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  • BE: +32 (0) 2 588 76 91
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Vendée

Cycle the Atlantic from Nantes to La Rochelle

Take this self-guided trip on the Velodyssey cycle route, from Nantes to La Rochelle, to enjoy like never before the Atlantic coast of France.

Reviews (1) :
4.00 / 5
Reference VO0805
  • Itinerant trip
  • 8 days
  • Moderate
  • From April to October
  • Minimum age 14 years old
GPSGPS-app available
From
Prices
1149€ / pers.
Book here
  • Itinerary
    • Cycle along the Atlantic coast from Nantes to La Rochelle. You will see on this trip on the Velodyssey cycle route the wide variety of landscapes of the Atlantic, sandy beaches and rocky coastline, marshland and pine forests, charming villages and trendy seaside resorts. On the first stretch of the itinerary till Pornic, you may have the feeling to ride through the Breton country, because of the historic heritage and the architecture. You proceed further into the Vendee country in a different atmosphere. The land is more open, you ride through agricultural polders, oyster farming land and forests. The cycle path is most of the time close to the seashore, offering the best viewpoint on the ocean. You stay each night in one of the welcoming seaside towns scattered along the Vendee coast and end your bike trip in La Rochelle and its old harbour.

    Day 1
     
     

    Arrival in Nantes

    Nantes is very dynamic and innovative city with a rich past. Take a stroll to visit the landmarks of the city, Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul’s cathedral, the castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Graslin shopping district and the magnificent passage de la Pommeraye or the Lieu Unique, a culturel center built on the premisses of a former biscuit factory.

    Day 2
     
     

    Nantes - Saint-Brévin

    Bike
    70km
    This stage takes the South bank of the Loire estuary. You cycle out of Nantes passing on the island and its artistic site, Les Machines de l’Ile. You ride further to the colourful neighborhood of Trentemoult, then through the shopping and residential areas before going through typical villages of the estuary hills. After Le Pellerin, you cycle along the canal de la Martinière and at the end, arrive in the port of Paimboeuf. You can already feel the fresh sea air. You finish the day with a breathtaking view on the bridge of Saint-Nazaire, at the entrance of Saint-Brévin.

    Day 3
     
     

    Saint-Brévin - Bouin

    Bike
    55/70km
    Cycle along the wide beaches of Saint-Brévin before going through the residential area of Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef. You ride further through the countryside to Pornic harbour, or choose a longer route along the coast passing by the Saint-Gildas headland (+15km). Wander in the lively streets of Pornic before riding the corniche where you can admire villas from the beginning of the 20th century facing the sea. After Les Moutiers, you proceed into the Breton marshland and enjoy nice views on the Bay of Bourgneuf. You end your ride in the peaceful village of Bouin.

    Day 4
     
     

    Bouin - Saint-Jean-de-Monts

    Bike
    50/79km
    You keep cycling through marshland. Make the detour to the "passage du Gois", a unique submergible road connecting mainland and the island of Noirmoutier. If you are there at low tide, you will be able to cycle across the bay on the passage and ride a bit on Noirmoutier. Strong riders can even make a longer itinerary to Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile (+29km). At high tide, you have to ride another route on mainland passing by the Daviaud ecomuseum and Fromentine harbour. The end of the route for both options is going through the forest of Pays de Monts. You cycle up and down the dunes through pine trees to Saint-Jean-de-Monts.

    Day 5
     
     

    Saint-Jean-de-Monts - Les Sables d’Olonne

    Bike
    55km
    Not long after Saint-Jean-de-Monts, sandy beaches are followed by a spectacular rocky coastline called "corniche vendéenne". You’ll be fascinated by the movement of waves crashing into the shore. You ride further through Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, which is well-known for sardines fishing. Your route continues along the coast and then meanders between marshland and forests in the Olonne country. View the nice panorama on "La Chaume" old village entering Les Sables and admire the famous bay.

    Day 6
     
     

    Les Sables d’Olonne - La Tranche-sur-Mer

    Bike
    50km
    After the bay of Les Sables, you ride along a rocky coastline punctuated by small coves such as the bay of Cayola. Don’t miss the detour to the beach of Le Veillon located on a mouth between marsh and ocean. Have a break a little further in the oyster port of La Guitière if you are amateurs! The itinerary continues towards Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard where you can visit the last house of WW1 French leader, Georges Clémenceau. You cycle through the pine forest of Longeville before arriving in La Tranche-sur-Mer.

    Day 7
     
     

    La Tranche-sur-Mer - La Rochelle

    Bike
    73km
    This stage is longer but easy to cycle with some prolonged straight lines. You cycle through the Aiguillon bay to Marans. You will see many natural sites, such as the lagoon of Belle Henriette, the headland of L’Aiguillon, the limestone plateau of the Dive island, or the locks of Brault. Marans is a pleasant stop, with nice terraces looking at the river. Last, you ride along a canal which goes almost all the way to the Old Port of La Rochelle.
       

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

    		9,50 € / adult

    Day 8
     
     

    Departure from La Rochelle

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

    • Category A

    You stay in 2* or 3* hotels where you will be hosted with a warm welcome. Some of the accommodations have a swimming pool. Breakfast is included.
    * Example of the type of accommodation

    Category B

    You stay in superior rooms in 2* hotels or in 3* hotels with more comfort. Some of the accommodations have a swimming pool. 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

    Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :
    • 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.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.
    If you expect to arrive at the next accommodation before 5 p.m., we recommend that you take an extra set of clothes with you in your bicycle bag.


    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 Nantes-Atlantique airport. A bus shuttle takes you to the city center in about 20mn depending on traffic. To return, you can take a flight in La Rochelle-Ile de Ré airport if your destination is served.

    Parking:

    If you drive to Nantes, you can park in a secured car park located next to Nantes train station.

    All details will be given in your travel documents.


    To return to the departure point:

    You can take the regional trains back to Nantes. If you travel with your own bikes, please note that bike spots are limited and need to be reserved in advance. The rate is €5/bike. The travel will take between 2.30 and 2.45 hours. You buy your ticket yourself. You will find the timetable of the day in your travel documents.

    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
    • 1 bike travelers reviews 4.00 / 5

    “ En velo ”

    On the 2019-07-26 by Frances & Moya
    Generally enjoyed a wonderful cycling holiday on a well signed route which was not particularly challenging with plenty of places to stop off for coffee/lunch. Bikes were spot on and trip well organised. Some hotels needs to be reconsidered - but the Domaine du Martinet at Bouin is an absolute gem.
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