List of related articles : côte atlantique

At Le Vélo voyageur, our trips are never set in stone.Every year, we return to the field — to fine-tune our itineraries and maintain direct relationships with our local partners. We update GPS tracks, add new activities, and make sure every detail is in perfect order so that you can enjoy the best possible experience.And between us… it’s not exactly the hardest part of our job. This time, we set off along the Atlantic Coast, following La Vélodyssée between Nantes and Royan — an itinerary we know well, but one that’s always worth revisiting. Day 1: From Nantes to Pornic Our trip began in Nantes, along the banks of the Loire. A blend of port-city history and modern dynamism, it’s a place where life feels good. It’s also where writer Jules Verne was born in the early 1800s — no wonder adventure still lingers in the air. We love this city for its energy as much as for the warm welcome from our partner accommodations. Nantes is also known for its rich cuisine — full of butter and white wine — so of course, we had to stop for a little indulgence: a classic crêpe beurre-sucre. To save some time on the route, we took the car south toward La Rochelle, with a must-stop in the lovely maritime town of Pornic. Feet in the water, sun on our faces, a plate of oysters (team lemon or shallot-vinegar?) — the perfect end to our first day on the Atlantic Coast. Day 2: Les Sables-d’Olonne & La Tranche-sur-Mer — Between Dunes and Sea Spray The road continues to Les Sables-d’Olonne, a mecca for sailing and the starting point of the legendary Vendée Globe. Sea, sails, and endless horizon — everything here breathes the open ocean. The day was filled with visits to our partners — hoteliers, bike renters, and restaurateurs. This close collaboration has been part of Le Vélo voyageur’s DNA since the very beginning. These exchanges help us integrate on-the-ground feedback, improve our trips, and sometimes even discover new addresses or refine a GPS track for smoother navigation. After checking the last details, we headed for La Tranche-sur-Mer — endless beaches, golden dunes, pine forests… a true postcard setting. So peaceful that only the call of seagulls breaks the silence. As always, we left feeling recharged and ready to hop back on our bikes. Day 3: La Rochelle to Rochefort After a short ride through La Rochelle, we continued toward Royan. There’s something special about cycling along the Atlantic Coast — landscapes change with the tides, and each stage reveals a new side of western France. First stop: Rochefort, where several long-time hotel partners were waiting for us. We exchanged feedback, discussed future updates, and planned a few improvements. This town carries the weight of history — once a simple castle, it flourished under Louis XIV, who built a major naval arsenal here. It’s also where Jacques Demy filmed The Young Girls of Rochefort in 1967, giving the city its poetic aura. Before hitting the road again, we took a moment to admire the iconic Transbordeur Bridge, proudly spanning the Charente River. Day 4: La Tremblade to Royan — Our Favourite Stage Pedalling toward La Tremblade, La Vélodyssée winds through vast pine forests and canals lined with reeds. Wind in our hair, sea air in our lungs – every pedal stroke tastes like freedom. We passed colourful oyster huts, a sign that the Cité de l’Huître Museum wasn’t far. On clear days, you can even spot the silhouette of the Île d’Oléron on the horizon. People say the best comes last — and it’s hard to disagree. Each time we ride this section between La Tremblade and Royan, the light is breathtaking. The scent of pine mingles with the ocean breeze, and the views over the Gironde estuary are stunning. Even though we know this itinerary by heart, the tides change everything. That’s the magic of the Atlantic Coast — a landscape that never looks quite the same twice. The perfect ending to another field experience. Why we do these field trips These test trips are essential: they let us experience your itineraries before you do. We can spot the small details that make a big difference : the scenic detour, the perfect viewpoint, the café that serves the warmest coffee in the morning. They’re also a chance to strengthen relationships with our partners, check services, and prepare for the upcoming 2026 season: luggage transfers, bike logistics, on-site welcomes… everything is reviewed to guarantee a unique, seamless experience. Between nature, freedom, and human connections, this trip captures Le Vélo voyageur’s spirit in its purest form.