Ile d'Oléron and Ile de Ré by bike
A seaside stay discovering the famous cycling islands of Charente Maritime
© Aurélie Stapf - CRTPC
© Xavier Jouan - Pixabay
© Aurélie Stapf - CRTPC
© S. Cousin - CRTPC
© Aurélie Stapf - CRTPC
© Aurélie Stapf - CRTPC
© Aurélie Stapf - CRTPC
Highlights
La Rochelle, a real open-air museum
Rochefort and the Corderie royale
The charm of the Ile de Ré and the Ile d'Oléron by bike
Marennes oysters
The Vélodyssée cycle paths, a fully marked route
The beaches of the Atlantic Ocean
The sea crossing between the island of Oléron and La Rochelle
A bicycle trip on land and sea, along the Charentaise coasts
During this bike-touring stay - on a loop starting from La Rochelle - you will discover the authenticity and tranquility of the Charentais coast where the sea is always close to you.
The White City, nickname given to La Rochelle, offers you precious moments to stroll through its narrow streets, walk along its old port or to taste a delicious Italian gelato passing by the impressive watchtowers.
On your path, you stop at Rochefort. This town of Art and History is the home base for the famous recent reconstruction of La Fayette’s frigate (18th century): the Hermione. If the ship is not sailing, we recommend that you visit this wooden monument. Not far from there, the Corderie Royale is a very interesting museum on shipbuilding.
The island regions of Charente are favorable to relaxation. By bicycle on the Ile de Ré, you stroll between the immaculate white houses, through the vineyards and the salt marshes. You can also easily sunbathe on a white sandy beach. The Ile d’Oléron has nothing to envy its neighbor. With a strong military and religious heritage and an untamed coast that faces the Atlantic, its charms are many. Do not forget to take a few pictures of the famous Fort Boyard, when you reach La Rochelle by boat.
Every evening, you will enjoy the return of fishermen to the ports. Food lovers are delighted with seafood platters. Many restaurants promise you a gourmet table of fresh seafood.
This itinerary recalls the salty scents of the seaside holidays of our childhood. The warm sand, the scent of the sea breeze, the pine forests, surround you throughout your journey on the Vélodyssée cycle paths. This stay in Charente Maritime promises you sun, savoring, contemplation and relaxation!
Easy or 
Leisure La Rochelle, Ile de Ré Loop 54km 102m 
A day on the island of Ré. More than 120km of bikepaths make this island a paradise for cycling. Beautiful beaches await you, but also some of the most beautiful villages in France.
- For a few more km 66km 156m
Cross the Loix salt marshes and see the oyster beds at low tide
From LA ROCHELLE to ROCHEFORT 50km 123m
After a first part on the coast, the route continues inland up until Rochefort. You arrive on a city of the seventeenth century entirely turned towards the sea. Rochefort benefits from a remarkable architectural heritage with the famous royal ropery, entirely restored. It is from this city in April 2015 that the Hermione sailed, a reconstitution of the frigate of La Fayette to join the American Revolution in 1780.
From ROCHEFORT to SAINT-PIERRE-D’OLERON 58km 89m
You follow on the channel of the Charente. In Marennes, follow the direction to Oléron to take the bridge that passes over the sea. You reach a tourist rich island in the summer but it reveals more of its secrets if you venture on the small roads and paths that we recommend !
You reach the transporter bridge. An original experience to cross the river is to sit on this “suspension bridge”. Built in 1900, it works like a ferry, but literally suspended over the water, pulled by cables to cross from one bank to the other. There are only 7 left in the world!
- For a few more km 66km 141m
You leave Rochefort along the Charente.
From SAINT-PIERRE-D’OLERON to LA ROCHELLE 45km 101m
Make the most of this peaceful ride on the small roads and paths of the Ile d’Oléron. You will embark for a sea cruise which will take you to the port of La Rochelle.
Sea cruise from the Ile d'Oléron to La Rochelle
From Boyardville, you reach La Rochelle passing near the famous Fort Boyard. This building was built in order to protect the Charente estuary, Aixe and Rochefort island from attacks by enemy ships. Boat arrival in the heart of the city, at the foot of the famous towers.
LA ROCHELLE
End of your stay after breakfast.
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 770€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 760€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1325€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Price includes
- Accommodation: 5 nights in a Double room
- 5 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner with french topo maps
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- Day 5 : Sea crossing - BOYARDVILLE Oleron - LA ROCHELLE
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
- The tickets for the Martrou transporter bridge, between Rochefort and Echillais
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you by phone on your first day. He present you all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide)
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team 7 days a week
- A Luggage transfer service from 09:00 and with a delivery before 18:00. (one luggage and one bagback per person maximum)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring Bike (man)ARCADE ESCAPE 28″ wheels The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike. Supplied equipment per bike
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Touring Bike (woman)ARCADE ESCAPE 28″ wheels The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike. Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeSeveral models of ebikes available with : 28″ wheels A great alternative to travel more kilometers a day and support your efforts. Supplied equipment per bike
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Children Bike6 gears Recommended for children from 6-7 years old for a maximum height of 145 cm.
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Follow meIntermediate solution Recommended for children between 5 and 7 years old.
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Children trailerTwo places
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Getting here
Departure city : LA ROCHELLE
Coming by car
- at 4h45 from PARIS
- at 2h from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Parking*
- Parking gare de La Rochelle – EFFIA – LA ROCHELLE
- Esplanade des Parcs – LA ROCHELLE
Coming by train
- La Rochelle train station - 3h15 from Paris
Coming by plane
- La Rochelle airport
Arrival city : LA ROCHELLE
Coming by car
- at 4h45 from PARIS
- at 2h from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Coming by train
- La Rochelle train station - 3h15 from Paris
Coming by plane
- La Rochelle airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Duration 6 days and 5 nights
Level Easy ou Leisure
Departure date From April 15th to November 8th
Destination Atlantic Coast
La Vélodyssée I EV1
Themes Greenways & Canals
Family trips
Sea & Ocean
Electric bike trips
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
LA ROCHELLE
Arrive on your own to La Rochelle and check-in at your hotel. Enjoy your evening to discover this city anchored on the Atlantic coast. La Rochelle is experienced and discovered through its various ports and its rich and preserved heritage.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.