bridge by bike, you can take the sea shuttle to Saint-Martin-de-Ré (to be booked on site, the day before - crossing times depending on the tides).

Day 3: from La Rochelle to Rochefort (49 km)

During this second day by bike, you will reach Châtelaillon-Plage and the Pointe des Boucholeurs. Let yourself be seduced by the elegant Belle Époque villas, the casino or the vast sandy beach. By following La Vélodyssée along the coast, you will arrive at Fouras and the Pointe de la Fumée. This charming seaside resort is also the starting point for the island of Aix. In case of good weather, you can admire the famous Fort Boyard there. The stage ends in Rochefort in the afternoon, a spa town that was once emblematic of the arsenal of the King of France. Don't miss the Corderie Royale, a superb building that now houses a museum dedicated to the history of ropemaking.

Day 4: From Rochefort to the island of Oléron (57 km)

Today, set off to discover the diverse landscapes of Charente-Maritime. The day begins along the banks of the Charente, which you cross after Tonnay-Charente to cycle through green fields. You then continue your route through the marsh with its canals punctuated by charming colorful cabins to arrive at Marennes. The bridge leading to the island of Oléron is only a few kilometers away. It is much less imposing and long than the one on the island of Ré. End of the stage in Saint-Trojan, at the beginning of the island where you spend the night.

Day 5: Oléron and boat to La Rochelle (50 - 70 km)

Destination the northern tip of the island and the Chassiron lighthouse. You will get there by beautiful cycle paths that wind their way between forests, beaches, marshes and small villages. After enjoying the view, cycle along the coast through Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, La-Brée-les-Bains and Saint-Georges-d'Oléron before reaching the marshes and Boyardville, where the sea shuttle to La Rochelle awaits you (with bike, included). During the crossing, you will have the opportunity to see the imposing Fort Boyard up close.

Day 6: La Rochelle
End of the tour after breakfast. Do not hesitate to take one or more additional nights to enjoy La Rochelle and its surroundings.

General information:

• 6 days and 5 nights
• Accommodation comfort level:
• Standard, 3* hotels
• Comfort, 3 and 4* hotels
• Child rates: contact us

Dates 2025:

Departures every day, from April 15 to October 15.
High season: July and August

Included:

• Self-guided online tour
• 5 nights with breakfast
• Tourist taxes
• Boat crossing from the island of Oléron to La Rochelle on day 5
• Luggage transfer between accommodations (max 23 kg per person)
• Personalized access to our Respire Voyages hiking application with day-by-day itinerary
• Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except puncture)

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point and return
• Personal expenses
• Visits and activities
• Parking
• Anything not specified in "included"

Options:

• Rental of VTC or Electrically Assisted Bicycle
• Additional night(s) in La Rochelle and
• Bicy +: entry to the Corderie Royale on day 4
• Half board (5 dinners)
• Paper version of the road book
• Theft guarantee for the rented bike
• Cancellation-multi-risk insurance

Level:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:
Flat terrain, almost no difference in altitude.

Route mainly on cycle paths and secondary roads.

Climate:
Mild sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

• Biking: 45 to 90 km per day or 3 to 8 hours of cycling.
• Route largely marked, roadbook and map reading useful.

Bibliography:

La Vélodyssée, mapped guide in French

Additional nights:
Additional nights are offered at the beginning and end of the tour.

Meals:

• Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
• Lunches: not included
• Dinners: not included

The Bike:

• Rental bike: 21-speed VTC or VAE (500 W battery). Rental bikes are delivered and collected directly from your accommodation. They are equipped with a front bag, a rear bag, a bottle cage, a lock and a repair kit. Equipment for children (bikes, trailers, seats, follow-me...) is available (on request)
• Personal bike: We do not recommend road bikes with small tires. VTC and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to service your bike before leaving.

Assistance:
Assistance in case of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).

Travel diary:

You will receive documentation by mail with all the practical information, vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as labels for luggage by mail before your departure. Access to the application will be sent by email.

Transport:

• By train: La Rochelle train station
• By road: La Rochelle is located 480 km from Paris, approximately 5h30 by car
• By plane: La Rochelle airport

Cancellation insurance:
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To find out more about insurance, click here.