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:

• La Rochelle, its old port and towers
• Rochefort and the Royal Rope Factory
• The island of Ré
• The island of Oléron, wild and surprising

Day 1: Arrival in La Rochelle

Leave 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!

Overnight in La Rochelle

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).

Overnight in La Rochelle

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 nice 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.

Overnight in Rochefort

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

Your cycling adventure begins in Rochefort, where you follow the Charente River, passing through marshes and small oyster farming ports. After crossing Fouras, take a break to enjoy the view of Fort Boyard before taking the ferry to the island of Oléron. On the island, you cycle through pine forests and marshes, passing picturesque villages like La Brée-les-Bains. The shaded, peaceful cycling path leads you to Boyardville, offering spectacular views of the sea and Fort Boyard offshore. Once there, relax on the beach or explore the lively port.
Overnight on the island of Oléron.

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

Your cycling loop begins in Boyardville and winds through pine forests towards Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron. You then follow the northern coast, with a stop at La Boirie to admire its colorful cabins, before reaching the Chassiron lighthouse. After enjoying the panoramic views, head to Le Château-d'Oléron to visit the citadel and the port. Return to Boyardville, where you take the ferry to La Rochelle with your bike, offering views of Fort Boyard and the ocean.
Overnight in La Rochelle.

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 version :
  • Standard, 3* hotels
  • Comfort, 3 and 4* hotels
• Child rates: contact us

Dates 2025:

Daily departures from April 15 to October 15.
High season: July and August

Included:

• 5 nights with breakfast
• Tourist taxes
• Boat crossing from the island of Oléron to La Rochelle on day 5
• Luggage transfer between accommodations (max 20 kg per person)
• Access to our GPS App
• Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except puncture)

Not included:

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

Options:

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Additional night(s) in La Rochelle 
• Entrance to the Corderie Royale in Rochefort
• Half board (5 dinners)
• 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 4 to 9 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 in La Rochelle.

Meals:

• Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice) or buffet
• Lunches: not included
• Dinners: option hal-board 5 dinners

The Bike:

• Rental bike: Standard bike or ebike 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. Hybrid 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 book :

You will receive documentation by mail and post 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.