La Vélodyssée: From Nantes to Les Sables-d’Olonne
Day 1
62 km
Nantes → Saint-Brévin-les-Pins
Leave Nantes behind as you follow the Loire toward the estuary. Since 2007, the riverside has been dotted with contemporary art installations—like a house seemingly floating on the water. At Le Pellerin, ride along the Canal de la Martinière, once a detour for ships, now a cool green haven.
Cutting through open fields, you reach Paimboeuf, with its narrow, colorful houses, before arriving in Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, known for its sandy beaches and pine-lined shores.
At Nez de Chien beach, the Serpent d’Océan—a 130-meter-long steel sea serpent sculpture—emerges and vanishes with the tides. End your day at the Maritime Museum inside the Fort de Mindin.
Day 2
84 km
Saint-Brévin-les-Pins → La-Barre-de-Monts
Head due south along the ocean. Pause in Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef (and yes, treat yourself at the Saint-Michel biscuit factory) before reaching Tharon Plage, where fishing huts perch on stilts and the air smells of salt and spray.
In Pornic, an old spa town tucked into a rocky cove, wander the streets, stop by the pottery workshop, or look for your name on a classic Breton bowl.
Continue through dunes, marshes, and Jade Coast beaches until you reach Bouin, connected to the mainland only since the 1700s.
At Port du Bec—one of the prettiest oyster harbors in the bay—wooden piers and colorful boats set the scene.
From here, you have two options: ride on to La Barre-de-Monts, or take the tidal Passage du Gois (if the timing’s right) and spend a magical evening on the island of Noirmoutier, with mimosa trees, oysters, and seaside walks.
Day 3
73 km
La-Barre-de-Monts → Les Sables-d’Olonne
Leave the marshes behind and ride into the forest of Pays de Monts, where sunbeams filter through maritime pines. At Saint-Jean-de-Monts, the beach lies hidden behind the dunes. Ride on through coastal woods and trails to the cliffs of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez for sweeping ocean views.
After passing Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and Brem-sur-Mer, stop at the Maison des Délices to sample the regional tourtisseau vendéen pastry.
The scent of pine leads you into the Olonne forest, and the wetlands announce your arrival in Les Sables-d’Olonne, proud home of the Vendée Globe.
Before toasting the end of your journey with a seafood platter, explore the island-like Penotte district, with its facades covered in seashell mosaics. Drop off your bike effortlessly with our Paulette partner, thanks to one-way rental. Total freedom, right to the last kilometer.