La Vélodyssée: From Nantes to Bordeaux
Day 1
62 km
Nantes → Saint-Brévin-les-Pins
Leave the bustle of Nantes behind and follow the peaceful banks of the Loire. The scenery quickly changes—lush greenery replaces concrete, birdsong replaces traffic. Ride along the historic Canal de la Martinière, now a haven for biodiversity.
As the air grows salty, pass through Paimbœuf, with its colorful shutters and riverside heritage. A few more pedal strokes, and you arrive in Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, facing the open ocean. On the beach, the metallic skeleton of the Serpent d’Océan rises with the tides. Your coastal adventure begins.
Day 2
40 km
Saint-Brévin-les-Pins → Pornic
With the Atlantic breeze at your back, pedal south toward Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef—where the scent of fresh biscuits leads you to Les Délices de Saint-Michel. With a galette in your pocket, continue to the lovely harbor town of Pornic.
Fishing huts, blue-shuttered houses, a pottery shop for personalized bowls, and a stop at La Fraiseraie for a local treat—everything invites you to linger. A short stage, perfect for soaking in the charm.
Day 3
68 km
Pornic → La-Barre-de-Monts
Marshlands stretch all around. Reeds sway in the wind and geese trace perfect V’s in the sky. Pass through Bouin and the stilted docks of Port du Bec—evoking distant lands.
In Beauvoir-sur-Mer, climb the Kulmino, a water tower-turned-belvedere, for sweeping views of the marsh and Noirmoutier Island. If the tide allows, take the legendary Passage du Gois for a night on the island. That’s the beauty of bike travel: detours welcome.
Day 4
73 km
La-Barre-de-Monts → Les Sables-d’Olonne
Ride through the fragrant pine forest of Pays de Monts. In Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the ports bustle with life.
Pause in Brem-sur-Mer for a slice of gâche vendéenne, then enter the forest of Olonne. Soon you reach Les Sables-d’Olonne, home of the Vendée Globe. Explore the seashell mosaics of Île Penotte, stroll along the promenade… You might want to stay another night.
Day 5
44 km
Les Sables-d’Olonne → La Tranche-sur-Mer
Cycle inland through the salt marshes of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire. Morning mist hangs in the air. In Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard, visit Georges Clemenceau’s seaside home and garden, designed with Claude Monet.
After a swim at Plage des Conches, reach La Tranche-sur-Mer—a calm, family-friendly resort. Discover the village’s past through the Mémoires Tranchaises trail and find the massive anchor from an 18th-century shipwreck to round out the day.
Day 6
71 km
La Tranche-sur-mer → La Rochelle
The path hugs the coastline before cutting through the dry marshlands of the Marais Poitevin. The tree-lined Canal de Marans leads you to La Rochelle, where you arrive as sailors once did—by lock gate.
The city’s three medieval towers greet you at the port. Wander the arcaded streets, stop at the covered market, and sip a drink in the colorful Gabut district. Stay an extra night to explore nearby Île de Ré.
Day 7
50 km
La Rochelle → Rochefort
Ride south along coastal bike paths through Châtelaillon-Plage, with its Belle Époque villas. Spot Fort Boyard in the distance before following the Charente River into Rochefort, a historic naval port.
Visit the Royal Ropewalk, the shipyard, and the replica frigate Hermione. The maritime and medical museums here recount the tales of explorers and seafarers. The sea is everywhere.
Day 8
60 km
Rochefort → L’île d’Oléron
Follow the Charente toward Marennes—oyster capital of the region. After a well-earned tasting, cross the bridge to sun-kissed Oléron Island.
At Port des Salines, learn about traditional salt farming. In La Cotinière, admire the colorful fishing boats. Ride to Chassiron lighthouse and climb its 224 steps for panoramic views. End in Boyardville, with golden light and a view of Fort Boyard.
Day 9
45 km
L’île d’Oléron → Royan
Wander through the colorful huts of Château d’Oléron before crossing back to the mainland. Ride through the La Tremblade forest, scented with warm pine resin.
At La Palmyre, dunes and zoo await. The cliffs rise along the aptly named Côte de Beauté. In Royan, elegant 19th-century villas meet 1950s modernism. Enjoy oysters and a glass of Pineau on the seafront.
Day 10
84 km
Royan → Lacanau Océan
Board the ferry with your bike across the Gironde estuary. In Soulac-sur-Mer, charming villas and calm lanes welcome you. Cycle down the coast through Montalivet’s wild beaches and the quiet forests of Hourtin and Carcans.
Take a dip in France’s largest natural lake, Hourtin, then continue to Lacanau-Océan—surf haven and laid-back beach town. Time slows down here.
Day 11
66 km
Lacanau Océan → Bordeaux
Your final day takes you inland. The greenway follows a former railway, a peaceful corridor lined with pines and heather.
At Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, the city comes into view. Then: Bordeaux. Ride the quays, cross the Pont de Pierre, gaze into the Miroir d’Eau. Wander Saint-Pierre district, savor canelés, raise a glass of Médoc.
With one-way bike rental, simply drop off your bike at the Paulette agency and continue your journey on foot—light, free, and full of memories. You’ve crossed the Atlantic coast by pedal, carried by wind, tides, and sea spray.