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
- ~ 41 km/day
- Itinerant
A magnificent week of cycling vacation from La Rochelle to Bordeaux!
Starting from La Rochelle, a former fortified port, you follow the Vélodyssée cycling route, sometimes along sandy beaches, sometimes through marshlands or under the shade of pine forests. Along the way, you’ll discover Rochefort and its Corderie Royale, the Vauban citadel of Brouage, the Marennes marshes, the oyster port of La Tremblade, and the seaside resort of Royan.You then cross to the Gironde side by taking the ferry from Le Verdon, and continue your cycling journey along the Médoc peninsula. The route first follows the coastline before leading you through the region’s famous vineyards, where you’ll recognize many prestigious Grand Cru names.From Hourtin to Bordeaux via Margaux, you’ll ride through pine forests, world-renowned vineyards, and along the banks of the Garonne River, finishing in the heart of Bordeaux’s historic center.A magnificent week of cycling holidays!
Map Atlantic Coast
Program
Arrival in La Rochelle
Free time of arrival in La Rochelle, check-in at your accommodation during reception hours.
La Rochelle has kept from its past 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.
La Rochelle – Rochefort-sur-mer
- 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.
Rochefort – La Tremblade
- 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.
La Tremblade – Royan
- 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.
Royan – Le Verdon – Hourtin (traversée en bateau)
- 64 km
- + 89 m
Hourtin – Margaux
- 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.
Margaux – Bordeaux
- 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.
Balade dans Bordeaux
- 4 km
Cette balade à pied au cœur de Bordeaux vous emmène vers les sites emblématiques de la ville : la Grosse Cloche, la cathédrale Saint-André, les Quinconces, le Miroir d'Eau… La boucle débute à la porte de Bourgogne, face au pont de pierre, et vous donne l'occasion de déambuler à travers les ruelles animées du centre, jusqu'à la place des Quinconces. De là, vous pourrez rejoindre votre point de départ en flânant sur les quais de la Garonne à moins que vous ne préfériez revenir en tram. Vous pouvez également partir à l'exploration de la rive droite en montant à bord de la navette fluviale "le Bato".
Départ de Bordeaux
Accommodation Cyclist-friendly
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
- ~ 41 km/day
- Itinerant
Tried and tested Trips!
- 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
- ~ 41 km/day
- Itinerant