Cycle La Rochelle to Royan along France’s stunning Atlantic Coast
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.
Highlights of the Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Royan Cycling Tour
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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 $1,450 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,025 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation 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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in La Rochelle
The first two nights of the tour will be spent in a charming hotel in La Rochelle, allowing you plenty of time to rest and explore the surrounding area.
Hotel in Rochefort
Spend the night in a cozy hotel in the town of Rochefort, located near the mouth of the winding River Charente.
Hotel in Oléron
Settle in for a comfortable night’s stay on the Island of Oléron, where you will be subject to some beautiful seaside views.
Hotel in Ronce les Bains
Spend the night back on the mainland at a lovely hotel in the charming town of Ronce les Baines.
Hotel in Royan
The last night of the tour will be spent in a charming hotel in the beautiful seaside town of Royan, allowing you one last stay by the sea before wrapping up your adventure.
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:
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- Hybrid bike
- E-bike
- Bike insurance
- Extra night in La Rochelle, Royan or Oleron
- Printed travel pack
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