Atlantic Coast Cycle - Nantes to La Rochelle

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 Saint Pierre et Saint Pauls Cathedral, the castle of the dukes of Brittany and Passage Pommeraye, a famous shopping centre built in the 1840s and recognized as a historic monument thanks to its impressive architecture. Follow its Voyage green line, stretching over 20km and connecting must-see sights and artworks.

As you commence your cycle this morning along the mouth of the Loire you will encounter surprising works of art at unusual places. Passing Le Pellerin you will 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. The end of the day is in St-Brevin, a lively seaside resort on the Atlantic.

Ascent 1m, descent 18m

As you continue south of the Loire, La Vélodyssée has a maritime feel with sandy coves, jagged coastlines and small seaside resorts. 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 110m, descent 106m

Today, your ride will focus entirely on the sea, the beach, the forest and the dunes. You will cycle 18km along winding paths through the National forest of Pays de Monts, after which you will reach the seaside resort of St Jean de Monts. The highlight of today will be crossing the famous Gois causeway to the island of Noirmoutier, if the tides permit.

Ascent 35m, descent 34m

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. St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a working port and seaside resort is located on a river in an unforgettable location! Take some time to stroll around before continuing the route which heads towards Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Brem-sur-Mer and finally Les Sables-d’Olonne via the Port de Plaisance. A superb cycling day, this is an idyllic location for family seaside holidays.

Ascent 112m, descent 113m

A dream ride for this part of 'La Vélodyssée' you will cycle close to the sea, beaches and rocky coves. A beautiful trail and a real pleasure to ride along whilst breathing in the fresh sea air before turning back inland. After passing St-Vincent you will wind your way into the National Park of Longeville, meandering back towards the ocean on two occasions where the beach can be accessed easily. This are opportunities to swim today.

Ascent 102m, descent 115m

Cycle along the La Belle-Henriette Lagoon, which is separated from the ocean by a small stretch of sand, continuing to St-Michel-en-l’Herm through the marshes of Marais Poitevin. This landscape is dotted with farms, after which you will cross the Pont du Brault to reach the department of Charente-Maritime. Continue through the town of Marans to reach La Rochelle with its old towers and ruins from its past as a maritime harbour famous for trading with wine, salt and cheese.

Ascent 30m, descent 30m

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.

Your 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.