The Vélodyssée, from La Rochelle to Arcachon

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

Cycle along the Atlantic coast between La Rochelle and Arcachon. The Vélodyssée cycle paths guide you to discover the varied landscapes of the coastline in complete serenity. Pedal among the pine trees or along immense beaches, through marshes or via the wild coast. Cross estuaries and admire preserved lakes. The Atlantic coast is a bit of all that... and many other things. Embark on this beautiful odyssey!

Highlights of this Vélodyssée holiday:

• Cities of La Rochelle, Rochefort, Royan and Arcachon
• The variety of the Atlantic coastline
• The Vélodyssée cycle paths
• The wild coast between La Tremblade and Royan
• The Médoc, its lakes and pine forests
• The magnificent beaches between Montalivet and Cap Ferret
• The landscapes of the Arcachon Basin

Day 1: Arrival in La Rochelle

Settle into your well-located hotel and go for a stroll to discover the treasures that La Rochelle has to offer. Stroll under the arcades of the city centre or from the top of the ramparts, admire the magnificent towers that protect the old port, soak up the unique atmosphere of the Gabut or take a detour through the gates that once guarded the fortified city. Life is good in La Rochelle!

Day 2: from La Rochelle to Rochefort (49 km)

This first stage by bike takes you first to Châteillalon-Plage and the Pointe des Boucholeurs. Enjoy the magnificent summer residences in the "Belle Époque" style, the casino or the beautiful beach. The Vélodyssée follows its course along the coast. Next stop: Fouras and the Pointe de la Fumée. This charming seaside resort is also the port of embarkation for the island of Aix. On a clear day, it is the best place to see Fort Boyard. Arrival in Rochefort in the afternoon. This spa resort was also the arsenal of the King of France for a long time. You can visit the Corderie Royale, a magnificent building and museum of this former rope workshop.

Day 3: from Rochefort to La Tremblade (47 km)

Today you will discover the varied landscapes of Charente Maritime. The day begins along the Charente, which you cross after Tonnay-Charente to cycle through the fields. Then it is near the Seudre, its marshes and canals lined with colorful cabins that you continue. Finally, you reach Marennes and La Tremblade, two pretty seaside resorts in the middle of the pines.

Optional: entrance to the Corderie Royale de Rochefort.

Day 4: from La Tremblade to Royan (39 km)

Get on your bike to ride through the pine forests along the "wild coast". In La Palmyre, you can visit the zoo. You enter Royan via the magnificent beaches of Saint-Palais, Vaux-sur-Mer and Pontaillac. Royan is a modern and lively seaside town with pretty "Belle Époque" style residences, an original covered market and a charming port.

Day 5: from Royan to Montalivet (38 km)

Cross the Gironde estuary by ferry with bike and luggage to reach the Médoc! From Verdon-sur-Mer, you cycle on a beautiful cycle path to Soulac. The fine sandy beaches and the ocean stretch as far as the eye can see. The stage ends in Montalivet, a charming little village nestled between pine forests, marshes and the ocean.

Day 6: from Montalivet to Lacanau Océan (50 km)

After breakfast, the route winds between lakes, pine trees and the ocean. Take a break in Hourtin to admire the largest freshwater lake in France. The road continues through preserved natural areas with beautiful dunes, pretty lakes and immense beaches. Lacanau-Océan is a famous surfing spot and the whole town is imbued with a unique atmosphere.

Day 7: from Lacanau Océan to Arcachon via Cap Ferret (53 km)

Keep heading south towards Arcachon. You ride mainly on dedicated cycle paths and along the coast, between dunes and forest. You pass by the largest beaches on the Aquitaine coast, including a 13 km long beach, free of any construction before arriving at Le Porge. The route continues to Cap Ferret through pretty landscapes and typical villages of the Arcachon Basin. Take the ferry to Arcachon where you spend the night.

Day 8: Arcachon

End of the stay after breakfast. Possibility of additional night(s) in Arcachon or return to La Rochelle (by train)

General information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Accommodation comfort level:
• Standard, 2 and 3* hotels
• Comfort, 3 and 4* hotels (except one night in 2*)
• Child rates: contact us
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Dates 2025:

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

Included:

• Self-guided online tour
• 7 nights with breakfast
• Tourist taxes
• Ferry crossing from Royan to Verdon-sur-Mer (with bike and luggage)
• Boat crossing between Cap Ferret and Arcachon (with bike)
• 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/or Arcachon
• Bicy +: entry to the Corderie Royale
• Return transfer in La Rochelle:
  • By train
  • By private shuttle (supplement Sundays and public holidays)
• Paper 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: 38 to 53 km per day or 3 to 6 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 circuit.

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. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bike before leaving.

Assistance:
Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except for 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, or about 5.5 hours by car
• By plane: La Rochelle and Bordeaux airports are the closest
• Return to the starting point: by train or private shuttle (optional)

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.