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La Rochelle coast and countryside

4 days along the Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Oléron Island

Your bike trip takes you along the scenic Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Rochefort. From there, you ride over the last transporter bridge of France to reach the Oléron Island, savour the oysters of Marennes, with their distinctive taste, and discover the island’s long, sandy beaches.

Reviews (16) :
4.56 / 5
Reference PC0401
  • Loop trip
  • 6 days
  • Easy
  • From April to October
  • Minimum age 1 year
GPSGPS-app available
650€ / pers.
  • Itinerary
  • This round-trip provides a variety of scenery and attractions. You’ll leave the beautiful city of La Rochelle and take the Velodyssee bike trail along the Atlantic Coast. Enjoy the fresh salt air while pedaling through small fishing villages and along tranquil sandy beacher. You’ll probably spot storks and herons flying overhead as you make your way to Rochefort.

    Explore the city of Rochefort with its distinctive naval atmosphere and architecture. Admire the Hermione, the three-masted ship rebuilt with traditional 17th century techniques. A highlight of this tour is using the last transporter bridge in France as you continue your ride to Oleron Island.

    Take time to dangle your feet in the water while savoring a dish of Marenne’s oyster. Each day gives you the opportunity to enjoy beaches, discover traditional fishing villages on the island and also take a boat ride back to La Rochelle

    DAY 1

     
     

    La Rochelle

    La Rochelle prosperous past can be easily noticed thanks to its nice architecture from which the old fortified harbor is remarkable.

    The city offers a wide range of cultural and touristic activities. Do not miss La Rochelle aquarium. The city is very well equipped with cycling paths, which makes it perfect for discovering it on a bicycle.
       

    Visit of the Towers of the Old Port of La Rochelle 2h

    9,50 € / adult

    DAY 2

     
     

    La Rochelle – Rochefort-sur-mer

    Bike
    42km
    Begin by riding on the seaside cycling path through small villages such as Les Boucholeurs or Chatelaillon-Plage. As you pedal along the marshes, try and spy the birds, herons and storks in the area.

    When you reach Rochefort, notice the distinct naval architecture. The city was an active naval base from the time of Louis XIV until 1926. You might want to tour the Corderie Royal, an interesting rope factory where all the ropes for military sailboats were made. Enjoy flowers? The Conservatoire du Begonia houses the world’s largest collection of begonias!

    DAY 3

     
     

    Rochefort-sur-Mer - Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

    Bike
    47km
    Start the day by admiring France’s last transporter bridge. Classified as a national monument, the bridge gets walkers, runners and bikers cross the river safely. A moveable section of the bridge carries a segment of the roadway across a river.

    Meander on the bike path along the marsh area. Originally this marsh was covered with water, making it a valuable site for the salt trade. The city of Brouage was built in the 16th century as a fortified port. The sea receded but part of Brouage remained. Explore the over 2km hike on the ramparts as well the many buildings still towering over the marsh.
    The route continues through the marshes of the estuary to the island of Oleron. From the bridge you’ll see the magnificent silhouette of Fort Boyard. End your day with a delicious bowl of Marennes oyster. These oysters grow in oysters beds all their life, so they are less bitter than oysters caught in the sea.

    DAY 4

     
     

    Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

    Bike
    39km
    Today is designed for relaxation and fun. Don’t miss enjoying beautiful Gatseau beach, hidden behind a pine forest. It is accessible only by walking, biking or taking a small train but worth the extra effort!

    If you like, take a day bike trip and discover the island of Oleron with its quaint villages, oyster ports and of course, beaches and forests.

    DAY 5

     
     

    Saint-Trojan-les-Bains - La Rochelle

    Bike
    25km
    Boat ride between Boyardville and La Rochelle (Be careful there are only 2 crossings per day!)
    Begin the day with a short ride to Boyardville, where you can fish, shop or look at the oyster farms. You could even try to surf! From here, take a boat ride back to La Rochelle. This small cruise lets you admire the coastline without pedaling. Keep you eyes open to see Fort Boyard, visible on clear days.

    DAY 6

     
     

    Departure from La Rochelle

    After breakfast, you leave for your next destination or extend your stay as you wish.
  • Accommodation
  • Category A

    You’ll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day of biking. Breakfast is included when you spend the night in these friendly and family-run hotels.
    * Example of the type of accommodation

    Category B

    You’ll get a good night’s sleep when you stay in these 3-star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and friendliness of the staff. A hearty breakfast is included!
    * Example of the type of accommodation
  • Bikes, luggage and documents
  • Bikes

    On your arrival day, we provide you with:

    • a touring bike adjusted to your size or a tandem
    • equipped : front rack pack with an integrated file compartment, saddlebag, helmet (on demand), reflective vest, repairing toolkit with patches etc.

    We also provide you with the appropriate equipment for your children : baby seat, bike trailer or trailer bike depending on their age and size.

    Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

    You can of course also bring your own bikes, in this case a reduction will be applied (see the Tarif tab)


    Luggage


    For this trip, bikes are equipped with 2 waterproof saddle bags with a capacity of 10 to 20L each to transport your luggage. Do not forget to put your items in a soft travel bag to be able that you can roll it up in your saddle bags.

    For more comfort, you can choose to add luggage transport in your booking:
    (see rate in "Prices")

    • We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.
    • Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.
    • We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.(included in your bike rental).
    • We advise to take an extra set of clothes with you if you expect to arrive before 5p.m. at your accommodation.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.


    Travel documents

    A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

    Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy the itinerary and its points of interests.

    We can provide you with travel documents in paper format (for a supplement of €15 for printing and postage), which include:
    • a roadbook with maps that we drew at the easiest scale to follow on a bike
    • a roadbook with step-by-step description giving the direction to follow at each intersection and highlighting the points of interest

    Example of a map and of a step-by-step description


    Our GPS App

    For this trip, you can also use our smartphone app featuring GPS guidance (without extra fee).

    You will find in the app all the information given in the map and step-by-step roadbooks. You will be located on the itinerary with the GPS device of your phone. The route and directions to follow will be both viewable on the screen of your phone and announced aloud. As you ride along the itinerary, you will be given information about visits, restaurants, services and useful alerts on the way.

    -> You need to have a smartphone and download Le Velo Voyageur app on your Apple or Android store before the trip. All details concerning the downloading and the use of the application will be given after we have confirmed the booking and the balance is paid. Once the trip is downloaded, the GPS guidance can be used off-line.
  • Practical information
  • To get to departure point:

    • By plane: flight to La Rochelle.
    • By train: from Paris Montparnasse station, you can take a direct TGV (fast trains) to La Rochelle. The duration of the trip is about 3h15. To plan your trip, www.raileurope.com.


    Parking

    If you drive to La Rochelle, you can park your car in a secured car park located in the city center: parking Vieux Port Sud (Avenue de Colmar, weekly rate: 60€) or parking Verdun (place Verdun, 15€/day).

    Meeting time:

    The first day is an arrival day without cycling. You arrive whenever you want depending on from where you come. Please note that rooms are usually available in the middle of the afternoon depending on your accommodation. We thank you to advise us if you plan to arrive late.

     
  • Reviews
  •   Memory of the trip  

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    16 bike travelers reviews 4.56 / 5

    Bien

    On the 2022-08-08 by Laure
    Séjour agréable et Ile d'Oléron et La Rochelle à voir absolument. Renseignez-vous bien si vous louez des vélos électriques par rapport à votre taille (vélo grand et lourd). Hôtels très bien, accueil parfait dans chacun d'eux.

    A lovely varied route

    On the 2021-09-21 by Clive
    A great way to explore the Loire made easy with the gps app.

    La Rochelle to Oleron

    On the 2021-05-25 by Simon
    Couldn't have been happier with the trip organized. The team were super responsive to all our questions, the itinerary and accommodation were great. We are very experienced cycle tourists and this is the first time we have left it up so someone else to organize everything - it won't be the last! Highly recommended for relaxed, interesting and stress free cycle touring.

    Une super semaine

    On the 2020-08-23 by Frédéric
    De retour de 5 jours entre la Rochelle et l'île d'Oléron en famille (2 garçons de 11 et 15 ans), nous sommes très contents de notre séjour. Le cheminement est très facile à suivre avec l'application, les paysages en bords de mer magnifiques (notamment entre La Rochelle et Rochefort), les hôtels réservés tous bien choisis et les vélos de qualité. A refaire !

    La Rochelle et ses îles

    On the 2020-07-24 by Jean-Luc
    Formule à répandre largement et à encourager

    L'aventure relax

    On the 2020-07-17 by Jerome
    Super concept pour faire des vacances sportives et découvrir des endroits magnifiques à son rythme.

    Séjour en vélo formidable, à recommander

    On the 2019-09-22 by Philippe et Danielle
    Très contents de notre séjour La Rochelle- Ile d'oléron

    Séjour forminable!!!

    On the 2019-09-09 by Sylvie & Jérôme
    Nous avons adoré notre séjour entre La Rochelle et l'île d'Oléron. L'accueil a été formidable dans tous les hébergements. L'itinéraire vélo est facile et très bien indiqué. Nous avons vu de magnifiques paysages tout au long de notre parcours et en avons pris plein les yeux! Il s'agit de notre 3ème séjour avec le Vélo Voyageur et comme d'habitude la qualité des services est au rendez-vous! A l'année prochaine pour une prochaine destination! ;)

    Great part of France, terribly organized bike trip

    On the 2019-09-08 by Susan
    See above comments

    Très belle et agréable randonnée

    On the 2019-06-15 by JJ
    Excellent souvenir de ces journées à vélo sous un grand soleil avec nos trois petits-enfants 11-13 ans. Nous recommandons Vélo Voyageur, leur disponibilité et amabilité.

    Parcours La Rochelle / Ile d'oléron à vélo : un goût de liberté

    On the 2018-08-09 by HERVE
    Nous sommes vraiment très satisfaits du parcours à vélo que nous venons de réaliser de La Rochelle à l'île d'Oléron. Grand merci au Vélo voyageur qui a réuni tous les ingrédients pour nous assurer des vacances réussies : le matériel et l'organisation étaient top, le parcours proposé judicieusement choisi, varié au niveau des paysages et le plus souvent tracé en dehors de la circulation automobile, les hôtels confortables, les petits déjeuners vraiment copieux et les hôteliers particulièrement sympas. Que demander de plus ! Nous garderons de ces vacances le souvenir de moments empreints d'un goût de bien-être et de liberté.

    Vélodyssée 4 jours

    On the 2017-08-18 by Gweneguy
    Très belle expérience à 2 roues entre La Rochelle et l'île d'Oléron ! De beaux paysages, souvent sur une piste cyclable loin des voitures, les étapes ne sont ni trop courtes ni trop longues, hôtels sympathiques avec des petits déjeuners copieux. A refaire !

    Un joli périple au milieu des marais et d une nature sauvage

    On the 2017-07-29 by justine
    Tout était presque parfait si le road book était conçu pour résister à la pluie et au vent. Sinon séjour très agréable, parcours bien choisi, et service de bagage et vélo au top! Merci pour votre professionnalisme et votre sens de l adaptation. A refaire

    Vélo plaisir

    On the 2016-08-15 by Christophe
    Sport, détente, visites historiques, beaux paysages, gens accueillants, région adaptée aux vélos, en résumé, un très beau séjour.

    Magnifique circuit à vélo !

    On the 2016-05-08 by Delphine
    Ces 4 jours à vélo entre La Rochelle et l'île d'Oléron nous ont bien dépaysés ! Un temps parfait pendant les ponts de mai, le parcours est bien équilibré dans ses étapes et passe par les endroits stratégiques à voir. Aucun souci, les bagages étaient transportés, on n'avait qu'à suivre les cartes, admirer les paysages et profiter ! Nous vous le recommandons !

    Balade oléronaise

    On the 2015-09-06 by Didier
    Superbe rando entre La Rochelle et l'Ïle d'Oléron accompagné d'un beau soleil de septembre. Très bonnes organisation et logistique, hébergement de qualité, de beaux paysages....que du bon.
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