La Velodyssée - From La Rochelle to Royan
A beautiful bike tour of 7 days through the Charente Maritime and the beautiful Ile de Ré and Ile d'Oleron.
© Aurélie Stapf - CRTPC
© VP - CRTPC
© Jebulon - Wikimedia Commons
© Aurélie Stapf - CRTPC
© S. Cousin - CRTPC
@ Pline - Wikimedia Commons
Highlights
La Rochelle, a true open-air museum
Rochefort and the Royal Ropery
The charm of the Ile de Ré and Ile d'Oléron by bike
The oysters of Marennes
The bike paths of the Vélodyssée, a fully marked route
The beaches of the Atlantic Ocean
Vacations on the Vélodyssée and the Charente Islands
Discover a beautiful 7-day cycling itinerary along the coast of Charente Maritime and its magnificent Ile de Ré and Ile d'Oléron, popular haunts for walkers and bike travelers. A sporting and contemplative interlude where each pedal stroke reveals a new horizon, a new fragrance, a new flavor.
Whether you’re traveling as a family, a duo, with friends or on your own, this experience promises unforgettable sensory and emotional discovery. Let yourself be carried away by the peaceful rhythm of a bike trip, where the sea breeze caresses your skin and the song of the seagulls accompanies your journey. Each day is an invitation to wonder, an opportunity to reconnect with what’s essential.
From the vibrant town of La Rochelle, whose ancient stones tell the story of centuries of maritime history, to Royan and its bold 50s architecture, the journey is punctuated by cultural and natural treasures. Along the way, the island of Ré unfolds its luminous landscapes by bike, between endless beaches and salt marshes, while the wilder island of Oléron invites you to contemplate pine forests and fishing villages where time seems suspended. And Rochefort, a reminder of the France’s maritime might, invites you to take a trip back in time.
The Vélodyssée winds its way through a mosaic of landscapes. Here, a golden beach fringed by rolling dunes, there, a pine forest echoing with the song of cicadas, and further afield, an authentic fishing port where boats sway gently under the setting sun. Each stage is a promise of escape, an invitation to slow down and observe, breathe and feel.
The journey is also a gastronomic odyssey. Oysters from Marennes-Oléron, mussels a la plancha, galettes charentaises and local wines punctuate the gourmet breaks and offer a foretaste of the land. The colorful, lively markets are an opportunity to savor fresh, local produce in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
The peace and quiet of the Eurovélo 1 cycle routes, with their beautiful greenways, allow you to travel in total serenity, lulled by the surrounding nature. The expanses of marshland offer refuge to a rich and varied fauna: graceful egrets, majestic storks and herons punctuate the scenery. The scents of the sea mingle with those of pine and immortelle, creating a soothing, invigorating atmosphere.
Cycling along the Vélodyssée also gives you the freedom to stop according to your whims. A secluded beach invites you to take a refreshing dip, a small sunny terrace to enjoy a contemplative coffee break, a relaxing path leads to a breathtaking view of the ocean. Encounters with the locals, always willing to share an anecdote or a tip, add to the richness of the trip.
Day after day, the magic happens. Effort becomes pleasure, breath becomes harmony, and the landscapes crossed leave an indelible imprint on memories. The Vélodyssée between La Rochelle and Royan is much more than a simple bike ride, it’s a real human and sensory adventure, a return to authenticity, a bucolic and curious exploration.
Discover the Vélodyssée in video:
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.
SAINT-PIERRE-D’OLERON, BOUCLE DE L’ILE D’OLERON 51km 104m
After a first part of the itinerary along the west coast of the island you reach Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron and the Forêt des Saumonards, a fantastic pine forest on the east coast of the island of Oléron, overlooking the island of Aix and Fort Boyard. You then cross the oyster beds and walk along the beaches to the Château d’Oléron and its citadel, which Richelieu ordered to be built in 1630 on the remains of the old medieval castle.
- For a few more km 71km 150m
Drive north towards the village of Domino, where you can admire the charming traditional houses of oléron. Continue on to the Chassiron lighthouse, a high point offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s coastline. After climbing the steps to the lighthouse, continue on to the Douhet marshes. Here, you can observe a variety of birds and enjoy the tranquility of the salt marshes.
From SAINT-PIERRE-D’OLERON to ROYAN 66km 169m
You leave the island early in the morning to continue your descent to the south. You cross the river of La Seudre. The landscape then changes. The forest takes more space and allows you to ride in the shelter of pines and holm oaks. You go to Palmyra known in France for its big zoo. Then, still along the coast, you glimpse the Gironde estuary and Royan where you will enjoy a night on the port.
ROYAN
End of stay in Royan after your 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 835€/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 860€/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.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 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
- Topo maps
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits and other personal expenses
Homemade and fully tested itineraries
- Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
- Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
- A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.
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 whenever you need
- A Luggage transfer service from 09:00 am and with a delivery before 06:00 pm. (one lugage 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 (woman)ARCADE ESCAPE 28″ wheels The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike. Supplied equipment per bike
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Children trailerTwo places
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Touring Bike (man)ARCADE ESCAPE 28″ wheels The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike. 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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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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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 : ROYAN
Coming by car
- at 5h from PARIS
- at 1h45 from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Coming by train
- Royan train station - 4h30 from Paris
- Bordeaux train station - 2h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Bordeaux airport
- 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.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Royan to La Rochelle in 1h30
- Return by car in 1h15 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
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 7 days and 6 nights
Level Leisure
Departure date From April 15th to September 30th
Destination Atlantic Coast
EuroVelo 1
La Vélodyssée I EV1
See detailed prices
Personalized service 
Easy , 
Expert , 
Aventure
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.