French Coastal Path - Nantes to La Rochelle

Idyllic landscapes unfold on the La Vélodyssée cycle path

Follow the idyllic La Vélodyssée cycle path from picturesque Nantes to magical La Rochelle, experiencing the wild beauty of coastal landscapes - breathtaking beaches, towering sand dunes, expansive salt marshlands, and fragrant pine forests. With views of the enchanting Atlantic Ocean as your constant companion, cycle through a French seaside paradise of fishing ports, coastal resorts and rural beauty, experiencing an invigorating joie de vivre.

View more photos

Highlights

• Nantes, the historical art city on the banks of the Loire
• The oyster capital of the Vendée area
• Beautiful beaches, dunes, forests, marshlands and creeks
• The picturesque rocks of 'Les Cinq Pineaux' and 'Trou du Diable'
• La Rochelle, the medieval maritime city

Learn More

Learn more about self-guided tours.

Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in France.

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival in Nantes
Discover the charms and secrets of this art and history city settled on the Loire river banks, including magnificent houses in intriguing old districts, a splendid cathedral, and the commanding Ducs de Bretagne chateau.

Overnight in Nantes.

Day 2: Nantes – Saint-Brévin les Pins (36 miles/58 km)
The first biking stage will lead you to the Loire River estuary, defined by its wild landscapes of marshlands, before the beautiful beaches of Saint Brévin les Pins appear on the horizon. Today, as on all the days of the tour, there's beauty everywhere you bike, and you'll enjoy filling your lungs with the fresh sea air.

Overnight in Saint-Brévin les Pins.

Day 3: Saint-Brévin les Pins – Bouin (33 miles/53 km)
Discover the 'oyster capital' of the Vendée area - a former island now protected by dikes and polders, and unique in France. Observe the salt marshland workers' processes and make a stop for some oysters at Port du Bec, enjoying idyllic views over Noirmoutier Island.

Overnight in Bouin.

Day 4: Bouin – Saint Jean de Monts (34 miles/55 km)
Follow the cycle paths through captivating dunes and forests, admiring stylish 20th Century villas all along the way. After cycling the small loop on Noirmoutier Island, you'll find a blissful white sand beach waiting for you at Saint Jean de Monts.

Overnight in Saint Jean de Monts.

Day 5: Saint Jean de Monts – Les Sables d’Olonne (34 miles/54 km)
Between Sion and St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, discover the picturesque rocks of 'Les Cinq Pineaux' and 'Trou du Diable' emerging from the Atlantic. Pedal onwards to the old fishing port of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez before you reach the famous 'Vendée Globe' race departure town - Les Sables d'Olonne. Here, settle down for some scrumptious seafood, like the well-known 'sablaise' sardines.

Overnight in Les Sables d’Olonne.

Day 6: Les Sables d’Olonne – La Tranche sur Mer (29 miles/47 km)
On the first stage of today's tour, you'll cycle close to the sea, between beaches and captivating rocky creeks. Pedaling onwards, you'll ride along the Payré estuary, with its astonishing contrasting colors, and potentially park up your bicycles to swim off one of the region's beautiful beaches, such as the lovely beach at Conche. Refreshed, make your way to La Tranche sur Mer, a famous seaside resort dedicated to all things board sports.

Overnight in La Tranche sur Mer.

Day 7: La Tranche sur Mer – La Rochelle (45 miles/73 km)
Cycle through the dry section of the 'Marais Poitevin' and follow the ‘Voies Vertes’ cycle paths into the charming village of Marans, home to a beautiful church boasting a curious bell tower constructed from glass and metal. Ride onwards to your final destination, La Rochelle, the medieval maritime city with its superb towers and remains of old defensive walls whispering of past eras. Cycle down to the magical marina and soak up the history of this old city as the sun goes down and the towers are bathed in warm, mellow light.

Overnight in La Rochelle.

Day 8: Departure during the day

Surface and terrain

You'll cycle on paved routes and cycle paths on this tour. You'll enjoy rolling terrain each day, and average distances of 35 miles per day.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

You will enjoy superior accommodations in 3- and 4-star hotels.

Hotel de France Oceania, Nantes
www.oceaniahotels.com

Hotel du Béryl, St Brévin les Pins
www.hotel-stbrevinlocean.com

Domaine Le Martinet, Bouin
www.domaine-lemartinet.com

Hôtel BW Atlantic thalasso, Saint Jean de Monts
www.hotels-valdys.fr

Hôtel Les Roches Noires, Les Sables d’Olonne
www.hotel-lesrochesnoires.com

Hôtel Les Dunes, La Tranche
www.hotel-les-dunes.com

Hotel La Monnaie or Hotel Centra Park, La Rochelle
www.hotelcentralpark.fr

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Nearest train station: Nantes, France

Tour end
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Nearest train station: La Rochelle, France

• From Paris: Montparnasse train station > Nantes train station (about 2h10 by TGV train).
• Return transfer to Nantes : La Rochelle Ville train station > Nantes train station (about 2h30 by train).
• Return transfer to Paris: La Rochelle Ville train station > Paris Montparnasse train station (about 2h40 by TGV train).

Tips on getting to and from your tour.

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 7 nights accommodation
• Breakfasts
• Luggage transfer (1 luggage 20kg per person) Additional €20 per extra luggage and transfer
• Travel folder with maps, detailed route descriptions, and tourist brochures
• Hotline for emergency support
• City taxes
• GPX tracks upon request

If the optional dinner package is booked, you'll receive 7 dinners.

Bike rentals

The bikes available for rent on this tour (must be reserved at time of booking):

• Hybrid touring bikes, 21-speed men's or unisex frame
• Electrically assisted bike, 9-speed*
• Child's bike, trailer, or baby seat

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

Equipment included with bike rental:

• One rear saddlebag for hybrid bikes; two rear saddlebags for e-bikes
• High visibility jacket
• Anti-theft device
• Map holder and handlebar bag
• Repair kit, pump, lock

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE. 

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets:
Helmets are not available on this tour, it is recommended that you bring your own helmet or purchase a new helmet on arrival into France. The use of a helmet is mandatory for children less than 12 years old (whether riders or passengers). For older children and adults, even if it’s not mandatory we strongly recommend it!

Tour Company