Atlantic Coast of France

From the 'White City' of La Rochelle to the 'Wine City' of Bordeaux

Ride from the resplendent La Rochelle harbor into the beating heart of beautiful Bordeaux via the Vélodyssée and Canal des 2 Mers (Canal of the 2 Seas) cycle paths. Along the way, pedal through fragrant pinewood forests, past the blissful Belle Epoque villas of Royan, and along the grand Gironde Estuary, enjoying captivating coastal views as you ride.

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Highlights

• La Rochelle
• Rochefort
• Marennes & oyster farming pool
• Regional salt pans & Seudre Estuary
• Belle Epoque villas of Royan
• Talmont-sur-Gironde
• Vélodyssée cycling path
• Canal des 2 Mers cycling path
• Gironde Estuary
• Coastal views
• Bordeaux

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 La Rochelle
Enjoy the charms of the city with its atmospheric towers and remains of the old defensive walls.

Day 2: La Rochelle – Rochefort (37 miles/60 km)
From the famous towers of La Rochelle harbor, ride along the oceanside cycling path to Châtelaillon-Plage, a seaside city. You'll eventually reach the astonishing city of Rochefort, following the beautiful banks of the Charente River.

Day 3: Rochefort – La Tremblade (19 miles/30 km)
Follow a cycle path from Rochefort to the salt pan, crossed by several small canals. Marennes is the first oyster farming pool in Europe - a perfect stopover to discover regional food!

Day 4: La Tremblade – Royan (25 miles/40 km)
Continue your journey between the salt pans and the Seudre Estuary. After Palmyre, 'the Coast of Beauty' makes for an enchanting experience as you enjoy sea views along the cycle path to Royan, known for its Belle Epoque villas.

Day 5: Royan – Mortagne-sur-Gironde (21 miles/33 km)
On a lovely, shaded cycling track by the sea, your journey will take you from paths to small roads before you reach Talmont-sur-Gironde, known as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'. You'll then ride to the magical Mortagne-sur-Gironde harbor.

Day 6: Mortagne sur Gironde – Blaye (39 miles/62 km)
The numerous small marinas along the river banks of the Gironde make for stunning stopping places. You will join Blaye by a beautiful cycle path, leaving Charente Maritime to continue the route of the Canal of the 2 Seas.

Day 7: Blaye – Bordeaux (33 miles/54 km)
Cross the Gironde Estuary to join Lamarque and the region of Médoc, famous for its award-winning wine. You'll reach the heart of Bordeaux, riding along small roads in the midst of the verdant vineyards.

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 29 miles per day.

Hotels

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

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

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

Hôtel de La Corderie Royale, Rochefort
www.all.accor.com

Hotel Grand Chalet, La Tremblade
www.logishotels.com

Hôtel Cordouan, Royan
www.thalazur.fr

Domaine du Meunier, Mortagne sur Gironde
www.domainedumeunier.com

Guest room Clos Reaud, Blaye
www.closreaud-citadelle.com

HotelMajestic, Bordeaux
www.hotel-majestic.com

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: La Rochelle, France

Tour end
Nearest airport: Paris, France
Nearest train station: Bordeaux, France

From Paris: Montparnasse train station >> La Rochelle Ville train station (about 3h by TGV train).

To La Rochelle: Bordeaux St Jean train station >> La Rochelle train station (about 2h15 by train).

To Paris: Bordeaux St Jean train station >> Paris Montparnasse train station (about 2h10 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
• Boat transfer of the Gironde(day 7)
• City taxes
• GPX tracks upon request

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!

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