A cycling holiday in France through Ré and Oléron islands

Free time of arrival in La Rochelle, check-in at your accommodation during reception hours.

La Rochelle has kept from its past richness a very beautiful architecture in the shelter of its fortified Old Port. Today, it offers many cultural and tourist activities. Among them, the La Rochelle aquarium is not to be missed. 

Facing La Rochelle, the island of Ré is within pedal range. Ride smoothly on the bike paths along the sea until you reach the bridge of Ile de Ré. You continue along the coast to La Flotte and then through the vineyards to Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

You start by passing by Saint-Martin-de-Ré where you can admire the Vauban citadel. You then continue along the coastline to the charming fishing village of Loix before returning to Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

You can extend the excursion to Ars-en-Ré, classified among the most beautiful villages of France.

This excursion for the more courageous takes you first to Saint-Martin-de-Ré and then to the tip of the island: Les Portes-en-Ré. You then drive through the pine forest to the emblematic lighthouse of the island of Ré, the Baleines lighthouse, before returning to Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

You will discover the coastline lined with fine sandy beaches and the charming village of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré before taking the bridge towards La Rochelle.

Ride along the coastline and the long sandy beaches along the cycle path that passes through small seaside villages such as the village of Boucholeurs or Châtelaillon-Plage and leads you through the marshes to Rochefort. There you can admire the storks and herons flying away on your way.

Rochefort, this "new city" wanted by Louis XIV to build his naval arsenal still exudes a 17th century atmosphere. You will be able to visit the Corderie Royale, a factory where the ropes necessary for sailing ships were made and the Hermione, a three-masted ship built today with 17th century techniques.

The last French transporter bridge, reserved today for pedestrians and cyclists, classified as a historical monument, will make you pass from one bank to the other of the Charente at the exit of Rochefort.

Ride along the bicycle paths of the marsh. Originally the marsh was covered with water and Brouage was built in the 16th century as a fortified port, notably by Vauban for the salt trade. The sea has retreated, but Brouage with its rampart of more than 2 kilometers long, its oyster port and its numerous buildings full of history watches over the marsh like a mirage.
You will certainly meet herons, ducks and waders such as the harlequin or the lapwing, but also white storks.

Your bike ride leads you through the marshes of the estuary to the island of Oléron. From the bridge, Fort Boyard draws its imposing silhouette on the horizon. A superb platter of Marennes oysters will end your day.

This loop tour is taking you first to the inland of the Oleron island. You are riding across marshes, vineyards and through forests. You will pass quiet rural villages before reaching the animation of the island's capital, the town of Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron and its lively port La Cotinière. The end of the ride is along the coast. Pick one of the beaches for a dip in the sea.

A short bike ride through the marshes takes you to Boyardville where you embark to return to La Rochelle by boat. On the way, you can stop at Château d'Oléron to visit the Vauban citadel or stroll through the oyster port, whose huts have been invested by local artists and craftsmen. The oyster road between Le Château and Boyardville offers beautiful views of the coast, classified as a nature reserve of Moëze-Oléron.

The crossing by boat (45min, non regular schedule) will allow you to admire the coastline on the sea side. On a clear day, you can also have a breathtaking view of Fort Boyard.

After breakfast, enjoy one last visit of La Rochelle and its harbor before returning home or extending your stay on your own.