Atlantic coast cycle tour from La Rochelle to Bordeaux
This cycling holiday will take you from the Atlantic coast to Médoc vineyards through a great diversity of landscapes.
- Atlantic Coast
- 8 day(s)
- Fairly easy
- ~ 47 km/day
- Itinerant
A magnificent week of cycling vacation from La Rochelle to Bordeaux!
From La Rochelle, ancient fortified harbor, you ride on the Atlantic cycle route "Velodyssey" alternatively along beaches, through marshes or pine forests. You discover the city of Rochefort and its "Corderie Royale", Brouage citadel built by the French engineer Vauban, the marshes of Marennes, the oyster-farming port of La Tremblade and the costal town of Royan. You cross the Gironde Estuary by ferry to Le Verdon and continue your bike trip across Médoc peninsula. You cycle along the seashore then through the vineyards where they grow numerous "Grands Crus" such as Mouton-Rothschild. You reach Pauillac before getting to Bordeaux by train with your bikes to discover this historic and lively city. All in all, a great cycling holiday !
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.
- 64 km
- + 13 m
You will discover the natural diversity of the Médoc by starting to pedal through the pine forest to reach the vineyards. Cross the vineyards, pass by internationally known wineries and the most beautiful villages where time seems to have stopped like Pauillac. You drive along the banks of the Gironde and admire the traditional fishing houses. You finish the day's ride by crossing a wet marsh before arriving in the village of Margaux, land of great wines.
- 34 km
- + 48 m
You leave the prestigious village of Margaux and drive through the vineyards to the gates of Bordeaux. You enter this magnificent city by following the banks of the Garonne and crossing the historic city center.
End of services after breakfast. You go for your next destination or extend the stay on your own.
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. They are accessible without booking in advance and bicycles are free. You have to buy your ticket on spot (full rate ~40€/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
They've just returned from their travels!
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- Atlantic Coast
- Fairly easy
- ~ 47 km/day
- Itinerant