La Rochelle to Royan

After making your own way to Rochelle and checking into your hotel you will have the afternoon / evening to enjoy this Atlantic-coast city. This city established itself through its port and rich heritage, which can be seen in its beautiful stone architecture.

Your first day will be spend on the island of Ré, an island which can be discovered perfectly on bike with its over 120km of cycle paths. The landscape of the island provides gorgeous beaches and scattered beautiful villages. If you want to spend more time appreciating the scenery and less cycling, there is the option to shorten the cycling for the day.

Now you’ve enjoyed a few days by the ocean, it’s time to head slightly away from it with the destination of Rochefort, a city built facing the sea that was established in the seventeenth century. The architecture here is incredible, for example the famous royal ropery, a fascinating place to visit. In April 2015 the Hermione sailed from here, which was a reconstruction of the frigate of La Fayette to join the American Revolution in 1780.

Now it’s time to leave Rochefort, following the Charente River to the ferry bridge, this was built in 1900 and resembles a suspension bridge which allows you to cross from one side of the river to the other. It works like a ferry, but it hangs over the water being pulled up by cables from one side to the other. Incredibly it’s one of 7 in the world! Now you will continue down the route of the Vélodyssée, which goes along the channel of the Charente. Once you get to the Marennes, the direction to Oléron goes on a bridge that passes over the sea. This island is popular with tourists and there are also hidden gems on hidden back streets to be found.

The morning will start off with a route along the west coast of the island before reaching St Pierre d’Oléron and the Forêt des Saumonards on the east coast, this is a pine forest which overlooks the island of Aix and Fort Boyard. From here you will cross the oyster beds and beaches to the Château d’Oleron with its citadel, which Richelieu initiated in 1630 on remains of the previous medieval castle.

Early in the morning it’s time to say goodbye to Ile O’oleron, to continue down southwards on the mainland. Once you cross the La Suedre River you will notice the landscape begin to change, the forest becomes larger with its gorgeous pines and holm oaks branching out. Along the way you will stop in Palmyra, famous for its big zoo. Gliding along the gorgeous coast you will eventually get to Royan, a beautiful port city.

Have one last breakfast and then your stay will come to an end