La Vélodyssée, from Nantes to la Rochelle

The Atlantic Coast by bike, between Nantes and La Rochelle 

This cycling trip between Nantes and La Rochelle is a beautiful odyssey following the Vélodyssée route. Departing from Nantes, follow the Loire and its estuary to Saint Brévin-les-Pins, where you reach the Atlantic coast. The Vélodyssée then takes a turn, and the route changes. You'll cycle along the Atlantic coast and its many facets. Discover the wild coast at Pornic, the Bay of Bourgneuf and its many oyster farmers, the marshes, the beautiful sandy beaches, and the pretty Vendée coastline. After La Tranche-sur-Mer, the route takes you to Marans, a charming river port from where you follow a canal to reach La Rochelle and the Atlantic Ocean.

Points of interest:

• Nantes, its historic center, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Île des Machines
• La Rochelle, its port and towers
• Pornic and its wild coast
• Saint Gilles Croix de Vie and the Vendée coastline
• The beaches of the Atlantic coast
• Les Sables d'Olonne, a lively seaside resort
• The oysters of Bouin

Day 1: Nantes

Arrive at your hotel in Nantes from 3 p.m. Take the time to discover the Bouffay district, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Graslin district. The unique architecture of the Île de Nantes and the Machines de l'Île are worth exploring. Optional: admission to the Château-Musée on the history of Nantes. 32 rooms inside the château and more than 1,000 unique objects on the history of the city.

Overnight in Nantes.

Day 2: From Nantes to 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: From St Brévin les Pins to 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: From Bouin to 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: From Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to 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: From Les Sables d'Olonne to 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: From La Tranche-sur-Mer to 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

2026 Dates:

• Departures daily from April 15 to October 15
• 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
• Entrance to the Nantes History Museum with access to the permanent collections (day 1)
• Additional night(s) at the start or end of the tour in La Rochelle or Nantes (on request)
• Additional night in La Rochelle with loop on the Ile de Ré (on request)
• Return by private transfer with personal bikes and luggage from La Rochelle to Nantes (on request)
• Return by train from La Rochelle to Nantes
• Theft guarantee 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: TGV from Paris to Nantes in approximately 2 hours 20 minutes from Montparnasse station.
• By road: A11 motorway. Paris is 385 km from Nantes.
• By plane: Nantes or La Rochelle airports.

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.