La Vélodyssée: From Nantes to La Rochelle
Day 1
62 km
Nantes → Saint-Brévin-les-Pins
Head west from the city of the Dukes toward the Atlantic! Ride along the Loire on the well-marked paths of La Vélodyssée. Pass through Trentemoult, a former haven for sea captains, and into the Nantes countryside toward Le Pellerin, where the tranquil Canal de la Martinière begins. This peaceful waterway winds between poplars and willows all the way to Paimbœuf.
Here, contemporary art adds a playful touch to the landscape—look out for the Starry Garden installation. As the air turns salty, you know you’ve reached Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. Wooden villas, wild beaches, pine forests, and the dramatic Serpent d’Océan sculpture await for your first evening by the sea.
Day 2
40 km
Saint-Brévin-les-Pins → Pornic
Follow the Jade Coast along long sandy stretches and hidden coves. In Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, stop for galettes at the Saint-Michel biscuit factory and learn their story at the mini museum.
Further on, the Saint-Gildas headland offers sweeping views of the estuary and the Saint-Nazaire bridge. Cycle through Préfailles and La Plaine-sur-Mer before arriving in Pornic—charming with its port, pottery, medieval castle, and the sweet scent of La Fraiseraie strawberries.
Day 3
55 km
Pornic → Noirmoutier-en-l’Île
The Bay of Bourgneuf opens before you. Salt marshes, grey herons, and fishing villages shape the ride. In Bouin, the Port du Bec evokes faraway lands with its stilted wooden piers.
Leave La Vélodyssée briefly to cross the legendary Passage du Gois—if the tide allows—toward Noirmoutier. Marshes, dunes, and pinewoods guide you to Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, where whitewashed buildings, a medieval castle, and mimosa trees await.
Day 4
74 km
Noirmoutier-en-l’Île → Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
After a morning ride on the island, return to the mainland via beaches and fishing harbors. Enjoy shaded stretches through the forest of Pays de Monts. Don’t miss the rocky plateau and Belle Époque villas of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.
End the day in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a historic sardine port. Discover the salt marshes by bike or take a guided tour to uncover their secrets.
Day 5
37 km
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie → Les Sables d’Olonne
Your route briefly veers inland before returning to the coast at Brétignolles-sur-Mer, a popular surf spot. Pause in Brem-sur-Mer at La Maison des Délices for a regional treat.
Cross forests and marshlands to reach Les Sables-d’Olonne—home of the Vendée Globe. Explore the whimsical mosaic-covered houses of Île Penotte or visit the Blockhaus Hôpital, a powerful WWII site. An overnight stay is highly recommended.
Day 6
44 km
Les Sables d’Olonne → La Tranche-sur-Mer
Today’s ride alternates between forest paths and coastal stretches. Visit Georges Clemenceau’s house and Monet-designed garden in Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard.
Swim at Plage des Conches before rolling into La Tranche-sur-Mer—a seaside town with 13 km of sandy beaches and a relaxed family vibe. Explore the Mémoires Tranchaises QR-code trail or uncover the story of La Pique anchor, from a British shipwreck in 1798.
Day 7
71 km
La Tranche-sur-Mer → La Rochelle
For the final stage, ride through the dry marshlands of the Marais Poitevin and past the Belle Henriette lagoon. Cross mussel farms near L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer and follow the Marans Canal to the sea, then the canal linking Marans to La Rochelle.
The Old Port’s towers welcome you into the city. Wander the Gabut district, admire timber-framed houses, or dive into the area’s maritime heritage. And why not extend your trip to the nearby Île de Ré? Return your bike with ease at Paulette’s La Rochelle agency—just steps from the train station.