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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • hotels
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1890USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: LRA

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through stunning and diverse landscapes including forest trails, past dunes and endless beaches
  • Visiting fishing ports and sampling fresh seafood in true French style
  • Cycling along the Atlantic route of La Vélodyssée
  • Discovering the famous vineyards of the Medoc including "Chateau Margaux"

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 begins from 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. Cycle through the Charente Maritime to discover long sandy beaches, vast marshes, oyster basins and the landscapes of the Médoc as you pedal along the Atlantic coast. Pass by the beautiful seaside resorts of Aquitaine including Soulac-sur-Mer, Montalivet-les-Bains and Hourtin before deviating off the route and through the world famous Medoc wine region. Here you can sample delectable wines including from "Chateau Margaux". The cycle ends in the beautiful city of Bordeaux with its grand buildings, cycle friendly riverside, historic heart and a multitude of attractions.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

On arrival in La Rochelle, check-in at your hotel. Take a stroll through the capital of Charente-Maritime, a town that is vibrant and full of character and well known for its mild climate. Discover the lively Vieux Port full of outdoor cafe's, busy shopping streets and many town monuments.

Meals:  Nil

As the famous towers which defend the port of La Rochelle fade into the background, a cycle path takes you to the Port of Minimes, then onto the Cove of Godechaud, right next to the sea. Soon after you reach the delightful Bay of Chatelaillon offering a very pleasant stopping point. Later there is a pretty seaside section before heading back inland towards the ‘royal city’ of Rochefort. The middle section of this route takes you through farmland before you reach the remarkable town of Rochefort, a real highlight. +278m/917ft, -265m/875ft

Meals:  B

Leaving behind Rochefort, with its gardens on the banks of the Charente and its transporter bridge of Martrou, you take the former steam-train tracks – now a greenway. Here La Velodysse´meets the marshes, criss-crossed with little channels, before heading onto the oyster centre of Marennes. The Marennes Country, home to the leading oyster farms in Europe, spreads over salt marshes and the Seudre estuary. The end of your cycling day is in La Tremblade, an authentic village. In summer, the sea festival is a must: traditional boats, an oyster opening competition, giant eclades (mussels cooked under pine needles set alight) and fireworks! +201m/663ft, -209m/690ft

Meals:  B

You start today along the famous Côte Sauvage or wild coast. Here cycle paths are numerous and a truly memorable part of the route takes you through the forest of Coubre (and its lighthouse "Phare de la Coubre"). Enjoy the splendid sea views as you pedal along the coast. Following cycle lanes, the itinerary weaves through the coastal forest and an array of pretty beaches, one of which is the charming village of Saint-Palais, before reaching the sandy beaches of Royan. All you have to do is to enjoy this seaside resort and catch a boat tomorrow morning! +256m/845ft, -250m/825ft

Meals:  B

A short ferry ride takes you across the estuary of the Gironde to reach the region of Medoc, famous for its great wines. Upon entering the Gironde, a new world reveals itself. Pleasant cycle lanes wind their way from Verdon to the charming Soulac-sur-Mer with its lively streets and pretty seaside villas. Continue along the path towards Montalivet where the sea entices you in for a cooling dip; Then head south to Hourtin, along a forested trail which is most pleasant in warmer weather. The town of Hourtin is located Welcome to Hourtin, on the edge of the largest freshwater lake in France, Lac d'Hourtin. 279m/921ft, -273m/900ft

Meals:  B

Through a long forest trail, the route this morning leaving Hourtin takes you to the bank of the estuary of the Gironde and the vineyards of Pauillac. A day to discover the real natural diversity of the Medoc. The end of your cycling day takes you through the most renowned international vineyards, you stop in the prestigious village of Margaux, land of “Grands Crus”. +323m/1065ft, -326m/1075ft

Meals:  B,D

For your last day on the bike, pedal from the prestigious “Chateau Margaux” and cross the vineyards until you reach the gates of Bordeaux. Enter in the beautiful old center, cross the city along the banks of the Garonne and end this adventure on the famous “Place de la Bourse”. In Bordeaux, the old town is closed to cars, and is ideal for walking. Discover the medieval streets and the magnificent white stone buildings. +389m/1284ft, -398m/1315ft

Meals:  B

After breakfast, the trip concludes. Some time left? We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to visit the beautiful Bordeaux!

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

  • 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner. 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

  • Travel to La Rochelle and from Bordeaux
  • 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
  • We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder - to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate  

The route follows the 'La Vélodyssée cycle route on days 2 to 5 along dedicated cycleways and days 6 to 7 on quiet roads that give easy access to historic towns and cities along the way. Overall, the cycling is moderate (3) grade particularly if you elect to rent an e-bike, with daily cycling distances from 34 to 72km/21 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 24 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
Note:
High season is 23 May to 30 Sep- 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

$1890USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike SupplementUSD$370
  • Single Supplement - Low SeasonUSD$570
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - Low SeasonUSD$600
  • Single Supplement - High SeasonUSD$650
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonUSD$680
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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