La Vélodyssée: La Rochelle to Royan plus Ile de Ré & Ile d’Oléron  

Arrival in La Rochelle

Discover this elegant city of La Rochelle. Its historic centre is full of architectural treasures. Do not miss the Old Port and its famous towers, an absolute must. The aquarium of La Rochelle ideally located in the city centre, is also well worth a visit.

Excursion to Ile de Ré | 52km

In less than 30 minutes from the centre of La Rochelle riding along excellent cycle paths cross the bridge. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay and discover the magic of the Ile de Ré a true paradise by bike. An incredible diversity of landscapes is offered to you with a loop which allows to discover Saint Martin de Ré, a maritime village with incomparable charm. The Citadelle Vauban a unique panorama from the Bell Tower Observatory and the beach de 'la cible' are the must-sees. On your way back do not miss the Châteliers Abbey and La Prée Fort at La Flotte. Rivedoux-Plage invites a relaxation into idleness with its beach of white sand.

La Rochelle – Rochefort | 60km

From the centre of La Rochelle and the Port des Minimes the ocean is always close on bike paths that join the Belle-Epoque villas of the seaside resort of Châtelaillon-plage. Then a superb panorama is offered to you at the Pointe des Boucholeurs before the Nature Reserve of the Marais d'Yves. The route then joins the banks of the Charente to discover the Royal City of Rochefort, high place of the maritime history with its Corderie Royale, the National Museum of the Navy without forgetting the Hermione, the famous old boat.

Rochefort – Ile d’Oléron | 45km

After Rochefort on the Vélodyssée you will ride along a cycling path to the salt pan crossed by several small canals. Enjoy your stop in the fortified city of Brouage. Marennes is the first oyster farming pool in Europe: a perfect stopover to discover regional food! You follow the oyster beds before joining the Ile d'Oleron by the bridge. Do not miss on your right the Fort Louvois, impressive fortification dating from the reign of Louis XIV. You arrive in the charming resort of Ile d’Oléron along the forest or in swamps.

Discovery of the Ile d’Oléron | 46km

Discover the Ile d'Oleron a rich territory of great diversity and perfectly equipped for bicycles: a remarkable architectural heritage (Citadel in Château d’Oleron), wild nature, charming villages and beaches of fine sand. Enjoy the cycle paths through the oyster farms or in the pine forest and do not hesitate to leave the trail to find your ideal bathing place.

Ile d’Oléron – Royan | 59km

Back to the 'continent' continue your journey between salt pans and the Seudre estuary. After La Palmyre, 'the Coast of Beauty' is a spectacular step thanks to an amazing cycle path with a sea view until Royan and its Belle-Epoque villas.

Departure during the day