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Highlights
Cycle La Rochelle to Royan along France’s stunning Atlantic Coast
Experience three islands along the Atlantic Coast of France, each with its own landscape.
Discover incredible nature and breathtaking wildlife.
Cycle along well-crafted bike paths full of charm.
Witness maritime customs and traditional oyster farming.
The French coast is stunning, and best explored by bike. Spend your day cycling while savouring views of the Bay of Biscay and charming French villages.
Your scenic cycling journey begins at the port of La Rochelle and meanders along the stunning coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore oyster farms along the route and savour the rich maritime traditions of the region. Encounter the enchanting islands of Ré, Oléron, and Ile Madame, each adorned with breathtaking nature, tourist attractions, and rich history. Immerse yourself in the diverse experiences that await on this extraordinary cycle tour from La Rochelle to Royan!
This scenic route follows part of the Velodyssee (Eurovelo 1) but takes liberties with the official itinerary to trace the coastline, leading to remarkable sites like the fortified port of Brouage, nestled in the marshes. Explore three stunning islands – Ré, Oléron, and Ile Madame – with a two-night stay in Oléron. The journey concludes with the allure of bygone Belle Epoque resorts, offering a delightful end to your adventure along the Atlantic Coast of France.
The French coast is stunning, and best explored by bike. Spend your day cycling while savouring views of the Bay of Biscay and charming French villages.
Your scenic cycling journey begins at the port of La Rochelle and meanders along the stunning coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore oyster farms along the route and savour the rich maritime traditions of the region. Encounter the enchanting islands of Ré, Oléron, and Ile Madame, each adorned with breathtaking nature, tourist attractions, and rich history. Immerse yourself in the diverse experiences that await on this extraordinary cycle tour from La Rochelle to Royan!
This scenic route follows part of the Velodyssee (Eurovelo 1) but takes liberties with the official itinerary to trace the coastline, leading to remarkable sites like the fortified port of Brouage, nestled in the marshes. Explore three stunning islands – Ré, Oléron, and Ile Madame – with a two-night stay in Oléron. The journey concludes with the allure of bygone Belle Epoque resorts, offering a delightful end to your adventure along the Atlantic Coast of France.
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Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Royan Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in La Rochelle
Arriving in the afternoon, you will check into your hotel in La Rochelle, which is renowned for its rich history and vibrant tourism. Explore the old port, 13th and 15th-century towers, charming old town, arcades, and the city hall. Indulge in a variety of dining options, including a 2-Michelin-star restaurant in this captivating city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Rochelle
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore the Island of Ré
Today is your first day of cycling, during which you will explore the island of Ré, passing through Flotte en Ré (13th century), oyster farms, salt marshes, and the L’illeau des Niges nature reserve. Cycling is ideal on Ré, thanks to numerous and easily navigable paths.
Weather permitting, you will even have the chance to ditch your bike for a swimsuit! The island’s well-preserved villages, earning it the nickname “white island,” promise a delightful experience. Cap off your adventure with a wealth of dining options in La Rochelle, including a Michelin-starred restaurant if you feel so inclined.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Rochelle
Distance: 30 to 90km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Bike to Rochefort
On day 3 of the tour you will depart from La Rochelle, following the coastal path to Châtelaillon via Pointe des Boucholeurs – a harbor surrounded by over 250 hectares of oyster farms. You will also traverse the Yves marshes, a migratory bird hotspot, and circumvent the Fouras peninsula.
Continuing towards Pointe de la Fumée, the gateway to the Isle of Aix, you will cross Fouras and head south to Rochefort along the banks of the River Charente. As you pass through the Basse Roche, St Laurent de la Pré, and Rochefort Océan marshes, you will encounter an historic harbor and city. Eventually, you will arrive at your hotel in Rochefort.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rochefort
Distance: 55km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle from Rochefort to Oléron
Embarking from Pierre Logi, your journey will follow along the southern bank of the River Charente, traversing the final transporter bridge in France. Cycling along the river to Port des Barques, you will have the opportunity to bike around Madame Island during favorable tides, which is also accessible via a coastal road during low tide.
Venturing southward, you will traverse the Moëze marshes to Brouage, a town renowned for its stone fortress, witness to the poignant tale of Marie Mancini and her forbidden love with Louis XIV. Passing through the oyster-rich Marennes, the leg of the tour concludes with the Oléron bridge crossing.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Oléron
Distance: 35 to 45km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Bike from Oléron to Ronce-les-Bains
Day 5 of the tour will see you pedal through oyster parks to Grand Village Plage, then proceed to the eco-museum of Port des Salines. Explore a scenic cycle path that leads to one of the Atlantic coast’s most beautiful beaches, near Trojan les Bains and Pointe de Manson. Return to the mainland along a second bridge to Ronce les Bains.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ronce les Bains
Distance: 30 to 50km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle Ronce-les-Bains to Royan
Today you will cycle along a magnificent route from Courbe Forest to Courbe Lighthouse, then follow along the oceanside to the charming St Palais sur Mer, which showcases 1930s architecture. Enjoy the opportunity for a swim in this picturesque village.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Royan
Distance: 40km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure from Royan
After waking up and enjoying one final breakfast by the sea, you will check out of your hotel for your final departure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Royan Cycling Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour from La Rochelle to Royan is always run as a private tour for your group only.2024 Departures The departures are available every day, from April 15th to October 15th.
- Single room: from EUR1285*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR890*
Accommodation on Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Royan Cycling Tour
You will stay in 2 or 3-star hotels that offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Standard rooms are of double occupancy. You can upgrade the accommodation for an extra charge.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Royan Cycling Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transfers between your accommodations. Any other transportation is not included.
Also included
- Digital travel pack
- Telephone assistance
Not included
- Flights or airport transfers
- Drinks
- Lunches and Dinners
- Entrance fees to tourist attractions
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Everything that is not noted as included
Optional Extras
- Upgraded accommodation
- Bike rental:
-
- Hybrid bike
- E-bike
- Bike insurance
- Extra night in La Rochelle, Royan or Oleron
- Printed travel pack
- How hard is the Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Royan Cycling Tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Royan Cycling Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to La Rochelle to start this tour?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Is the tour material for the Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Royan Cycling Tour in English?
- Where does the Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Royan Cycling Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
- Are there any travel restrictions for France?
We rate the difficulty of this tour as a 2 / 5. Average to good cyclist. The itinerary along the Atlantic is 90% on cycle paths and paths away from the roads. 30 km to 60 km per day. No technical difficulty should be faced. With regards to children: this tour is accessible to kids that are at least 10 years old.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts in hotels are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your travel insurance.
Fly to La Rochelle Airport.
Yes, it is possible to bring your own bike. If you choose to do so, please ensure that it is suitable for the demands of the route. Road bikes with small wheels are not suitable. Instead, your bike should be either a hybrid or mountain bike. Additionally, if you plan to bring your own bike, you should make sure to get it checked prior to the start of the tour. You will be responsible for transporting your bike at the end of the tour. The easiest way back is by train, travelling from Royan to La Rochelle via Saintes (approx 3h). Bikes are usually permitted on trains.
Yes, the tour material is in English language.
The tour ends in Royan. You can either take a bus or a train to get back to La Rochelle. Note that bikes are not allowed on buses, while some trains do allow bikes (important if you are doing this tour with your own bike).
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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