From Angoulême to Royan via Oleron island by bike. Flow velo & velodyssee
Pricing informations
Tour description
From Angouleme to Royan via Oleron island by bike. Flow velo & Velodyssee
Along the Charente Valley you will discover the perfect combination of river, stone and vine. This cycling trip is largely based on the “Flow Vélo“, a cycle route linking the Dordogne to the Atlantic. We offer you a nice route on a pleasant white cycle path close to the river Charente, on small roads in the heart of the Cognac vineyards, through the Charente countryside. From Rochefort, the Flow vélo gives way to the Vélodyssée to reach, heading south, Marennes and the Oléron island, both famous for their oyster farming activities. Finally, you will reach Royan via a route through the forest and along the cliffs decorated with fishermen’s huts, the famous « carrelets ». A cycling trip for nature lovers and gourmet pleasures.
Starting from Angoulême, the capital of the comic strip, you will gently cycle along the Flow Vélo to discover the Charente vineyards and its bucolic countryside. A journey punctuated by villages, small churches, farms and bridges, all of which add to the charm of the region. Along the way you will reach the land of the “liquor of the Gods”: Cognac.
Your cycling route will take you further through the Saintonge region with its castles and Romanesque churches. Don’t miss a visit to the Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre in Saintes, which is truly spectacular. After Saintes, city of Art and History, head for Rochefort, an arsenal city nestled in one of the last loops of the Charente, well known for its “Corderie Royale“.
Change of scenery after Rochefort and oyster farming and oceanic atmosphere from now on. Welcome to the Charente-Maritime. You will cross the Charente one last time in the gondola of an amazing Pont Transbordeur before winding your way through the marshes of Marennes, in the heart of which the citadel of Brouage is surprisingly located. You can opt for an escapade on the island of Oléron, the most southern of the Atlantic coast islands, also known as the island of mimosas, before continuing your cyclinh holiday along the beaches and cliffs for a last night in Royan, at the gateway to the Gironde estuary.
You will be warmly welcomed every evening in 3-star hotels.
- A quiet greenway close to the Charente and the Cognac vineyards
- The cities of Art and History of Angoulême, Saintes and Rochefort
- The crossing of the Charente by the famous “Transborder” Bridge
- The unique citadel of Brouage, lost in the marshes
- An escapade on the island of Oléron, wild and authentic. Oyster tasting guaranteed!
- The “carrelets” hanging on the cliffs as you approach Royan
Program
Arrival at your accommodation in Angoulême. You will be welcomed in your hotel in the « old city ».
Delivery of documentation on the region and the road-book on which will be indicated your circuit.
Capital of comics, City of Art and History, Angoulême will seduce you with its southern atmosphere: cobbled streets and white stone house. Perched on a promontory and surrounded by ramparts, it overlooks the river Charente. Here comics are omnipresent and appear at all the corners of the streets.
Night in B&B in hôtel***
You will start your trip closer to the river of Charente, making a loop in Fléac, before reaching Trois-Palis and its famous chocolate factory.
In Saint-Simeux, you will enjoy to cross the bridge and admire the view of the church overlooking the valley, as well as old eel fisheries and water mill.
You will continue your journey along the Charent river, until you reach the picturesques villages of Vibrac and Jarnac inescapable, to finish the stage in Cognac, a city steeped in history, and world famous for its exceptional spirit.
Labeled City of art and history, Cognac is a city on a human scale that is full of architectural treasures, witnesses of the golden age of the trade of the precious beverage. The visit of one of its famous trading houses is inevitable!
Night in B&B in hôtel***
You leave Cognac and the department of Charente to enter the Charente Maritime. Not far from the river, enjoying the peaceful countryside, the cycle route will take you to Salignac-en-Charente where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the river. Your itinerary punctuated by villages and hamlets, will end in Saintes, in the Saintonge.
Founded by the Romans, “Mediolanum Santonum” was the capital of Aquitaine in the first century. From this prosperity, it preserves the Arc of Germanicus, a magnificent and vast amphitheater, vestiges of the baths and an aqueduct. Labeled city of Art and History, Saintes will also surprise you with its Abbaye-aux-Dames, a prestigious monastic complex, one of the jewels of the Romanesque art saintongeais.
Night in B&B in hôtel***
On this stage the route of the Flow Vélo, a little more hilly, offers authentic and varied landscapes, allowing you on several occasions to set foot on the ground:
The Port of Envaux, the château of Panloy in the style of Louis XV, the chateau of Crazannes, as well as its quarries of limestone, the small picturesque village of Saint-Savinien, « Small City of Character », and « villages of Stones and Water » are so essential on your course. You will finally reach Rochefort, a dynamic city facing the Charente estuary, with rich heritage.
Chosen by Colbert to become the largest military arsenal of the kingdom, the city is the home port of the famous frigate, the Hermione. You will also discover, the Corderie Royale, considered as the biggest manufactory of Europe, it is the most impressive monument of Rochefort; and its trans-ferry bridge, the very last of France.
Night in B&B in hôtel***
You will resume your journey on a pleasant road bike between two waters, joining the marshes crisscrossed by small canals. Possibility to cross the surprising Citadel of Brouage, lost in the middle of the marsh, before ending the day in Marennes, well known for its oyster production.
Night in B&B in hôtel***
From Marennes you will reach Bourcefranc, and take the Pont de l’Ile d’Oleron from where you will see Fort Louvois. The Ile d’Oléron, also called the Mimosa Island for its mild climate, has preserved its wild and authentic side. You will begin the discovery of the island by the Château d’Oléron, old fortified town with its citadel fortified by Vauban, then you will cross between the channels and the oyster huts on « La Route des Huîtres » before joining Saint-Pierre d’Oléron and its famous fishing port of Cotinière. You will then walk along the most beautiful beaches of the island, before ending this day by the Port des Salines which will reveal the history of the Oleron saliculture.
Night in B&B in the same hotel than the day before.
You itinerary takes you on the cycle path to go through the pine forest of the wild coast, the “Palmyre” where you can visit the zoo. It is easy to observe the animals. You will arrive to Royan by Saint Palais, the beaches of Vaux sur Mer, Pontaillac, and the marina. It is a stage marked by the intoxicating smell of maritime pines.
Royan is a modern resort city that hides some beautiful villas of time, an original covered market and a festive and lively waterfront.
Overnight and breakfast in a hotel***
Departure from Royan after Breakfast
Practical details
Luggages
The documents
Bikes
Accomodations
Support
We take care of transporting your luggage at each change of accommodation so that you travel light and take full advantage of your daily hike.
You leave your luggage at the reception of your accommodation before your departure .
At the end of the afternoon, you will find them at the reception of your new accommodation or directly in your room.
Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (20 kg maximum) + 1 piece of hand luggage.
We remind you that rental bicycles are equipped with saddlebags to be used to transport the things you deem useful for the day
Your travel record corresponds to the documents or files you receive before your trip (usually a month before) and upon arrival at the first accommodation.
It includes:
- A welcome letter with the main practical information:
- The time slot for baggage transport
- Details of the delivery and collection of bikes from rental if necessary
- Your local contact and telephone number (s) in case of emergency
- Any additional information
- The logbook travel package including map with the route (to the appropriate scale) and directional, tourist and practical indications
- The necessary voucher (s) to be given to the service provider (s) (only if necessary!)
On request and depending on the circuits:
- The “Evazio” application to download from smartphone for “GPS” navigation with visual guidance (reading of the track on the your smartphone) and / or oral.
- The application also contains practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no internet connection is necessary
- The loan of a GPS device with the pre-recorded tracks
- Sends GPX tracks of each stage to be used with your own navigation support
On this circuit, we suggest that you provide you with the choice and by reservation:
- A hybrid bike suitable for hiking and for the route
- An electric bike adapted to the route
With its equipment:
- 1 rear bag
- 1 handlebar bag
- 1 set of repair
- 1 helmet (on request)
- 1 anti-theft device
- 1 charger (for the electric bike)
For the youngest, we can offer depending on age and size
- A child’s bike
- A baby seat
- A trailer
- A follow-up bike
The bike is delivered to the first accommodation and is adjusted to your size.
At the end of the tour, the bike must be left at the last accommodation with its equipment. We will take care of their recovery.
This tour is available in a “superior” version :
The type of accommodation is classified into 3 ranges:
Comfort : The circuit mainly presents hotels classified 2 and 3 stars (or equivalent) and rooms of host.
Superior : The circuit mainly presents hotels classified 3 and 4 stars (or equivalent) and charming guest rooms.
Luxury : The circuit mainly presents 4 and 5 star hotels or equivalent
Our support team remains available for the duration of your trip.
