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Velodyssee – Tour of Charente Islands by bike – Family tour

Price per person

From 940€

Type of stay

Bicycle trip

Location

La Rochelle - France

Duration

7 days

Difficulty

Departures

From April 15 to September 30

Capacity

2 people minimum

Reference

Cyclo 45

Your stay

Follow the Vélodyssée cycle route and the Atlantic coast on a 100% coastal itinerary to explore the seaside resorts of Charente and the islands off their shores.

From La Rochelle, let yourself be guided from north to south along this coastal route. Day trips to the islands of Ré, Aix and Oléron will round off this peaceful break in Charente-Maritime.

As well as the towns of La Rochelle, Fouras and Marennes, you’ll also spend one night in Rochefort, a naval port with a rich heritage.

This holiday, alternating between towns and island getaways, offers a variety of landscapes as the days go by. The hustle and bustle of the seaside resorts will soon give way to peace and tranquillity as you explore the natural landscapes at the heart of the Charente islands. Every evening, you’ll stay in towns where numerous restaurants will be ready to welcome you and treat you to the region’s local specialities: seafood, potatoes from the Île de Ré, Charente-style grissons, or even the famous Charente melon! There’ll be something to suit every taste.

You’ll receive a warm welcome every evening in 3- or 4-star hotels (potential 2-star hotel in Fouras)

You'll enjoy :

The laid-back lifestyle of the Atlantic coast
The towns of La Rochelle, Rochefort and Marennes
The region’s culinary specialities
3 unique islands in 1 tour

Back to travel

Daily program

Day1 - Arrival in La Rochelle

Arrival at your accommodation in La Rochelle. You will be welcomed at a 3- or 4-star hotel. You will be given information leaflets about the region and a travel itinerary setting out your itinerary.

La Rochelle, a city renowned for its history, is a lively and popular tourist destination. Here you can enjoy the old harbour and its towers, which guarded the entrance from the 13th to the 15th century, the city centre and its arcades, as well as the 15th-century town hall.

Overnight stay with breakfast in a 3-star hotel.

Day 2 - The Ré island (from La Rochelle to Saint-Martin-de-Ré)

Opportunity to explore further afield on the Île de Ré + 20 km

A day exploring the Île de Ré. After crossing the Île de Ré bridge, you’ll pass through the town of Rivedoux and then the village of La Flotte-en-Ré (dating from the 18th century) with its fishing boats, before reaching Saint-Martin-de-Ré with its fortifications and fort. If you’d like to extend your journey, you can follow the oyster beds, the salt marshes and the L’Îleau des Niges nature reserve.

Return to La Rochelle by boat in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay with breakfast in 3* hotel.

Day 3 - From La Rochelle to Fouras

Today’s cycle route follows the coast, passing through the lively town of Chatelaillon – one of the prettiest seaside resorts in Charente-Maritime, with its Belle Époque villas and the village of Les Bouchôleurs – offering the chance to stop off and enjoy a delicious seafood platter in one of the charming, traditional wooden huts. You will then cycle through the Baie d’Yves nature reserve. You’ll finish your journey in Fouras, a small seaside resort opposite the Île d’Aix.

Overnight stay with breakfast in a 2* or 3* hotel.

Day 4 - From Aix island to Rochefort

We recommend a short trip to the Île d’Aix. You’ll board the ferry at Pointe de la Fumée, just a short cycle ride from your hotel. After a 30-minute crossing, during which you’ll catch sight of Fort Enet and Fort Boyard, you’ll arrive on the most idyllic of the Charente islands: Île d’Aix.

Accessible only by boat, this island – designated a ‘remarkable natural site’ – can only be explored on foot, by bike or by horse-drawn carriage. The 15 km of footpaths and cycle paths criss-crossing the island will allow you to explore this little corner of paradise, where nature reigns supreme, at a leisurely pace.

On your return from Île d’Aix, you’ll round off your day with a pleasant stroll along the right bank of the Charente estuary and its marshes, before heading back to Rochefort.

A vibrant town overlooking the Charente estuary, with a rich heritage. Founded in the 17th century as a centre for shipbuilding, this town is home to the original and unique Eiffel transporter bridge.

Overnight stay with breakfast in a 3* hotel.

Day 5 - From Rochefort to Marennes

You’ll continue your journey along a pleasant cycle route between two bodies of water, taking in the marshes criss-crossed by small canals.

Pass through the remarkable Citadel of Brouage, tucked away in the middle of the marshes, before ending the day in Marennes, well known for its oyster production.

Overnight stay and breakfast at a 3* hotel.

Day 6 - The Oléron island (from Marennes to Boyardville)

Setting off from Marennes, you’ll head to Bourcefranc and cross the Île d’Oléron Bridge, from where you’ll catch a glimpse of Fort Louvois.

The Île d’Oléron, also known as the ‘Island of Mimosas’ due to its mild climate, has managed to preserve its wild and authentic character. You’ll begin your exploration of the island at the Château d’Oléron, a former stronghold with a citadel fortified by Vauban, then wind your way through the channels and past the oyster huts along the Oyster Route before reaching Saint-Pierre d’Oléron and finally the seaside resort of Boyardville, with its fishing and marina harbour. The village is bordered to the north by the Saumonards Forest and to the south by the Fort Royer oyster farm. The large beach of fine sand, with its breathtaking view of Fort Boyard, is the hallmark of the area. The calm waters are ideal for family swimming.

Return to La Rochelle by boat in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay and breakfast in hotel 3* in La Rochelle

Day 7 - Departure

Departure after breakfast

rates

Price per person

April 15 to May 31: 940 €
June 01 to September 30: 1045 €
Child discount (sharing a room with two other people paying the standard rate): -35 %

The price includes

6 nights in 3* or 4* hotels (may be a 2* hotel in Fouras) with breakfast (in a double or twin room)
A road book
1 GPS app with step-by-step route guidance
Luggage transfer at each stage
Boat transfer from St-Martin-en-Ré to La Rochelle
Boat transfer from Boyardville to La Rochelle
Telephone support 7 days a week (7.30 am – 8.30 pm)

Supplements

Touring bike hire: 160 €
E-bike: 250 €
Gravel bike: 250 €
Child bike: 60 €

Further information

We take care of transporting your luggage every time you change accommodation, so you can travel light and enjoy your day’s hiking.

Leave your luggage at the reception desk of your accommodation before departure.

At the end of the afternoon, you’ll meet them at the reception desk of your new accommodation or directly in your room.

Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (maximum 23 kg) + 1 carry-on.

Your travel file corresponds to the documents or files you receive prior to your trip (generally one month before) and/or on arrival at your first accommodation.

It includes :

A welcome letter with key practical information:

Baggage transport times
Details of delivery and collection of rental bikes if required
Your local contact and emergency telephone number(s)
Any additional information

Travel book including maps with routes (at the appropriate scale) and directional, tourist and practical information

Any necessary vouchers to be given to the service provider(s)

On request and depending on the tour:

Download the “Evazio” application onto your smartphone for GPS navigation with visual (reading the route on your smartphone screen) and/or spoken guidance. The application also contains practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no Internet connection is required.
Loan of a GPS device with pre-recorded tracks
Send GPX tracks of each stage for use with your own navigation device

On this tour, we can provide you with a choice of the following, upon reservation:

A touring bike adapted to the ride and the route

An ebike adapted to the ride and the route

With these equipments:

1 rear bag
1 handlebar bag
1 repair kit
1 helmet (on request)
1 anti-theft device
1 charger (for electric bike)

For the youngest, we can provide depending on the age and the height :

A child’s bike
A baby seat
A trailer
A follower bike

The bike is adjusted to your size and delivered to the first accommodation.

At the end of the tour, the bike must be left at the last accommodation with its equipment. We’ll take care of collecting them.

This tour is offered in the “superior” category

Hotel categories :

Comfort: The tour features mainly 2 and 3-star hotels (or equivalent comfort level) and bed & breakfasts.
Superior: The tour features mainly 3- and 4-star hotels (or equivalent level of comfort) and charming bed & breakfasts.
Luxury: The tour features mainly 4- and 5-star hotels (or equivalent level of comfort).

For the duration of your stay, our telephone assistance service is available: