La Vélodyssée: Nantes to Bordeaux 14 day Tour

Arrival in Nantes

Discover the charms and secrets of this Art and Historical city settled on the Loire river banks. Its magnificent houses in the old districts are a beautiful sight. Don't miss the cathedral and its Ducs de Bretagne chateau.

Nantes – Saint-Brévin les Pins | 58km

This first bike stage will allow you to reach the Loire river estuary. Cycle through wild landscapes between marshlands and countryside before breathing salty and fresh sea air in Saint Brévin les Pins. Enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Saint-Brévin les Pins – Bouin | 53km

Discover the 'oyster capital' of the Vendée area a former island now protected by dikes and polders unique in France. Observe the salt marshland workers and don't forget to taste some oysters at Port du Bec, enjoying the view over Noirmoutier island.

Bouin – Saint Jean de Monts | 55km

Follow the cycling paths through dunes and forests admire the 20th century villas along the way. After the small loop on the Noirmoutier Island, a beautiful fine white sand beach is waiting for you at Saint Jean de Monts.

Saint Jean de Monts – Les Sables d’Olonne | 54km

Between Sion and St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie ride along the picturesque rocks of 'Cinq-Pinteaux' and 'Trou du Diable'.Discover the old fishing port of St-Hilaire-de-Riez before reaching the famous 'Vendée Globe' race departure town: Les Sables d’Olonne. There you can taste seafood products such as the well-known 'sablaise' sardine.

Les Sables d’Olonne – La Tranche sur Mer | 47km

On the first part of this stage you will ride close to the sea from beaches to rocky creeks before riding along the Payré estuary with its astonishing and contrasting colours. Leave your bike for a while to have a swim on one of the stunning beaches such as Conche beach before reaching La Tranche sur Mer, a famous seaside resort dedicated to board sports.

La Tranche sur Mer – La Rochelle | 73km

Cycle through the dry part of the 'marais Poitevin' and follow the ‘voies vertes’ cycling paths to enter the village of Marans. Have a look at the church and its surprising bell tower made of glass and metal. Continue to La Rochelle with its old towers with ruins from the old defensive walls. You will enjoy the charms of the old city bathed with warm and sweet lights.

La Rochelle – Rochefort | 60km

From the famous towers of La Rochelle harbour ride along the cycling path by the ocean leading to Châtelaillon-Plage, a seaside city. Then you will reach the astonishing city of Rochefort following the river banks of the Charente.

Rochefort – La Tremblade | 34km

Ride along a cycling path to the salt pan crossed by several small canals. Marennes was the first oyster farming pool in Europe: a perfect stopover to discover regional food!

La Tremblade – Royan | 38km

Continue your journey between salt pans and the Seudre estuary. After Palmyre, 'the Coast of Beauty' is a spectacular ride thanks to an amazing cycling path with sea views until Royan and its Belle Epoque villas.

Royan – Mortagne sur Gironde | 33km

On a nice shaded cycling track along the sea your journey will take you from paths to small roads before getting to Talmont sur Gironde known as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'. Then you will ride until Mortagne-sur-Gironde harbour.

Mortagne sur Gironde – Blaye | 62km

The numerous small marinas along the river banks of the Gironde are perfect places to stop and explore. You will arrive in Blaye via a beautiful cycling path and will leave Charente Maritime to continue the route of the channel of 2 seas in Gironde.

Blaye – Bordeaux | 53km

Cross the Gironde estuary to join Lamarque and the region of the Médoc and its famous vineyards. You will reach the heart of Bordeaux, riding along small roads in the middle of the vineyards.

Departure during the day