Atlantic coast cycle tour from La Rochelle to Arcachon
Cycle on dedicated bike lanes on the Atlantic cycle route from La Rochelle to Arcachon and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Atlantic coast.
- Atlantic Coast
- 8 day(s)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 47 km/day
- Itinerant
Cycle along the Atlantic Ocean between La Rochelle and Arcachon!
Discover the Atlantic cycle route "Velodyssey" from La Rochelle to Arcachon through varied landscapes. You start your route in La Rochelle, ancient fortified harbor with its three towers, then cycle along the beaches to Rochefort and its “Corderie Royale”. Your path continues then through the marshes to Brouage citadel built by the French engineer Vauban and the Oyster Museum in Marennes. A few kilometers further you can have a stop in the oyster-farming port of La Tremblade before reaching the costal town of Royan.
Then, you cross the Gironde Estuary by ferry to Le Verdon and continue your way through the pine forests. You reach Lacanau and its huge beach where surfers come to face the waves. Cycle along the ocean to the peninsula of Cap Ferret where you take a boat to cross the basin and reach Arcachon. A great cycling holiday on an easy and safe route along the Atlantic coast!
Program
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.
- 42 km
- + 76 m
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.
- 40 km
- + 34 m
Admire France’s last transporter bridge, classified as Historic Monument and dedicated to pedestrians and bicycles.
Continue biking along the canals then through the marshes populated by storks. Discover Brouage citadel built by the French engineer Vauban and bike along the oyster farms until the coast of Marennes beaches.
You cross over the Seudre River and end your day in La Tremblade.
- 39 km
- + 54 m
You cross the forest of La Tremblade to the lighthouse of La Coubre. You go along the magnificent bay of Les Anses before arriving at La Palmyre. You continue along the coastline which gradually becomes rocky with very nice little creeks before arriving in Royan facing the Gironde estuary.
- 64 km
- + 84 m
You take the ferry to cross the Gironde estuary and dock at the Pointe du Verdon on the Médoc side.
You arrive at Soulac-sur-Mer in a few strokes of the pedal and continue through the pine forest to Hourtin, stopping at your leisure in one of the natural lakes of this region.
- 55 km
- + 200 m
- 44 km
- + 48 m
Cycle along the coast on the Landes bicycle path. You can stop as many times as you like to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches. Cap-Ferret will offer you a stunning view at the end of the day on the Pilat dune, the largest dune in Europe. Take the ferry to Arcachon and admire the bay from a maritime perspective.
Visit the city at leisure.
After breakfast, enjoy Arcachon one last time before heading back home.
Accommodation
Information
Beginning of the trip
As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let us know if you are arriving late.
To get to the departure point
By plane: Flight to Paris or Nantes or La Rochelle.
By train: TGV (fast trains) from Paris Montparnasse (direct or with a connection in Poitiers). The duration of the trip is estimated between 3h15 and 3h45. Inter-regional trains from Bordeaux and Nantes. To plan your trip, thetrainline.
Car park
If you drive to La Rochelle, you can park your car in a secured car park located in the city center: parking Vieux Port Sud (Avenue de Colmar, weekly rate: 60€) or parking Verdun (place Verdun, 15€/day).
To get back to the starting point
Regional trains take you back to your starting point if you wish. Change in Bordeaux. They are accessible without booking in advance and bicycles are free. You have to buy your ticket on spot (full rate ~35€/adult). There are several trains per day. You will find the timetable in your travel documents.
storage facility for the duration of your trip (upon availability).
- Atlantic Coast
- 8 day(s)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 47 km/day
- Itinerant
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
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- Atlantic Coast
- Fairly easy
- ~ 47 km/day
- Itinerant