Along the Atlantik Coast

This privileged geographical position, with a mild and sunny climate to boot, is a real paradise to discover and enjoy the many charms of the Charente coast to the full. The ocean is more or less present everywhere in the town of La Rochelle with its unique, gentle life style. With its 4 ports and beaches, La Rochelle is the archetypal town of the Atlantic Coast.

8 days / 7 nights

Category: I          Date:   04.07. - 11.07.2010

Day 1 Arrival to La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a historic town that was once the Huguenots' capital. From its origins as a fishing village, it became a very important port from the 13th century, thanks particularly to trade in salt and wine. The old port in the middle of the town with its two towers symbolizes this rich past. Stopping for a few moments on a sunny café terrace is a moment of pure pleasure that sets the tone of your holiday. The old town behind the port is perfect for a stroll and is a real travel of discovery.

Day 2  La Rochelle - Ile de Ré - La Rochelle  68 km
Linked to the Continent since 1988, Ré 'the White' has nevertheless remained an island in every sense of the word.
Jewel of the Atlantic coast, the Ile de Ré has preserved all its charm and authenticity. Classified as a protected site, it will win you over with the beauty of its preserved landscapes and villages of green-shuttered white houses, criss-crossed with little alleys where hollyhocks abound. With more than 100 km of cycle tracks, the whole Ile de Ré is accessible by bike. Cycling across the marshes in the North of the island, between Ars-en-Ré and Loix is a unique, unforgettable moment. In the middle of these fascinating salt marshes - where a large number of salt makers still work - you will discover flora and fauna proper to the area. The reserve of Lilleau-des-Niges at the Portes-en-Ré groups together nearly 300 bird species.

Day 3  La Rochelle - La Rochelle 48 km
Passing Châtelaillon-plage. The seaside resort of long standing, Châtelaillon-plage blends quaint charm and careful modernity. All along the promenade, bordered by tamaris, discover the 'Belle-époque'-style houses from the beginning of the last century. In total, Châtelaillon-Plage counts more than 750 renovated villas, from cottages to chalets, castles on the sea front and everything inbetween. This type of architecture, traditional and imaginative, exotic and full of colours, is both surprising and enchanting.  

Day 4  La Rochelle - Rochefort 55 km
Between land and sea, Rochefort-sur-Mer has no sea view, but it does have a harbour! The Charente has linked this town to the Atlantic, 20 km away, for more than three centuries.
Its mouth, sheltered by the Ile de Ré, Ile d'Oléron and Ile d'Aix makes it a strategic point. Rochefort would thus be chosen by Colbert to become the largest military arsenal of the French Kingdom. Here, for 250 years, more than 350 vessels were built, armed and maintained.

Day 5  Rochefort - Ile d'Oleron 58 km
The Ile d'Oléron, the second largest island of France in surface area - 175 km² - is a concentrate of assets. What with a rich and preserved nature, magnificent beaches, a rich heritage, unique gastronomic products and a favourable climate, Oléron 'the Luminous' is an exceptional place to be. In the middle of the island, towards the south, discover the former fens that became salt marshes and that today are used as oyster pits, rearing site for the famous 'Marennes-Oléron' oysters.

Day 6  Ile d'Oleron - Royan  61 km
At the mouth of the Gironde, Royan has been a seaside resort for nearly two centuries. Backing onto the long beach of La Grande Conche - facing due South - the town centre of Royan stands out by virtue of its architecture. All along these magnificent beaches stretches an impressive 6,000-hectare pine forest - a real haven of peace. A superb cycle trail crosses the forest and provides access to the beaches right up to the Phare de la Coubre (Coubre Lighthouse).

Day 7 Royan - Royan  48 km
South of Royan from the high chalk cliff at the end of the large beach, lies Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, a seaside resort at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. A little further south again is another cliff, Vallières, with its lighthouse built in 1900 overlooking the small village harbour. These two 'mountains' are wonderful places for biking, with maintained paths offering superb panoramic views over the ocean and the carved coastline.

Day 8 
C'est la vie - you have to say goodbye to this charming region in France!

The following 'standard service package  is included in the guided bike tours:

-  Accommodation in good middle class charming hotel
-  Extended breakfast
-  4 course dinners
-  6 picnics with wine
-  Road book and map
-  Assistance
-  all Entries
-  Bus with Driver
-  all transfers mentionned in the tour description
-  English speaking Guide
-  Ferry Gironde


Prices per person in Euros

Double room             1.019,00 €
Single room              1.185,00 €

Bike hire 18 Gears         60,00 €
Bike hire Electric bike    130,00 €