The Atlantic Coast by bike from La Rochelle to Arcachon

La Rochelle is a vibrant city rich in history, and one that is definitely worth discovering. Take a stroll around the Old Port and admire its famous towers. Explore the old town, its picturesque alleys and shopping arcades.
The city also offers other unmissable activities, such as a visit to theaquarium, a stroll on the Minimes marina, or even a Cruise to Fort Boyard and the island of Aix.

Night in La Rochelle

Leave La Rochelle along the Atlantic Coast towards Chatelaillon-Plage, an elegant seaside resort with Belle Époque charm, then continue to Les Boucholeurs, a small fishing and fishing villageoyster farmers, where you can discover the cabins dedicated to oyster tasting.
The cycle route continues via Fouras and through the marshes to lead you to Rochefort. It was here, in 1661, that Louis XIV chose to found a powerful Maritime Arsenal. Don't miss a visit to the Royal Ropeworks, an impressive 374-metre-long rope factory.

Night in Rochefort

Cross the Charente by taking the last transporter bridge of France. After this unusual experience in a gondola above the river, continue the adventure by bike through the Brouage marsh. Then road to Marennes, the City of Oysters and its colorful oyster huts lining the canals. Cross the bridge over the Seudre estuary to finish the stage at Ronce-les-Bains – La Tremblade, opposite theOleron Island.

Night in La Tremblade

Follow the cycle path of the Velodyssey through the pine forest of the Wild Coast. Admire the Coubre lighthouse which from the top of its 300 steps offers a 360° view of the ocean, the immense beaches and the forest. Continue your bike ride from Bonne Anse Bay to Royan, passing by the beach of Great Coast, the charming seaside resorts with their small beaches, coves and cliffs dotted with fishing huts like in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer.
HAS Royan, park your bike and stroll around the marina or simply relax on one of the many seafront terraces or on the large sandy beach.

Night in Royan

In Royan, board the ferry with your bikes and luggage for a crossing the Gironde estuary. From Pointe du Verdon you cycle on a beautiful cycle path among the pine trees to Soulac. With its endless sandy beaches and its 1900 red brick houses, the seaside resort is not short of charm. Your path continues on the cycle path until Montalivet small village also renowned for its long sandy beaches and its pine forests.

Night in Montalivet

In summer, before getting back on your bike, take the time to stroll around the Montalivet market, a must-see in the region. Then head to Lacanau with a hilly route through the dunes. You cycle among the pine trees, between lakes and the ocean, on a small forest road and cycle paths. On the way, take a break at Maubuisson at the edge of the Lake Hourtin, the largest freshwater lake in France. A few kilometers further, a small detour is recommended towards the Cousseau pond nature reserve.
End of the stage at Lacanau Ocean, a lively seaside resort, famous for its surf spots.

Night in Lacanau-Océan

Direction Arcachon with a route on a cycle path in the pines and near the immense beaches of the Aquitaine coast accessible via several footpaths of a few hundred meters.
At Cap Ferret, venture into the alleys of The Grass, a typical and unmissable oyster village with its colorful fishermen's huts, its flowery alleys with a view of the Arcachon Bay and a pretty Moorish-style chapel. Take advantage of this break and the idyllic setting to taste oysters and seafood.
During the boat crossing to Arcachon you will have plenty of time to admire the Dune of Pilat.

Night in Arcachon

End of stay at Arcachon after breakfast. Before leaving, take the time for a walk in this elegant seaside resort, between the beaches, the jetties and the shops of the Summer City, until the Winter City, where the superb ones are located 19th century villas perched on the heights.