Marais poitevin to la Rochelle

The Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park and the Atlantic Coast by bike

Travel by bike on the cycle paths that wind through the largest marshland in western France.
Easy route with short stages, ideal for cycling holidays with friends or family.
Through this landscape of flora and fauna, between marshes and sea, discover the Marais Poitevin regional natural park by bicycle. Pass through traditional market-gardening villages such as Arçais, Le Vanneau or Coulon.

Highlights of the stay:

• the market gardening villages
• re island
• la Rochelle
• The beach
• the Marais Poitevin regional natural park

 
Day 1 - Arrival in Arçais

Arrival in Arçais and handling of the bicycles.
Depending on your time of arrival, departure for a first loop of 15 km in the marsh.
Check-in at the hotel is from 3:00 p.m.
Night in a guest room or a hotel.

    
Day 2 - Arçais: Marais loop - 25 km

Early in the morning, enjoy the enchanting calm of a discovery of the marsh on the canals by taking advantage of the 2-hour private boat ride that is included in this stay. A breakfast accompanies this unique experience. Arçais, Ste Sabine, Le Mazeau, Le Vanneau, St Georges de Rex, the Wild Marsh will have no more secrets for you. 
Night in a guest room or a hotel.

Day 3 - Coulon - Fontenay le Comte - 28 km

Depart from Coulon for a tour through the Marais Poitevin on the Vélo Francette. You will cross the charming village of Coulon by paths, cycle tracks and some footbridges. Take advantage of these tracks inaccessible to cars to appreciate the calm of the Marais. 
Following the Sèvre Niortaise, you will reach Fontenay le Comte, a city of art and history.
Night in Fontenay le Comte.

 
Day 4 - Fontenay le Comte to La Rochelle - 55 km

Departing from Fontenay le comte, along the Vendée to Marans, and here you are on the dike and the cycle paths of the Canal de Marans in La Rochelle.

Two options are available to you:
- Cycle route along the Canal de Marans you take the Vélodyssée
- the Atlantic coast by bike to enjoy the sea air (+ 20km)
Night in La Rochelle hotel.

 
Day 5 - From La Rochelle to Île de Ré by bike from 25 to 90 km

Immaculate villages, salt marshes and the sweetness of life, discover the little queen of bike rides, the Île de Ré. We offer different routes to make the most of the beauty of the island.
This loop circuit to Île de Ré will take you to the villages of La Flotte en Ré (dating from the 18th century) and its fishing boats, then Saint Martin with its fortifications and fort. You will pass through the oyster beds, the salt marshes and the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve. Return suggested by La Couarde and Bois Plage.
Night in La Rochelle hotel.

Day 6 - End of stay

End of the tour after breakfast.
Optional return to coulon or possibility of an additional night.

General informations :

• 6 days and 5 nights
• Accommodation comfort level standard version : 3 * (local standards)
• Accommodation comfort level comfort version : 3 and 4 * (local standards)
• Child rates: contact us

The dates :

Achievable between April and October 2024.

Included :

• Self-guided online tour
• Luggages transport
• access to our hiking application Respire Voyages with day by day itinerary
• 2-hour private boat trip to Magné, in the morning of day 2 with breakfast
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture)

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Tourist tax to be paid on site

The options :

• VTC or VAE rental
• twin room (2 beds)
• Transfer: Niort train station / accommodation or La Rochelle airport / accommodation
• Transfer by minibus from Niort station to accommodation in Coulon
• Boat trip from La Rochelle to Ile de Ré
• Additional night (s) at the start or end of the tour
• Roadbook paper version
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• cancellation insurance

Level:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

80% of cycle paths and very rolling paths. The circuits pass away from the cars, in the heart of the marsh.

Weather :

Very shaded, mild sun, a little wind, pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

- 15 to 35 km per day, or 1h30 to 4 hours of cycling.
- Little signposted itinerary, roadbook and map reading necessary on certain stages.

Bibliography:

- 23 beautiful walks in the Marais Poitevin
- Map of cycle paths in the Marais Poitevin
- Guide on the Francette Bike

Meals:

Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jams, orange juice)
Lunch: not included
Dinner: included in a restaurant near the accommodation.

The bike :

Rental bicycle: if you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival. A security deposit will be requested. At the end of the tour, we will tell you where to leave the bike. We offer specific equipment for children: seats, small hitched bikes and trailers.

Personal bike: we do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off. At the end of the circuit, you will have to take care of your bike.

Transport :

- By Train: SNCF TGV to Niort in around 2h30 from Montparnasse station.
For more information on timetables, contact SNCF.
- By Road: A10 exit 32 or 33. Paris is 400 km from Niort and 460 km from La Rochelle
(take the direction of Marais Poitevin).
- By plane: Airport in Poitiers and La Rochelle, and international, Nantes or Bordeaux.

Your car :

Free and possible on-site parking, unguarded parking.

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 learn more about insurance, click here.