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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.
More info about grading system
21kg of CO2-e PP per day
(147kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive La Rochelle
On arrival in La Rochelle, check-in at your hotel. La Rochelle is the capital of Charente-Maritime and is famous for its well-preserved history and architecture, including the iconic medieval towers that once protected its port. It is vibrant and full of character, and known for its mild climate. Discover the lively Vieux Port full of outdoor cafes, busy shopping streets and many town monuments.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Rochefort (48.5km/30.3mi)
As the famous towers of La Rochelle fade from view, a cycle path takes you to the Port of Minimes, the largest marina in France for pleasure boats, and on to the Cove of Godechaud, right next to the sea. Soon after you reach the delightful Bay of Châtelaillon, a pleasant stopping point. Later there is a pretty seaside section before the route heads inland. Cycle through farmland before you reach the remarkable town of Rochefort, a real highlight. 305m/1000ft ascent, 223m/731ft descent
Meals: B
Day 3
Discover Atlantic coast scenery enroute to La Tremblade (46km/29mi)
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 Velodyssee' 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 this stage is 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! 88m/288ft ascent, 96m/315ft descent
Day 4
Continue past beaches and through the Palmyre forests to Royan (39km/24.5mi)
You start today along the famous 'Côte Sauvage' (wild coast). Here cycle paths are numerous and a truly memorable part of the route takes you through the forest of Coubre (and past its lighthouse "Phare de la Coubre"). Enjoy 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! 124m/409ft ascent, 118m/387ft descent
Day 5
Ferry to the Medoc Coast, cycle to Hourtin (72km/45mi)
A short ferry (bac) ride takes you across the estuary of the Gironde to 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 towards Montalivet where the sea entices for a cooling dip... Then head south to Hourtin, along a forested trail which is most pleasant in warmer weather. Hourtin is located on the edge of the largest freshwater lake in France, Lac d'Hourtin. Note: The ferry crossing from Royan to Le Verdon takes around 20-25 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on site before boarding. Also note: While your luggage is transferred between the hotels and the ferry pier, you need to carry your luggage with you onboard the ferry. Some customers find it a bit challenging to board with bikes and luggage, so it's important to plan accordingly for a smoother experience. 138m/453ft ascent, 132m/433ft descent
Day 6
Cycle to the heart of the Medoc, Margaux (69km/43mi)
Through a long forest trail, the route leaving Hourtin takes you to the banks of the estuary of the Gironde and the vineyards of Pauillac. It's a day to discover the natural diversity of the Medoc. End your cycling day through the most renowned international vineyards, where you stop in the prestigious village of Margaux, land of “Grands Crus”. 227m/745ft ascent, 230m/755ft descent
Meals: B,D
Day 7
Cycle to Bordeaux (34km/21mi)
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 the beautiful old centre, cross the city along the banks of the Garonne, and end your 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. 258m/846ft ascent, 267m/876ft descent
Day 8
Trip concludes
After breakfast, the trip concludes. We recommend extending your stay here, time permitting - please ask for our extra night rates.
What's included
What's not included
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.
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.
GRADE 3 - 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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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.
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6Days
Introductory to Moderate
8Days
Moderate
4Days