Atlantic Coast Cycle - Nantes to La Rochelle

Stunning bay side scenery in La Rochelle | Nick Kostos

Cycling in the Loire Valley | Merilyn O'Kane

Sunshine over this cute little cove in La Rochelle | Nick Kostos

Stunning bay side scenery in La Rochelle | Nick Kostos

Cycling in the Loire Valley | Merilyn O'Kane

Sunshine over this cute little cove in La Rochelle | Nick Kostos

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

hotels

Meals

7 Breakfasts

Price

$1590USD

Overview

Trip Code: NLR

Trip highlights

Cycling through stunning and diverse landscapes
Visiting walled towns and pretty villages en route
Cycling along the Atlantic route of La Vélodyssée

The EuroVelo1 is a 9,100km cycling route beginning in Scandinavia and following the coastline all the way to the south west tip of Portugal and passing through six countries. It joins France as La Vélodyssée and follows the Atlantic coast for 1,200km from Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye near the Spanish border. This section of this epic route begins from Nantes, resplendently situated on the Loire River, a city filled with historic sights including the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, where the Dukes of Brittany once lived. Leaving the city by bike and following the Loire river as it spills out into the Atlantic Ocean sets the tone for this special cycle journey. Along the coast discover diverse landscapes of rocky coastline, marshes, forests, dunes and wide sandy beaches. There are numerous picturesque locations during the day for a picnic lunch or a dip in the ocean. Stopping at charming seaside villages brimming with character is one of the many highlights of the trip. The trip ends in La Rochelle, a city that has long been a centre of fishing and is home to a historic harbour, Vieux Port, once the largest on the French Atlantic coast.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Nantes

Arrive in Nantes and make your way to the hotel. Nantes is considered one of the most beautiful towns on the Loire. If you have time, take a walk through the charming town centre to view Saint Pierre et Saint Pauls Cathedral, the castle of the dukes of Brittany and Passage Pommeraye, a famous shopping centre built in the 1840s and recognized as a historic monument thanks to its impressive architecture.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Follow the Loire to Paimboeuf, continue south to the seaside resort of Saint-Brévin-les-Pins (58km/36mi)

As you commence your cycle this morning along the mouth of the Loire you will encounter surprising works of art at unusual places. Passing Le Pellerin you will follow the Martinière canal along small, quiet roads on the cycling route of La Loire à Vélo. From Paimboeuf, your itinerary on the coastal route “Velodysée” starts and you will notice the strong influence of tides and currents on the Loire. The end of the day is in St-Brevin, a lively seaside resort on the Atlantic. Ascent 1m, descent 18m

Meals: B

Day 3
Discover Atlantic coast scenery en route to Bouin (58km/36mi)

As you continue south of the Loire, La Vélodyssée has a maritime feel with sandy coves, jagged coastlines and small seaside resorts. Pass by Pornic, the gem of La Côte de Jade nestling in an inlet. The Marais Breton Marshlands form the border between the departments of Loire-Atlantique and Vendée. Overnight in Bouin. Ascent 110m, descent 106m

Meals: B

Day 4
Cycle past dunes and through the Pays de Monts to Saint Jean de Monts (44km/27mi)

Today, your ride will focus entirely on the sea, the beach, the forest and the dunes. You will cycle 18km along winding paths through the National forest of Pays de Monts, after which you will reach the seaside resort of St Jean de Monts. The highlight of today will be crossing the famous Gois causeway to the island of Noirmoutier, if the tides permit. Ascent 35m, descent 34m

Meals: B

Day 5
Pass the famous boulders at Sion-sur-l'Océan en route to Les Sables d'Olonne (55km/34mi)

Before reaching the Vendéenne Cove and its famous boulders at Sion-sur-l’Océan, 'La Vélodyssée' heads towards an old fishing village in the commune of St-Hilaire-de-Riez. St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a working port and seaside resort is located on a river in an unforgettable location! Take some time to stroll around before continuing the route which heads towards Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Brem-sur-Mer and finally Les Sables-d’Olonne via the Port de Plaisance. A superb cycling day, this is an idyllic location for family seaside holidays. Ascent 112m, descent 113m

Meals: B

Day 6
Follow the coast to La Tranche sur Mer with swimming opportunities (45km/28mi)

A dream ride for this part of 'La Vélodyssée' you will cycle close to the sea, beaches and rocky coves. A beautiful trail and a real pleasure to ride along whilst breathing in the fresh sea air before turning back inland. After passing St-Vincent you will wind your way into the National Park of Longeville, meandering back towards the ocean on two occasions where the beach can be accessed easily. This are opportunities to swim today. Ascent 102m, descent 115m

Meals: B

Day 7
Cycle to La Rochelle (73km/45mi)

Cycle along the La Belle-Henriette Lagoon, which is separated from the ocean by a small stretch of sand, continuing to St-Michel-en-l’Herm through the marshes of Marais Poitevin. This landscape is dotted with farms, after which you will cross the Pont du Brault to reach the department of Charente-Maritime. Continue through the town of Marans to reach La Rochelle with its old towers and ruins from its past as a maritime harbour famous for trading with wine, salt and cheese. Ascent 30m, descent 30m NOTE: It's possible to split this day and stay overnight in Marans, in which case the cycling is La Tranche-sur-Mer to Marans (47km/29mi) and Marans to La Rochelle (26km/16mi) - a supplement applies, and must be requested at time of booking.

Meals: B

Day 8
Trip concludes (or extend your visit to include a cycle on the beautiful Île de Ré)

Your trip concludes this morning after breakfast. Please let us know if you would like to extend your stay.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices
7 nights in a combination of B&Bs and 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Hybrid rental bike including lock, repair kit, helmet, handlebar bag and pannier (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks
Visitor tax
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Nantes and from La Rochelle
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
E-bike rental, supplement applies
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Option to split day 7 into two days - La Tranche-sur-Mer / Marans (47 km/29mi) and Marans / La Rochelle (26 km/16mi) - supplement applies
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder - to follow the route more easily using the app
Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a hybrid bike with handbrakes. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a pump, anti-theft device and repair kit. Helmets are included or you may prefer to bring your own well-fitted helmet. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in.

Grading

moderate

The route follows the 'La Vélodyssée cycle route along dedicated cycleways and quiet roads that give easy access to historic towns and cities along the way. Overall, the cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycling distances from 45 to 73km/28 to 45mi. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos and perhaps a swim. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

Note:

High season 1 Jun - 30 Sep - supplement applies

Note:

Option to split day 7 into two days - La Tranche-sur-Mer / Marans (47 km/29mi) and Marans / La Rochelle (26 km/16mi) - supplement applies

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1590USD

Options & Supplements*

High season surchargeUSD$80
E-Bike supplementUSD$110
Single SupplementUSD$530
Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$570

*Prices listed are per person

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