8 days
€1,680.00
Let's go travel in France by bike on this one week trip along the Atlantic Coast!
This beautiful cycling route starts off from the fortified port of La Rochelle and follows along the wonderful Atlantic coast of France. Along the way, you pass breath-taking natural landscapes, interesting cultural & historic sites, amazing beaches, and traditional resort villages. The rich history of this region’s oyster-farming will be present as you ride your way to Royan. Do not hesitate to stop by to sample a few of this region’s famous and delicious shelled inhabitants. With plenty of time for the exploration of Ré, Oléron and Ile Madame Islands along the way, this meticulously designed itinerary is a perfect way to experience the French Atlantic coast by bike.
Our itinerary follows a part of the Velodyssee (Eurovelo 1) but takes some liberties with the official route along the way to follow the best sections of coastline and add visits to some astonishing places, like the fortified port of Brouage – now partly lost in the middle of the salt marshes. You will have time to explore 3 beautiful islands: Ré, Oléron, and Ile Madame. You spend 2 nights on Oléron, exploring fabulous bike trails and relaxing on the beaches of this spectacular island. The end of the itinerary leads you to the architectural charm of Belle Époque era villas in the city of Royan. Here old-fashioned 50’s architecture and resort culture are interwoven with the older villas that survived the bombardments of the 1940’s to create a unique style that unsuspectingly complements each other quite well.
We update the next travel dates. Contact us by phone at +334 76 95 23 00 or by email to info@grandangle.fr for all inquiries.
Departures are possible from mid-April to mid-October at your convenience, any day of the week. Please be mindful that it is needed to book early for any requested departure during the high season (July-August) due to limited lodging availability.
Price per person, in double occupancy room:
Departure Period | 2 to 3 People | 4 to 5 People | 6+ People |
From 15/04/2025 to 15/10/2025 | 1680 € | 1650 € | 1610 € |
From 15/04/2026 to 15/10/2026 | 1810 € | 1775 € | 1735 € |
► Extra Night(s)
Price Per Person | 2025 | 2026 |
Extra night in a 3* hotel in La Rochelle; B&B | Double 100 € Single 135 € | Double 110 € Single 145 € |
Extra night in a 5* hotel in Oléron; B&B | Double 280 € Single 540 € | Double 305 € Single 580 € |
Extra night in a 3* hotel in Royan; B&B | Double 100 € Single 170 € | Double 110 € Single 185 € |
Arrival to the Atlantic coast and La Rochelle. Hotel check-in is available after ~3pm. This city is famous for its history and holiday atmosphere. Highlights are the old port with 13th and 15th century towers, the old-town district, the arcades and much more. There is a large choice of outstanding restaurants in La Rochelle, including a 2* Michelin Restaurant. Settle in and go exploring, relax and have a good meal. Tomorrow your exploration of France’s impressive Atlantic coast by bike begins!
3* hotel in La Rochelle
Today you bike to Ré Island passing by Flotte en Ré (13th century), oyster-farms, salt marshes, and the nature reserve of L’illeau des Niges. You then return to La Rochelle after your circumnavigation of the island. The island of Ré is very apt for cycling due to the many cycle paths that are easy to ride and navigate. In warmer weather, you can easily combine cycling with multiple swimming stops along the way. The villages on the island are all very beautiful and well-preserved. The “White Island” won’t disappoint you. Today’s optional nature of exploration is a perfect way to ease into your cycling trip or have a longer ride based on whatever preference you desire.
Optional distances between 30 to 90km/18.6 to 55.9mi of cycling.
Please Note: If you don’t want to cross the bridge by bike or don’t want too much cycling on your first day, you can always choose to take a bus to the island, rent a bike locally for the day and return by bus to the hotel in La Rochelle.
3* hotel in La Rochelle
30km to 90km / 18.6mi to 55.9mi by bike
You will leave La Rochelle and cycle along the coast to the resort town of Châtelaillon by the Pointe des Boucholeurs, a little harbour with an abundant amount of land used specifically for oyster farming. France produces about 50% of the world’s oyster harvest, and the vast majority of these come from the southwest coastal region visited on this trip. You will bypass the marshes of Yves, a meeting point for a multitude of migratory birds. Next you bike around the peninsula of Fouras and continue along your route to Pointe de la Fumée. You will cross Fouras by the south to Rochefort, along the banks of the Charente River with its many squared dipping nets. You also pass by the marshes of Basse Roche, St Laurent de la Pré and Rochefort Océan, a historic harbour city. It is highly recommended to visit the gardens of the Croderie Royale along the ride.
About 55km/34.2mi of cycling.
4* hotel in Rochefort
55km/34.2mi by bike
You will leave Rochefort along the Charente River, on the southern side, and cross via the last transporter bridge in France. You will keep cycling along the river to Port des Barques. If the tide is beneficial, you can go around the Madame Island. It is linked to the coast by a road which you can take when there is a low tide (+6km/3.7mi round trip). Further South, you will cross the marshes of Moëze to the town of Brouage. Here there is a stone fortress with many watchtowers where Marie Mancini, the love of Louis XIV, cried for her forbidden love. Further on, you pass by Marennes, the oyster capital of France and reach Oléron Island by the only bridge.
About 35 to 45km/21.8 to 28mi of cycling.
5* hotel on Oléron Island
35km to 45km / 21.8mi to 28mi by bike
Today the world is your oyster, and you have the choice of many fantastic options. You can make an extended circumnavigational exploration of Oléron, the largest island along the French Atlantic coast. You can visit the bird sanctuary and nature reserve that is in the heart of the oyster-farms between St Pierre and Boyardville. You could then continue cycling in the forest of Saumonards and via Sauzelle to return to your hotel. Many of our guests just choose to ride to a nearby beach and relax for the day. Today is set aside for total freedom to do as you please, make the most of it!
Up to 50km/31.1mi of optional cycling.
5* hotel on Oléron Island
Up to 50km/31.1mi by bike (optional)
Today you continue your ride across the oyster parks to Grand Village Plage. Then, coming to the eco-museum of Port des Salines. Be sure to take the beautiful cycle path to one of the most gorgeous beaches along the Atlantic coast here. Once there, you will be close to Trojan les Bains and Pointe de Manson. Once you get back on the mainland you will take a 2nd bridge to Ronce-les-Bains and your hotel.
About 30km/18.6mi of cycling.
3* hotel in Ronce-les-Bains
30km/18.6mi by bike
Today’s route is on a superb bike path that starts in the forest of Courbe and ends at the lighthouse of Courbe. After that, you will cycle along the ocean to the beautiful village of St Palais sur Mer, where the age of architecture is from around the ‘30s. It is possible to swim at this fabulous location before riding on to Royan and its unique mixture of Belle Époque era villas & 50’s resort town architectural style.
About 40km/24.9mi of cycling.
3* hotel in Royan
40km/24.9mi by bike
End of the tour after breakfast and checking out of the hotel ~10am.
Occasionally, adjustments to the planned itinerary may be necessary. This could stem from trip logistics (such as fully booked accommodations, trail closures, or adverse weather conditions, etc.). It's important to understand that these modifications are always implemented with your best interests in mind, prioritizing your safety and comfort.
Difficulty level 2/5, easy to moderate cycling that is possible for most moderately experienced cyclist looking for an average physical activity level each day. The itinerary along the Atlantic coast is 90% on bike specific paths and trails away from the main roads.
Cycling stages of 30 to 60km/18.6 to 37.3mi per day according to the program, some days have multiple options for varied distances. Between 2-6 hours of cycling each day can be expected. No technical difficulty in terrain should be faced and the region is generally flat.
Children: Accessible to most active children from 10 years old and up.
You only carry the essential items you need for the day (lunch/picnic, water & personal belongings) in a saddlebag/backpack. You will find your extra luggage in the evening at each hotel. Your baggage is transported by a carrier service and is limited to one piece/bag per person and a maximum weight of 15kg/33lbs per bag. Luggage must be ready at 9am at hotel reception and will be delivered by 6:30pm to the next accommodation.
Available to book from 2 people.
From mid-April to mid-October. Departure at your convenience, any day of the week. Please be mindful that it is needed to book early for a departure during the high season (July-August) due to limited lodging availability.
8 days / 7 nights / 4-6 days of cycling (2 days optional)
► Start
Day 1 in La Rochelle at hotel check-in ~3pm.
► Finish
Day 8 in Royan after breakfast and hotel check-out ~10am.
Self-guided tour, without a human guide. A digital travel packet will be sent by email that includes: the list of your accommodations, travel vouchers, all the detailed information you need to make your trip a success (documents in German, French or English as guests request), and access to our phone travel app for navigating bike rides and accessing local maps. The application is available in English only. If a guest wishes to have a “printed travel packet” (with paper roadbook in German, French or English + topo maps), it needs to be requested at the time of booking and there is a supplement fee per package. For all requests, the printed travel packet will be waiting and given to guests at the 1st accommodation included in the itinerary. There is no welcome meeting at the arrival hotel or bike rental orientation meeting on this tour.
► Accommodation
Accommodation in double occupancy room in B&B, 3* hotel (4 nights), 4* hotel (1 night) and 5* hotel (2 nights), or guesthouses with an equivalent level of comfort.
Please Note: In Europe, more and more hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses are refusing to take part in the star-rating system, even establishments which were classified a year or two ago are now choosing to not take part. This doesn’t mean that they are of a lesser quality, in fact far from it. If we indicate that an accommodation is ‘3-star or equivalent to’ this means that the establishment may have chosen not to receive an official classification, but we believe the level of comfort provided is equal to that of a traditional 3-star establishment.
► Meals
Breakfast (included): available each morning at accommodations.
For Lunch (not included): It is possible to order picnics at most hotels for a fee. You can also plan your own picnic by shopping in local grocery stores. It is also possible to stop along rides to have lunch at local restaurants. Many days you can stop for oysters along the ride, you just need to have the tools to open them in your bag.
For Dinner (not included): There are always many restaurants near the hotels to choose from each night of this trip.
*Please let us know if you follow a special diet or have any food allergies so that we may inform the hotels.
► Extra Nights
It is possible to add extra nights before or after your tour in La Rochelle or Royan at the 3* hotels. You may also extend your stay on Oléron Island with extra nights at the 5* hotel. Please contact us for availability.
We organize bike reservations for our guests. Please advise during booking any desire for a bike rental and which type you would like.
If you choose to rent a bike, you will receive it at your 1st hotel on day 2 in the morning before 10am. At the end of the trip on day 7, you simply leave your rental bike at the hotel and inform the hotel staff. We will take care of the bike from that moment onwards. Please find below the types of bikes available for us to book for you (or equivalent, non contractual photos).
► Included Equipment with Rental
► Hybrid Bike:
► E-Bike (with electrical pedal assistance):
► Bringing Your Own Bike
We recommend that you use a hybrid or all-terrain bike for this trip, and that you make sure to check everything is working well before you set off for your holiday. At the end of the trip, you will need to take care of getting your bike home with you. We do not recommend bringing road bikes with small wheels.
► Trip Starting Destination
This tour starts in the city of La Rochelle, France
► Trip Ending Destination
This tour ends in Royan, France
► By Plane
La Rochelle Airport - La Rochelle - Ile de Ré airport: Flights, destinations & services
There are some direct flights from the UK/Ireland, Belgium & Switzerland.
Bordeaux Airport (~190km/118mi to La Rochelle) - Flights and destinations - Bordeaux-Merignac Airport
Paris Airport (~475km/295mi to La Rochelle) - Paris Aéroport | Official website of Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly airports (parisaeroport.fr)
► By Train
Train travel is easy in the EU and there are many schedule options daily from all major cities. Below are a few timelines within France.
-London to Paris Gare du Nord with Eurostar: about 2.5 hours
-Paris CDG airport to La Rochelle: about 3-5 hours
-Royan to Paris Montparnasse: about 5 hours
-Royan to Paris CDG airport: about 4 hours
If you wish to come by train with your own bikes, check the SNCF website: https://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/train-services/bicycle-on-board
► By Car/Bus
La Rochelle can be easily reached by car/bus on major highways.
Bus Option
- Flix Bus: https://www.flixbus.com/
- Bla Bla Car (bus and carpool options): https://www.blablacar.co.uk/bus
Parking
Car park close to the train station:
Gare SNCF, About 12 € / day
Place Pierre Semard
17000 LA ROCHELLE
Tel: +33 0 825 888 826
Parking Jean Moulin, About 18 € / day
Avenue Jean Moulin
17000 LA ROCHELLE
Tel: +33 05 46 44 20 02
►Return journey from Royan to La Rochelle
-By Train from Royan: Royan - La Rochelle, change in Saintes
Return by train from Royan to La Rochelle, via Saintes (2h30 to 3h); Bicycles are accepted on most trains, but you should check the timetables and the trains that do or do not accept bicycles before leaving.
-By Bus from Royan: line 9E
https://transports.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr (French only website)
Price: approximately 9 €
*Bikes are not allowed.
-By Car from Royan: The most practical and economical solution is to make the most of the Europcar “Atlantique” package. You rent a car in Royan and give it back in La Rochelle, or within a radius of 250km/155mi, within 12 hours (the concerned territory goes from Royan in the South to Chateaubriand in the North (Loire-Atlantique, in the North of Nantes); in the east, until Niort / Angoulême). https://www.en.europcar-atlantique.fr/
However, most cars are not equipped with bicycle carriers; you need to ask for an estate car, or a car with pull-down seats, to carry your bikes.
Several of our trips are suitable for swimming, either during a stage or at the end of the day. On this trip it is possible every day, except the first day in La Rochelle. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it in the right season. We want to highlight that you are the ultimate decision-maker regarding whether to swim or not. As such, these swims are entirely your responsibility and undertaken at your own risk.
You take beautiful pictures! Don't hesitate to send us a CD, a USB stick, a Dropbox or WeTransfer link of your best photos taken during your trip. The fact that you send us photos implies that you accept that your photos will be used free of charge on our various media outlets (social media, catalog, website, trip information documents, etc.).
Would you like to share your best moments of the trip and share your experience with the greater Grand Angle hiking community? Send us your story and some photos illustrating your words that we can consider publishing on our blog.
► Acting for Responsible Tourism - ATR label
Grand Angle is an active member of the ATR association "Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable", whose compliance with the label has been certified by Ecocert Environnement.
The common values of the label, shared by all its members, are represented by: transparency (between the customer and the travel agency), partnership (between local service providers and the travel agency) and consistency (synonymous with good communication within the travel agency team).
Being a member of ATR commits us to:
• Promoting quality tourism
• Respect for the environment, heritage and local people
• Educating travelers about local customs
• Inform travellers in full transparency about their travel conditions
For more information on the ATR association: www.tourisme-responsable.org
► The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas
In 2014, Grand Angle was one of the first tour operators to be certified under the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, created and developed by Europarc, the Federation of European Protected Areas, which includes Regional Natural Parks, National Parks and Nature Reserves.
The purpose of the European Charter is to develop quality, sustainable and responsible tourism in protected areas, with respect for people and their environment. Being certified under the CETD is a recognition of our commitment to sustainable tourism and development rooted in the territories, economically, socially and environmentally.
The certification is a proof of the confidence that the Parks have in our company and its approach.
Grand Angle's partner in this certification is the Vercors Regional Natural Park, our homeland: http://parc-du-vercors.fr
Find out more about the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism: http://www.europarc.org/sustainable-tourism/
It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities
Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.
After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.
We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:
It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.
"Carry-on Bag(s)": - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.
"Checked Bag(s)": - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).
Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.
During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.
Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & ”Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle to your lodging, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity at hotels, but not throughout the day. Extra luggage is not allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement. Maximum 15kg/33lbs.
Extra luggage, not needed during your trip can be safely stored at your start accommodations to be picked up upon return.
Saddlebags/bike bag (not provided unless adding bike rental): All guests will need a bike saddle bag, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.)
To Transport Your Belongings (while cycling):
If you don’t have a saddlebag & rack on your bike, bring a 30-40L backpack with a waist strap to carry what you need for the day (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.) as you cycle. If you have a rack on your bike, you can attach your bag with the help of bungee ropes or paracord. Rented bikes are equipped with a saddlebag where you can store your belongings. You should still bring a small backpack with you, so that you can easily take your belongings with you when you are visiting attractions along the route.
France, a member of the European Union, capital city: Paris.
► Documents
Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.
► Health/Insurance
Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.
When calling France from a foreign number: +33
European Emergency Number: 112
La Rochelle Tourist Information: Home | Office de tourisme de La Rochelle (holidays-la-rochelle.co.uk)
Tel: +33 05 46 41 14 68
2, quai Georges Simenon - Le Gabut
17000 LA ROCHELLE
Royan Tourist Information: Official Website - Royan Atlantique Tourist Office
Tel: +33 05 46 08 21 00
Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.
French & Algerian Arabic (top 2 most common), some English in most tourist areas.
France is a Member-State of the European Union and uses its uniform currency – the Euro €. France, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. French banks are generally open for the public from 8:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 Monday through Fridays. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.
IGN top 100 map:
n°138 La Rochelle, Saintes, Ile de Re et Ile d’Oleron
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Traveller’s reviews
Very satisfied with this trip, despite a definite lack of signposting on the Vélodyssée, which made things a bit more complicated!
Very nice trip
The itineraries on offer allowed us to discover regions full of charm. Whether on the islands of Ré and Oléron, where cycling is king, or crossing the marshes of Brouage, or taking the more popular route through the Courbe forest, the routes were well suited to cyclists in search of beautiful scenery.