The Vélodyssée, from La Rochelle to Oléron isle

The Atlantic coast by bike, between La Rochelle and Marennes

Here you are on the famous cycle paths of the Vélodyssée ! Fully signposted route between La Rochelle and Marennes. This circuit allows you to enjoy the islands and local curiosities and especially the benefits of the seaside on the Atlantic coast !

Main areas of interest during the stay :

• La Rochelle
• Ile de Ré, île d'Oléron and Ile d'Aix
• Rochefort
• The beach

Day 1 - arrival in La Rochelle

Installation at your hotel and pick up of the bike that will accompany you throughout the stay.
The sea is not far away, you can hear the sound of the masts of the boats and enjoy this moment.
Night in La Rochelle.

Day 2 - Ile de Ré loop - 45 or 90 km

Today, you are heading for the Ile de Ré, also called Ré la blanche. Bike paths crisscross the entire island, a paradise for the little queen! You take the velodyssey to the bridge, free crossing. On the Ile de Ré, enjoy the beaches, the summer atmosphere, and visit the villages of La Flotte or Saint Martin. To Saint Martin, the distance is 45 km.
The more sporty can continue to La Couarde or even to the Whale Lighthouse at the tip of the island. The terrain is flat, the only difficulty of the stage remains the climb of the access bridge to the island.
Return and overnight in La Rochelle.

Day 3 - La Rochelle to Rochefort - 28 to 53 km

The Vélodyssée guides you to Châtelaillon-Plage and Pointe des Boucholeurs. Discover its 1900 summer houses, its casino and its beach. Take the cycle path to follow the coast. You will be able to see the squares and their large legs planted in the sand.
The cycle route continues until Fouras and its point of smoke, this is the place of embarkation for the island of Aix. Remember to plan your day according to the tide times.
The arrival in Rochefort is on a shared road, drive quietly and find the cycle path just behind the roundabout.
Night in Rochefort.

Day 4 - Rochefort - Marennes / 39 to 45 km

Take the Vélodyssée in Tonnay Charente. You can take a ferry boat but it is subject to the tide and seasonal schedules. Then follow the canals to the Brouage marshes and its fortified village.
End of the stage and night in Marennes.

Day 5 - Ile d'Oléron discovery tour / 50 km

The intoxicating smell of the pines, their refreshing shadows make you live a unique experience on the coast as far as the island of Oléron by taking the bicycle bridge or the ferry boat (optional).

The island of Oléron and the basin of Marennes is a territory of great diversity with its many beaches, its wild nature and its tasty gastronomy.
End of the stage, return and overnight in Marennes.

Day 6 - End of the tour
 

Possibility of return by minibus * or you can make a small stopover to Royan and take the train to La Rochelle.
* Option, details on the information tab.

General informations :

• 6 days and 5 nights
• Standard version accommodation comfort level: 2 * or 3 * (local standards)
• Comfort level of accommodation comfort version: 3 * or 4 * (local standards)
• Child rates: contact us

The dates :

Achievable between April and October 2023.

High season in july and august. 

Included :

• Self-guided online tour
• Luggages transport
• access to our hiking application Respire Voyages with day by day itinerary
• 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 :

• Half board
• VTC or VAE rental
• Additional night (s) at the start or end of the tour
• back to the starting point
• Crossing La Rochelle the Ile de Ré by boat
• Roadbook paper version
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• cancellation insurance

Levels :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat terrain.

Weather :

Soft sun, little wind and pleasant temperatures.

Technicality :

- Cycling: 25 to 55 km per day or 2 to 4 hours of cycling (90 km if you want to visit the Ile de Ré entirely).
- Partly marked itinerary, useful roadbook and map reading.

Bibliography :

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

Additional nights :

An additional night is offered to you at the start and end of the tour.

Meals :

- Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch: not included
- Dinner: in restaurants near the accommodation.

The bike :

- Rental bicycle : If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the hotel. A security deposit will be requested.
At the end of the tour, you will need to leave this bike at the hotel and notify reception. We will take care of his return.
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 tour, you will need to take care of your own bicycle.

Assistance :

- Assistance in the event of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).

Roadbook :

We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes when you arrive at the first hotel. We will also give you the vouchers for hotels and restaurants.

Transport :

- By train: SNCF TGV to La Rochelle in around 3 hours from Montparnasse station. For more information on timetables, contact SNCF.
- By road: A10 motorway exit 32 or 33. Paris is 460 km from La Rochelle
- By plane: Airports in Poitiers and La Rochelle and international, Nantes or Bordeaux.

Your car : 

A parking space is available at the hotel, payable locally.

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.