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La Rochelle to Royan 8-day Self-guided Cycling Tour Level 1/2
The Atlantic coast of the Poitou-Charentes Region is surrounded by four beautiful and unique little islands. The isle of Ré, the white one, the isle of Aix, the authentic one, the smallest of them, the isle Madam and the isle of Oléron, which is the shining one. The isles of Ré and Oléron are the bigger ones and both of them are well connected to the French coast by a bridge. The bike paths you will find here are very well prepared. Welcome to the ‘Cote de la Lumière’ because of the bright shining light and the ‘Cote de la Beaute’ because of the beauty. The most important town within the department is La Rochelle, situated deep into the bay and still today protected by the ancient fortresses of the 18th century.
Another positive aspect of the region is its mild climate on the Atlantic Ocean with about 2.600 hours of sun per year. The numerous marsh lands along the coast and on the islands are home of lots of different bird species and nearly everywhere you can find traces of the historic rivalry between the French and the English kingdom. The impressive fortresses of the royal architect of King Louis IVX, Vauban are absolutely worth a visit. And finally this bike tour is also a trip to and through the high quality of French cooking. As we always used to say: Living like god in France.
Flat sometimes hilly, often on cycle lanes. Sometimes on small streets.
7 nights in classy 3*** (5x) and 4**** (2x) hotels, in standard room
7x breakfast
Luggage transfer (1 piece p.p.)
Signal veste
Visitor’s tax
Detailed documentation, brochures, plans, maps, etc
GPS tracks on request
Signs along the route
Service hotline
Half board available 220 euro
If you would like to rent a bike (120 euro) or e-bike (180 euro) or helmet (5 euro) please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Slow Tours offers a number of other Cycling Tours in Europe
Arrival in La Rochelle
Please take time to visit the old harbor, its towers of the 13th and 15th century and the historic center with its arcades.
Round trip to and on the Ile de Ré, ~40-90 km/25-54 miles
You will cycle past the villages of Flotte en Ré with its colorful fishing boats, your road leads you to the Fort of Saint Martin and oyster parks. Further on you are biking through the natural park and the marsh of the island.
La Rochelle - Rochefort, ~55 km/33 miles
Today you are cycling along the coast and through nature reserve of Bay Yves. If you like, you can get a ferry boat to the island Île d’Aix to visit the Musée Napoléon. Today’s end destination is Rochefort, which was an important harbor and which impresses with its Transporter bridge.
Rochefort - Ile d'Oléron, ~50 km/31 miles
Rochefort is well known for its ship construction. During 250 years they built about 350 ships there. You can visit the "Corderie Royale“, which witnesses for that time. Afterwards the stage leads you along the coast line and through marsh lands to Marennes, which is an important place for oyster production. So take the chance and do some oyster tasting before passing the bridge to get to the Island of Oléron
Round trip on the Ile d'Oléron, ~30-70 km/19-44 miles
Today you have to choose how much of this beautiful island you will discover with your bike. Salines, marsh lands and small villages are waiting for you. And the royal architect of Louis IVX., Vauban also left behind some impressive fortresses which once protected the French kingdom against the English.
Ile d'Oléron - Royan, ~60 km/37 miles
Leave the island of Oléron and ride along the cliffy coast line on a pretty bike lane under the pine-trees. You will arrive at the beach of Vaux sur Mer and later on at the harbor of Pontaillac. Finally you will ride along the Gironde estuary to get to the beautiful town of Royan.
Royan - Talmont - Royan, ~50 km/31 miles
From Royan you will go on following again the Gironde estuary till you reach the charming village of Talmont. From the top of its Romanic church you will have a breathtaking view over the Gironde.
End of your trip.
Departure from Royan after the breakfast or extend your stay with a few nights
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
Shows in English in Paris: Paris offers a wide variety of shows accessible to English-speakers. One-man shows, classic & modern theatre, musicals, cabarets and more are all performed in the city every night. You can get the full programme of shows in Paris to fit your city break dates by emailing [email protected]
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