Marais Mer Standard

 From the marsh to the ocean bike tour organisation in natural parc of marais poitevin, La Rochelle and islands of Ré, Aix, Madame, Oléron.

Bicycle tour, 8 days and 7 nights

Day 1 : Arrival in Niort
Niort : door gate of the Marais Poitevin, was built in Roman Times along the Sèvre River.
Night in Niort Hotel **** (swimming pool)

Day 2 : From Niort to Fontenay le Comte 45 km
You will leave the hotel for a journey through the Marais Poitevin. You will go through the most famous villages of the marsh such as Coulon, Arçais and Damvix. Your route will be punctuated by wild marshes, verdure and water.
It is possible to visit the flour trade House in Nieul sur l'Autize (a Regional Park attraction) which is one of the last water mills still in use. Getting to Fontenay le Comte, you may visit Terre Neuve Castle for the 16th century.
Night in Fontenay le Comte Hotel *** (swimming pool)

Day 3 : From Fontenay le Comte to La Rochelle 67 km
Journey in Vendée marsh along the Autize River. Landscapes and colours change from green to blue. You will see the typical little low houses along the itinerary to the port of Marans. Marans is the last village before the ocean which marks one of the Marais Poitevin gates.
La Rochelle : City noted for its history. It is a vibrant tourist destination. You will enjoy the old port with its two towers that guard the entrance from the 13th and 15th centuries. You will also see the center with its arcades and the town hall from the 15th century.
Night in La Rochelle downtown Hotel**

 Day 4 : Loop tour Ile de Ré 30 to 90 km
Loop tour towards the "Île de Ré" through the villages of Flotte en Ré (from the 18th century) and its fishing boats, Saint Martin ; then pass through the oyster beds, salt marshes and natural reserve of the Illeau des Niges. Back through the Couarde et Bois Plage.

Night in La Rochelle Hotel**

Day 5 : From La Rochelle to Rochefort 55 km

The tour goes along the coast and the vibrant cities of Chatellaillon and Fouras, then you cross the natural reserve of the Bay d'Yves. At Fouras possibility of crossing by ferry to the island of Aix and visit this small island that was the last retraet of Napoléon 1st. Rochefort : city founded in the 17th century around shipbuilding.

Night in Rochefort Hotel ***

Day 6 :  From Rochefort to Marennes 35 km
Original journey along the coast that leads you to Marennes and La Tremblade ports. They are the most typical ones of Charente Maritime, famous for their oyster beds, possible tasting.
Night in Marennes Hotel*** (swimming pool)

Day 7 :  Loop route to the "Wild Coast" 35 km to ...
On a cycle path, you will ride through the pine forest of the "Wild Coast" and La Palmyre, where you may visit the zoo. If you wish so, you may ride to Royan by Saint Palais, Vaux sur Mer, Pontaillac beaches and the marina.
Night in Marennes Hotel***

Day 8 : End of the tour after breakfast

Back to Niort by train or minibus

Levels  :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain :
Flatland.

Climate
Gentle sun, little wind and comfortable temperatures

Technical nature :
35 to 67 km per day ie 3 to 5 hours riding

Itinerary partly marked out, road book and map reading necessary for some stages.

BicyPack
Created to help you, assist you, guide you. It is a box that you receive before your departure or that is delivered on the spot. It includes a GPS support, the Gps loaded with the routes of your circuit, an auxiliary battery with its connecting cord, a repair kit, emergency lighting, a knife and the corkscrew...

Bibliography :

- Maps and cycling guides in the Marais Poitevin on cartovelo.fr

- Cycling guide on la Vélo Francette
- Cycling guide on la Vélodyssée

Accommodation Comfort :
Hotels*** and ** with toilet and bathroom in the room.

Extra nights :
One additional night is available at the beginning and at the end of the tour.

Food :
- Rich breakfast (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, bread, butter, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch : not included
- Dinner :  optional half board, diners in restaurants nearby the accommodation.

The bike :

- Bike rental : If you rent a bike (see our bikes) you will get it when arriving. We will ask you to leave a deposit. 

At the end of the tour, you will have to leave the bike at the last hotel and inform the reception. We will take care of it. 

We can provide you specific equipments for kids such as seats, little bikes hitched and trailers.

- Own bike : If you travel with your own bike, we advice against bikes with small tires. Hybrids and Mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before the tour.

At the end of the tour, you will be in charge of your bike.

Assistance :

- For the bike in case of breakdown (except for punctures).
- In case of inclement weather or if you cannot cycle one day, possible transfer to the next stage.

Boat
Crossing La Rochelle to the island of Ré, possible to book with your circuit, we will put the tickets in your documentation, The departure will be from the port of La Rochelle and bikes are accepted on board.

Return, 2 possibilities :

By train : We can book your train ticket. In that case,  the tickets will be in your road book. You will come back with your luggage. If you travel with your own bike, this train accepts bikes.

By minibus : You will give you the time schedule. We will take care of the luggage and the bikes.

Luggage :

We assume its transportation. Limited to one luggage per person (20 kg max).

Road Book :
You will get detailed maps and description of the routes when arriving at the first hotel. You will also get vouchers for the hotels and restaurants as well as tags for your luggage. 

Transportation : Location

- By train : SNCF TGV to Niort, 2h30 from Paris (Montparnasse train station) To get more information on the time schedules, please contact SNCF on www.sncf.fr

- By car : A10 Exit 32 or 33. Paris is 400km far from Niort.

- By plane : Poitiers and La Rochelle airports. Nantes and Bordeaux international airports.

Your vehicle :
A parking space is available at the first hotel, to be paied on site.

Cancelation insurance :

In order to guarantee reimbursement of your fees, you may subscribe to a cancelation insurance. To know more about this insurance, click here