Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nantes
Discover the artistic charms and historical secrets of this gorgeous city settled on the Loire river banks. Its magnificent houses in the older districts, its cathedral and its Ducs de Bretagne Chateau are all breathtakingly stunning.
Day 2: Nantes - Saint-Brevin les Pins (58 km / 36 miles)
This first stage takes you to the Loire River estuary with its wild, untamed lands of marsh and countryside, before breathing the salt fresh sea air in Saint Brévin les Pins. Enjoy the beautiful beaches.
Day 3: Saint-Brevin les Pins - Bouin (53 km / 33 miles)
Discover the oyster capital of the Vendée area. The former island is now protected by dikes and polders - a unique part of France. Watch the salt marshland workers and don't forget to taste some oysters at Port du Bec, enjoying the view over Noirmoutier island.
Day 4: Bouin - Saint Jean de Monts (55 km / 34 miles)
Follow the cycling paths through dunes and forests, and admire the 20th century villas all along the way. After the small loop around Noirmoutier island, a beautiful fine white sandy beach is waiting for you at Saint Jean de Monts.
Day 5: Saint Jean de Monts - Les Sables d'Olonne (54 km / 33 miles)
Between Sion and St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, ride among the picturesque rocks of Cinq-Pinteaux and Trou du Diable. Discover the old fishing port of St-Hilaire-de-Riez before reaching the famous Vendée Globe and Les Sables d’Olonne. There you can taste delicacies from the ocean, such as the famous sablaise sardine.
Day 6: Les Sables d'Olonne - La Tranche sur Mer (47 km / 29 miles)
On the first part of this stage, you will follow the coastline, from beaches to rocky creeks, before riding along the Payré estuary with its astonishing and contrasting colours. Leave your bike for a while to have a swim or relax on one of the beautiful beaches, like Conche beach. Head, next, for La Tranche sur Mer, a famous seaside resort dedicated to board sports.
Day 7: La Tranche sur Mer - La Rochelle (73 km / 45 miles)
Ride through the landscape of the Marais Poitevin and follow the Voies Vertes cycle paths, entering the village of Marans. Visit the church and its impressive glass and metal bell tower. Continue to La Rochelle with its old towers, remains from the old defensive walls. You’ll enjoy the charms of the old city bathed with warm and welcoming lights.
Day 8: La Rochelle
Departure after breakfast.
What's Included
24 hour emergency back up support
7 nights in small & intimate hotels or B&B's
Bed & Breakfast
Luggage transfers between hotels
1 evening meal
Local taxes
Trip planner with route notes and maps
What's Not Included
Flights
Bike Hire
Insurance
Lunch & 6 evening meals
Drinks
Transfers to the start and return
Ferries and admissions to museums