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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 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.
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21kg of CO2-e PP per day
(146kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Nantes
Arrive in Nantes and make your way to the hotel. Nantes is the largest, and one of the most beautiful, towns on the Loire. If you have time, take a walk through the charming town centre to view Nantes Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul), the castle of the Dukes of Brittany and Passage Pommeraye, a shopping centre built in the 1840s and recognized as an historic monument thanks to its impressive architecture. Follow its Green Line (Ligne Verte), stretching over 20km and connecting must-see sights and artworks.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Follow the Loire to Paimboeuf, continue south to seaside 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 in unusual places. Passing Le Pellerin, 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. Today's destination is St-Brevin, a lively seaside resort on the Atlantic. Ascent 91m, descent 89m
Meals: B
Day 3
Discover Atlantic coast scenery en route to Bouin (57km/35.6mi)
Continuing south of the Loire, La Vélodyssée has a maritime feel, with sandy coves, jagged coastlines and small seaside resorts along the way. 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 195m, descent 199m
Day 4
Coastal cycling and through the Pays de Monts to Saint-Jean-de-Monts (44km/27.5mi)
The focus of this stage is the sea, the beach, the forest and the dunes. There are 18km of winding paths through the Pays de Monts national forest, after which you will reach the seaside resort of St-Jean-de-Monts. A highlight is crossing the famous Gois causeway to the island of Noirmoutier, tides permitting. (Accessible only at low tide). Ascent 73m, descent 70m
Day 5
Cycle past Sion-sur-l'Océan 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 and St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a working port and seaside resort. Take some time to stroll around before continuing your cycle towards Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Brem-sur-Mer and finally Les Sables-d’Olonne via the Port de Plaisance. A superb cycling day ending in an idyllic location for family seaside holidays. Ascent 177m, descent 167m
Day 6
Follow the coast to La Tranche sur Mer with swimming opportunities (46km/28.7mi)
A dream ride for this part of 'La Vélodyssée' as you cycle close to the sea, beaches and rocky coves. It's a beautiful trail, breathing in the fresh sea air before you head inland. After passing Saint-Vincent you will wind your way into the National Park of Longeville, meandering back towards the ocean on two occasions where the beach can easily be accessed. A quick dip is a must! Ascent 165m, descent 168m
Day 7
Cycle to La Rochelle (73km/45mi)
Today's cycle is along the La Belle-Henriette Lagoon, which is separated from the sea by a narrow stretch of sand, before leading you into La Faute-sur-Mer which stretches endlessly towards the point of Arçay. The route then heads inland to St-Michel-en-l’Herm through the reclaimed marshes of Marais Poitevin, a great expanse of drainage channels and cultivated land dotted with farms and sheds. Cross the Pont du Brault to reach the department of Charente-Maritime in the ancient district of Aunis. Continue through the town of Marans, once an important lookout point, to reach La Rochelle. La Rochelle is a vibrant town, with its old towers, remains from the original defensive walls, and remnants of its past as a maritime harbour famous for trading with wine, salt and cheese. Ascent 44m, descent 49m 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.
Day 8
Trip concludes (or extend your stay cycle on the beautiful Île de Ré)
The trip concludes this morning after breakfast. At the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and facing the islands of Ré, Aix and Oléron, we recommend extending your stay to take time to explore the area - please ask for our 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. 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.
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 - Follow 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 grade with daily cycling distances from 44 to 73km/27.5 to 45mi (with the option to split the 73km day - must be requested at time of booking). 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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