French Coastal Path - Nantes to La Rochelle

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
40 miles/65 km; elev. +230m

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
31 miles/50 km; elev. +300m

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; elev. +100m

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/55 km; elev. +160m

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/48 km; elev. +200m

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
44 miles/70 km; elev. +140m

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