La Vélodyssée: Nantes to La Rochelle Cycling Tour

Arrival in Nantes

Discover the charms and secrets of this city full of Arts and History. Settled on the Loire river banks its magnificent houses in the old districts, its 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 with its calm and wild landscapes between marshlands and countryside.Breathing salty and fresh sea air in Saint Brévin les Pins and you have arrived. 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 pristine beaches such as Conche beach. Continue on to 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 and ruins from the old defensive walls. You will enjoy the charms of the old city bathed with warm and sweet lights.

Departure during the day