La Vélodyssée, from Nantes to la Rochelle

The Atlantic Coast by bike, between Nantes and La Rochelle 

This cycling trip on the Vélodyssée itinerary starts on a common stage with the Loire à vélo from Nantes before reaching the Atlantic Coast. 
The atmosphere changes when you arrive on the estuary. You will ride along the large beaches lined with pine trees before reaching Pornic. The cycle route continues in the Vendée to St Gilles Croix de Vie and then to Les Sables d'Olonne. You will get away from the coast for a while to pedal in the forest and through protected areas to La Tranche sur Mer. Last stage close to the sea to La Rochelle. 

Highlights of the tour :

• Nantes, the Dukes of Brittany Castle and the Machines Island
• La Rochelle, its port and tours
• The beaches of the Atlantic Coast
• Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and the Vendée coastline
• The Vendée AOC wine and seafood

Day 1 : Nantes

Take the time to explore the Bouffay district, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, and the Graslin district. Be sure to discover the unique architecture of the Île de Nantes and the Machines of the Island.

Overnight in Nantes.

Day 2 : Nantes - St Brévin les Pins / 67 km

The first stage takes you along the Loire River, using bike paths and quiet roads. Stop in Rezé and explore the Trentemoult district, a charming fishermen's village with colorful house facades. Continue your ride along the Canal de la Martinière, immersed in a peaceful atmosphere between the Loire, marshes, and bocage. Take a break in Paimboeuf, a former port that has inspired many artists. Throughout this stage, you'll have the opportunity to admire contemporary artworks. Finally, you reach the estuary at Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, where you can enjoy a well-deserved swim.

Overnight in St-Brévin-les-Pins

Day 3 : St Brévin les Pins - Bouin / 58 km

Enjoy a stage on the Vélodyssée, cycling along vast pine-lined beaches to the charming coves of Pornic. The route continues through the Bay of Bourgneuf, offering a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere as you enter Vendée. Take a break in La Bernerie and appreciate the beaches upon reaching Moutiers-en-Retz. You can also enjoy a stroll through the Lyarne marshes. This region is known for its oysters, as evidenced by the small oyster ports scattered throughout.

Overnight in Bouin.

Day 4 : Bouin - Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie / 71 km

Continue your bike journey through the Bay of Bourgneuf, heading towards Port-du-Bec à l'Epoids. Take time to admire its wooden pontoons and jetties. Your route then leads you to La Barre de Monts, where you can visit the Ecomuseum of the Breton-Vendéen Marshes. The Vélodyssée follows the coastline, passing through the state forest of the Pays de Monts, before reaching the expansive beach of Saint-Jean-de-Monts. Don’t miss a visit to the historic fishing village of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, before arriving at the rugged cliffs of the Corniche Vendéenne and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
Overnight in St Gilles Croix de Vie. 

Day 5: Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie - Les Sables d'Olonne / 38 km

Take some time to explore the city and its port before heading out by bike to Brétignolles-sur-Mer. You'll ride through the vineyards of Brem-sur-Mer, the Olonne forest, and the historic salt marshes. Be sure to stop and visit the Saint-Nicolas de Brem vineyard for a wine tasting. Your journey continues to Les Sables d'Olonne, where you’ll arrive at the marina. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Penotte Island district and admire the beautiful frescoes by the artist Dan Aubrin.

Overnight in Les Sables d'Olonne. 

Day 6 : Les Sables d'Olonne - La Tranche-sur-Mer / 44 km 

This stage of your Vélodyssée cycling trip offers stunning views along the beaches and rocky coves. Enjoy a magnificent panorama of the rugged and dramatic coastline between Les Sables and Port Bourgenay. Take a delightful break at the Payré estuary to savor an oyster tasting.
Overnight at La Tranche-sur-Mer. 

Day 7 : La Tranche-sur-Mer - La Rochelle / 76 km

This is the final and longest stage of your cycling journey, taking you towards the Belle-Henriette lagoon and then on to La Faute-sur-Mer. Explore the dry marshlands that lie between the Vendée and Charente-Maritime regions, before stopping at the port of Marans. The Canal de Marans will lead you to La Rochelle, a must-see port city on the Vélodyssée route. Take time to soak in the atmosphere of the city and enjoy a drink on the terrace by the Old Port.

Overnight stay in La Rochelle.

Day 8 : La Rochelle

The tour end after breakfast. You have the option to book an extra night in Nantes or La Rochelle. Or, you can arrange a private transfer or purchase a train ticket to Nantes.

General information :

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Standard level : 2* or 3*
• Children's rates : contact us

Dates 2025 :

Daily departure between April and October.
High season in July and August. 

Included :

• 6 nights with breaksfasts
• Tourist taxes
• Luggage transportation
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except flat tire)

Not included :

• Transportation to the place of departure
• Half board
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program

Options :

• Standard or ebike rental
• Additional night(s) at the beginning or end of the tour in Nantes or La Rochelle
• Return by private van with own bikes and lugage from La Rochelle to Nantes
• Return by train from La Rochelle to Nantes
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• Cancellation insurance

Level :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain :

Flat terrain on developed bike paths and small roads. The itinerary is marked with the orange logo of the Vélodyssée easily recognizable. 

Climate:

Mild sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

• Cycling: 38 to 76 km per day or 3 to 7 hours of cycling.
• Itinerary partly marked, roadbook and map reading useful.

Bibliography :

• The Atlantic Coast by bike
• IGN map : Île de Ré, Oléron and Marais Poitevin

Meals :

• Breakfast : buffet
• Lunch : not included
• Dinner: Not included. In restaurants near the accommodations

Bicycle :

• Bike rental: If you rent a bike, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the hotel. At the end of the tour, you will have to leave the bike at the hotel and inform the reception. We will take care of its return. We offer special equipment for children, seats, small bikes and trailers.
• Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bike before you leave. At the end of the tour, you will need to take charge of your own bike.

Assistance :

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

Travel book :

We will provide you with a travel booklet by e-mail and post before your departure, as well as access to our GPS application. We will also provide you with hotel and restaurant vouchers and luggage tags.

Transport:

• By train: SNCF TGV to Nantes in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Montparnasse station. For more information about schedules, contact the SNCF.
• By road: A11 freeway. Paris is 385 km from Nantes
• By plane: Airports in Poitiers and La Rochelle and international, Nantes or Bordeaux.

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of expenses in case of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about the insurance, click here.