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Port of La Rochelle at night
© Stéphanie NADOUCE / CT; Charentes Tourism
© Stéphanie NADOUCE / CT; Charentes Tourism
Charente-Maritime18 Bike ride in the Brouage marshes
Marennes Oyster huts in the port of Cayenne CDT17_009550.jpg-1200px
Copyright-F.ROCH-CRTNA-Phare_Coubre-La_Tremblade
St Georges de Didonne Beach
Copyright--CRTNA-Carrelets
Talmont on Gironde
Talmont sur Gironde village
Bordeaux view of the Garonne
Bordeaux City of Wine © Trip à Vélo

The Vélodyssée from La Rochelle to Bordeaux

8days

Reference: LR 801

  • Distance tours
  • Difficult

From La Rochelle to Bordeaux, set off for a week of cycling along the Atlantic Coast and the Gironde Estuary. The route that follows the Vélodyssée crosses varied landscapes between beaches, pine forests, marshes and fishing villages to the seaside resort of Royan. The second part of the journey offers a spectacular change of scenery along the Gironde, the largest estuary in Europe. From cliffs to hillsides, in the middle of the marshes and the great wine estates of the Médoc, you will reach Bordeaux, the capital of wine.

You will enjoy :

  • La Rochelle and its fortified port
  • Rochefort and the Royal Rope Factory
  • Bordeaux, the City of Wine and the Basin of Lights
  • The landscapes of the Atlantic Coast
  • The Gironde estuary and the citadel of Blaye
  • The Bordeaux vineyards

From 1414€
From 1564€
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Any questions ? Write to us!

Day 1: La Rochelle

Arrival in La Rochelle. Day without cycling.

La Rochelle is a lively and historical city that is not to be missed. Stroll around the Old Port and its famous towers. Enter the old town to wander through the alleys and under the shopping arcades.
La Rochelle offers other must-see activities such as a visit to theaquarium, a stroll on the Minimes marina, or even a cruise to Fort Boyard and the Isle of Aix.

 

Night in La Rochelle

Day 2: La Rochelle - Rochefort

50 km

Leave La Rochelle by following the Atlantic Coast towards Chatelaillon-Plage, an elegant seaside resort with Belle Epoque architecture and Les Boucholeurs, a small fishing andoyster farmers with its oyster tasting huts.
The cycling stage continues via Fouras and through the marshes to reach Rochefort. It was here that in 1661 Louis XIV decided to develop a powerful Maritime Arsenal. Don't miss a visit to the Royal Ropeworks, a magnificent and impressive 374 m long rope factory.

 

Night in Rochefort

Day 3: Rochefort - La Tremblade

37 km to 58 km

Cross the Charente by taking the last transporter bridge of France. After this amazing experience in a gondola above the river, set off on a bike ride through the Brouage marsh. Direction Marennes, the city of the Oyster and its colorful oyster huts along the canals.
Crossing the Seudre estuary and end of the stage at La Tremblade, opposite the island of Oléron.

 

Night in La Tremblade

Day 4: La Tremblade - Royan

39 km

You follow the Vélodyssée cycle path through the pine forest of the Wild Coast and its 20 kilometers of beach! Admire the Coubre lighthouse, a work now threatened by coastal erosion. Then cycle from Bonne Anse Bay to Royan via the beach of Great Coast, the small seaside resorts with their pretty beaches, coves and cliffs dotted with squares. A Royan park your bike and take a stroll around the marina or simply relax on one of the many terraces on the seafront or on the large sandy beach.

 

Night in Royan

Day 5: Royan - Mortagne-sur-Gironde

34km

Today's cycling stage begins on the pleasant cycle path of the large Royan beach before starting its course along theGironde Estuary. On paths and small roads, you discover picturesque landscapes: limestone cliffs with fishermen's fishing nets, Meschers-sur-Gironde and his troglodyte caves and Talmont-sur-Gironde, a picture-postcard village perched on the water's edge and classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France". Arrival at Mortagne-sur-Gironde, a small village with its dynamic and charming marina nestled at the bottom of a channel.

 

Night in Mortagne-sur-Gironde

Day 6: Mortagne-sur-Gironde - Blaye

63 km

You cycle through hilly landscapes, sometimes along cliffs and dikes that border the Gironde, sometimes in the middle of fields, marshes and vineyards. The route ends on a long greenway in the Côtes de Blaye wine region.

Arrival in Blaye. The Blaye citadel is one of the most emblematic sites built by Vauban in the 17th century. From the top of the ramparts surrounding the fortress, enjoy a magnificent panorama of the estuary.

 

Night in Blaye

Day 7: Blaye - Bordeaux

51 km or 59 km

Head to Bordeaux for this last day of cycling. Two options are available to you:
• By the left bank of the estuary 51 km
Cross the Gironde at Blaye by taking the ferry before cycling through the Bordeaux vineyards, on part of the Route of the famous wines of Médoc and Margaux. A route on small roads and an arrival at Bordeaux with complete peace of mind along the cycle paths.

• By the right bank of the estuary 59 km
Cycle through the vineyards of the Côtes de Blaye and the Bourg hills to Bordeaux. On the way you take the beautiful Flowery Corniche Road, with its troglodyte houses, fishing huts and bourgeois residences. Pass the historic village of Bourg, an unmissable site on your route before finishing the adventure at Bordeaux.

 

Night in Bordeaux

Day 8: Bordeaux

Day without cycling. End of stay after breakfast.

Before leaving, take the time to discover the essentials of Bordeaux, the historic districts, the quays and the stock exchange square with its water mirror, the City of Wine and the Basin of Lights. And don't miss out on tasting the famous cannelés !

End of your trip
Additional night in Bordeaux possible.
To customize your trip contact us.
In hotels or guest houses, we offer a rigorous selection of accommodation in 3 different categories.
Standard category
Comfortable 2-star hotels or similar accommodation, where charm and simplicity combine for cozy and relaxing stops after a day of cycling. Ideally located along the routes.

Non-contractual photos presented to illustrate the type of accommodation corresponding to the standard category.

Superior category
3-star accommodation, selected for the quality of their services and equipment. An ideal environment to enjoy the end of your day.

Non-contractual photos presented to illustrate the type of accommodation corresponding to the superior category.

Low season
High season

from April 1 to April 11

from September 13 to November 3

  • Standard category 1414 € / pers

    Based on a 2-person room

  • Single room supplement 490 € / person
  • Superior category 1564 € / pers

    Based on a 2-person room

  • Single room supplement 640 € / person
Child discount *
  • From 0 to 4 years: 50 %
  • From 5 to 11 years old: 25 %
  • From 12 to 17 years old: 0 %

*Discount applicable for children under 18 sharing a room with two adults.

The price includes :
  • Accommodation: 7 nights in a double room
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 1 dinner in Mortagne-sur Gironde
  • 6 days of rental of an equipped “VTC” bike
  • Luggage transport between each accommodation
  • A travel diary with practical and tourist information
  • The GPS route app
  • Telephone support 7 days a week
  • Tourist taxes
  • Application fee
The price does not include:
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Parking fees
  • Entrances and site visits
  • Round trip transportation to the place of departure
  • Optional insurance (cancellation or cancellation & multi-risk)

Electric bike supplement

7 days

110

Bike discount

if you come with your own bike

145

Half board supplement

4 dinners (La Rochelle, Rochefort, La Tremblade, Blaye) / excluding drinks

211

Cancellation insurance

for information only, variable depending on the total price of the stay

62

Cancellation & multi-risk insurance

for information only, variable depending on the total price of the stay

92

Standard category
Extra night in La Rochelle
  • Based on a 2-person room 109 € / person

    (breakfast included)

  • Single room supplement 51 € / person
Extra night in Bordeaux
  • Based on a 2-person room 133 € / person

    (breakfast included)

  • Single room supplement 27 € / person
Superior category
Extra night in La Rochelle
  • Based on a 2-person room 120 € / person

    (breakfast included)

  • Single room supplement 85 € / person
Extra night in Bordeaux
  • Based on a 2-person room 155 € / person

    (breakfast included)

  • Single room supplement 85 € / person

Questions about the stay The Vélodyssée from La Rochelle to Bordeaux

How to get to La Rochelle?

By train:

  • From Paris Montparnasse TGV station to La Rochelle in around 3 hours.
  • From Nantes station, direct Intercités trains in around 2 hours
  • From Bordeaux Saint Jean station, direct Intercités trains in around 2h30

For more information, visit the SNCF website https://www.sncf-connect.com/

 

By car :

  • From Paris 460 km by the A10 motorway, exits 32 or 33

Where to park in La Rochelle?

The city of La Rochelle has several car parks for parking: in enclosures, underground or park-and-ride. Vieux Port Sud and Verdun car parks: 7-day package around €90
For more information on parking in La Rochelle, visit the municipality's website, section Parking

How do I get back to the starting city?

If you need to return to the city of departure, the organization is your responsibility.

  • By train: from Bordeaux Saint Jean station, direct Intercités trains to La Rochelle in around 2h30
  • At your request, we can organize a private van transfer from Bordeaux to La Rochelle with handling of luggage, personal bikes and people. Package from €600 per transfer, + €120 on Sundays and public holidays.

What to do with your bike at the end of your stay?

  • Rental bike: at the end of the tour, you will have to leave the bike at the last accommodation and notify the reception. We will take care of its return.
  • If you came with your own bike, at the end of the tour you will have to take care of your own bike. If you have to return to La Rochelle by train, make sure that the train accepts bikes.

Other frequently asked questions about our cycling trips

Cycle tours

  • The bikes

    We work with cycle professionals whose comfortable and robust bikes are renewed, maintained and serviced regularly. Each bike is equipped with a handlebar bag, a rear bag (15 or 20 liters) and a helmet. We provide smartphone support and repair kit per reservation. We provide breakdown assistance on all our rental bikes.

    Your stay includes the rental of a VTC (all-road bike) adapted to your size or that of your child.

    You have the option of opting for a electric bike. With an average range of 80 kilometers, the electric bike allows you to enjoy each stage with ease, whatever the distance and elevation. Note that this type of bike requires a minimum height of 1m55 and maximum of 1m90. 

    For children, we offer a wide range of solutions depending on their age: child seat, child trailer, follower bike, follow-me system.

    The terms and conditions for collecting and returning your bike are communicated in the travel diary.

    You can also come with your own bike. Please note that in this case, you will not be able to benefit from breakdown assistance, will not be able to rent accessories and the possible repatriation of your bike to the starting point will have to be organized by you yourself.

  • Transferring luggage from one stage to another

    If you have requested baggage transfer or if the service is already included in your package, you are asked to drop it off each morning at the reception of your accommodation, before 9:00 a.m. They are delivered to you during the day, before 6:00 p.m., to your next accommodation.

  • The travel diary

    Before your departure, you will receive a travel diary containing all the information useful to your stay:

    • The detailed program of your trip, day by day (meeting time and address on the first day, accommodation details, useful addresses, points of interest, etc.).
    • Connection to our GPS application during your trip (step-by-step route, points of interest and practical information).
    • Exchange vouchers.
    • Tourist information and advice for cycling with complete peace of mind.
    • A support number.
  • What to do with your bike at the end of your stay?

    We organize the repatriation of all bicycles rented with Trip à Vélo during our roaming stays. For loop or star stays, the bikes are returned by you to partner establishments. In all cases, the drop-off address will be communicated to you in the travel diary.

    If you came with your own bike, any repatriation must be organized by you. Regional TERs accept bicycles on board (see the conditions on the SNCF website: www.sncf.com ).

  • How do I get back to the starting city?

    If you have to return to the city of departure, the return must be organized by you. 

    By train: numerous TER trains serve the cities of Orléans, Blois, Onzain, Amboise, Tours and Saumur at a high daily frequency during the season. You can already consult the SNCF website: www.sncf.com. You will also find more information on timetables in your travel diary. 

    At your request, we can organize a taxi transfer (surcharge).

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The Vélodyssée from La Rochelle to Bordeaux
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Your trip: The Vélodyssée from La Rochelle to Bordeaux

Reference: LR 801