Vélodyssée, from La Rochelle to Arcachon
Vélodyssée, from La Rochelle to Arcachon
Cycle along the Atlantic coast between La Rochelle and Arcachon. The cycle paths of La Vélodyssée guide you through the varied landscapes of the coastline.
Pedal through pine forests or along immense beaches, through marshes or along the wild coastline. Cross estuaries and admire unspoilt lakes. The Atlantic coast is a bit of all this… and much more. Embark on this beautiful odyssey!
Highlights of your vacation on the Vélodyssée :
– La Rochelle and its old port
– Rochefort and the Corderie Royale
– Royan and Arcachon
– The variety of the Atlantic coastline
– The cycle paths of the Vélodyssée
– The wild coastline between La Tremblade and Royan
– The Médoc, its lakes and pine forests
– The magnificent beaches between Montalivet and Cap Ferret
– The landscapes of the Bassin d’Arcachon
Local agency
Our cycling specialist takes care of all aspects of the trip.
Cycle along the Atlantic coast between La Rochelle and Arcachon. The cycle paths of La Vélodyssée guide you through the varied landscapes of the coastline. Pedal through pine forests or along immense beaches, through marshes or along the wild coastline. Cross estuaries and admire unspoilt lakes. The Atlantic coast is a little of all this… and much more. Embark on this beautiful odyssey!
Highlights of your vacation on the Vélodyssée :
– La Rochelle, Rochefort, Royan and Arcachon
– The variety of the Atlantic coastline
– The cycle paths of the Vélodyssée
– The wild coastline between La Tremblade and Royan
– The Médoc, its lakes and pine forests
– The magnificent beaches between Montalivet and Cap Ferret
– The landscapes of the Bassin d’Arcachon
Detailled itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in La Rochelle
Settle into your conveniently-located hotel and take a stroll to discover the treasures of La Rochelle.
D2 : Free day in La Rochelle
Morning bike delivery. Adjustments if required. Take a bike tour of the Ile de Ré OR visit the city center or the ramparts, admire the magnificent towers protecting the old port, soak up the unique atmosphere of Le Gabut or take a detour through the gates that once guarded the walled city. La Rochelle is a great place to live!
Day 3: La Rochelle to Rochefort (49 km)
This first cycling stage takes you first to Châteillalon-Plage and the Pointe des Boucholeurs. Enjoy the magnificent “Belle Époque” style summer residences, the casino or the beautiful beach. The Vélodyssée follows its course along the coast. Next stop: Fouras and the Pointe de la Fumée. This charming seaside resort is also the port of embarkation for Ile d’Aix. On a clear day, it’s the best place to see Fort Boyard. Arrival in Rochefort in the afternoon. This spa town was also for a long time the arsenal of the King of France. You can visit the Corderie Royale, the magnificent building and museum of this former rope-making workshop.
Day 4: Rochefort to La Tremblade (47 km)
Today you’ll discover the varied landscapes of Charente Maritime. The day begins along the Charente, which you cross after Tonnay-Charente to cycle through the fields. Then it’s on to the Seudre, its marshes and canals lined with colorful huts. Finally, you reach Marennes and La Tremblade, two pretty seaside resorts surrounded by pine trees.
Optional: entrance to the Corderie Royale in Rochefort.
Day 5: La Tremblade to Royan (39 km)
Cycle through the pine forests along the “wild coast”. In La Palmyre, you can visit the zoo. You enter Royan via the magnificent beaches of Saint-Palais, Vaux-sur-Mer and Pontaillac. Royan is a lively, modern seaside town with beautiful Belle Époque mansions, an original covered market and a charming harbor.
D6: Royan to Montalivet (38 km)
Cross the Gironde estuary by ferry with bike and luggage to reach the Médoc! From Verdon-sur-Mer, pedal along a beautiful cycle path to Soulac. The fine sandy beaches and ocean stretch as far as the eye can see. The stage ends in Montalivet, a charming little village wedged between pine forests, marshes and the ocean.
D7: Montalivet to Lacanau Océan (50 km)
After breakfast, the route winds between lakes, pine forests and the ocean. Stop at Hourtin to admire France’s largest freshwater lake. The route continues through unspoilt natural areas with beautiful dunes, pretty lakes and immense beaches. Lacanau-Océan is a famous surfing spot and the whole town is imbued with a unique atmosphere.
Day 8: Lacanau Océan to Arcachon via Cap Ferret (53 km)
Keep heading south towards Arcachon. You’ll ride mainly on dedicated cycle paths along the coast, between dunes and forest. You’ll pass by some of the best beaches on the Aquitaine coast, including a 13 km-long, undeveloped beach, before arriving at Le Porge. The route continues to Cap Ferret, passing through the beautiful countryside and typical villages of the Bassin d’Arcachon. Take the ferry to Arcachon, where you spend the night.
D9 : Arcachon
End of trip after breakfast.
General information :
– 8 days and 7 nights
– Level 1 cycling
– Comfort level of accommodation: 2*, 3*, 4*.
– Price: from €1199/person
– Dates 2025: Daily, April 15 to October 15.
Includes:
– Free online tour
– 7 nights with breakfast
– Crossings of Royan, Cap Ferret and Arcachon
– Luggage transfer (max 23 kg)
– Application with day-by-day itinerary
– Breakdown assistance (except flat tire)
Options :
– VTC or Vélo à Assistance Électrique rental
– Additional night(s) in La Rochelle and/or Arcachon
– Paper logbook
– Theft guarantee for rented bike
– Cancellation and comprehensive insurance
Terrain :
Flat, almost no gradient. Itinerary mainly on cycle paths and secondary roads.
roads.
Technicity :
– Cycling: 38 to 53 km per day, i.e. 3 to 6 hours of cycling.
– Route largely signposted, roadbook and map reading useful.
Meals :
– Breakfasts: copious (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice).
– Lunch: not included
– Dinners: not included
Bikes:
– Rental bike: VTC 21 speeds or VAE (500 W battery). Rental bikes are delivered to and collected
and collected directly from your accommodation. They are equipped with a front pannier, a rear pannier, a bottle cage, an anti-theft device and a repair kit.
– Personal bikes: We do not recommend road bikes with small tires. Mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to have your bike serviced before you leave.
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