La Vélodyssée : From Nantes to Royan
Day 1
62 km
Nantes → Saint-Brévin-les-Pins
Leaving Nantes, cycle through Trentemoult, a former fishing village with colorful houses and lively alleys.
After reaching Le Pellerin, follow the quiet banks of the Martinière canal, a relic of the region’s fluvial history. Pause in Paimboeuf and its star-shaped garden, then let the sea breeze lead you to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, where wild beaches and monumental sculptures like the Ocean Serpent await.
Day 2
40 km
Saint-Brévin-les-Pins → Pornic
The Atlantic coast reveals itself with every pedal stroke. In Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, sample the famous Saint-Michel biscuits, then follow the Jade Coast dotted with tiny coves and fishing ports. From Pointe Saint-Gildas, the view of the Saint-Nazaire bridge is breathtaking. Arriving in Pornic, soak up the authentic charm: a medieval castle, lively lanes, and local treats at La Fraiseraie or the cheese shop.
Day 3
68 km
Pornic → La-Barre-de-Monts
Leaving Pornic’s beaches, ride through dunes and marshes toward Bouin, once an island reclaimed by the land. Port du Bec, with its stilted piers and oyster huts, is a step back in time. Continue through the Beauvoir marshes to La Barre-de-Monts. At Pey de la Blet, enjoy sweeping views of sea and wetlands. Depending on the tides, you might even cross the legendary Passage du Gois to Noirmoutier Island.
Day 4
73 km
La-Barre-des-Monts → Les Sables d’Olonne
Begin the day riding through the majestic Pays de Monts forest, then return to the ocean at Saint-Jean-de-Monts. In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, feel the energy of the region’s top sardine port. Pause for a swim or a local specialty like tourtisseau in Brem-sur-Mer. Ride through the Olonne forest to reach Les Sables-d’Olonne, a classic seaside town and home port of the Vendée Globe.
Day 5
44 km
Les Sables d’Olonne → La Tranche-sur-Mer
Leave the buzz of Les Sables and head inland toward Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, with its salt marshes and medieval castle. In Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard, step into Georges Clemenceau’s world and admire his impressionist-inspired garden. Ride through the Longeville forest and stop for a dip at Les Conches beach. End the day in La Tranche-sur-Mer, a lively resort town with a unique QR-code walking trail through its history.
Day 6
71 km
La Tranche-sur-Mer → La Rochelle
This morning, cycle through the dry Marais Poitevin, a silent expanse where land and water blur.
After L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer, famous for its mussels, enter Charente-Maritime. Pedal along Marans’ canals, passing locks at a peaceful pace until you reach La Rochelle. Once there, admire the iconic trio of towers guarding the old port.
Day 7
50 km
La Rochelle → Rochefort
Follow the Atlantic coastline, riding between sandy beaches and shimmering salt flats. Take a break in Châtelaillon-Plage, where the charm of vintage seaside villas lingers. Glance out to sea and you might catch Fort Boyard on the horizon. In Rochefort, delve into maritime history at the Royal Rope Factory and the historic naval arsenal.
Day 8
60 km
Rochefort → L’île d’Oléron
Ride through Saint-Agnant, known for its monumental dovecotes, then follow the Bridoire canal to Marennes, oyster capital of France. Take time for a fresh oyster tasting before crossing the bridge to Oléron Island. Discover the Salines port and stroll the colorful quays of La Cotinière before reaching Boyardville, with its unbeatable view of Fort Boyard.
Day 9
45 km
L’île d’Oléron → Royan
For your final day, pass through Le Château d’Oléron and its bright artist cabins. After the bridge, cycle through the Tremblade forest and the surrounding marshes. In Royan, let yourself be charmed by Belle Époque villas, sandy beaches, and a relaxed vibe.
A perfect finale: oysters and a glass of white wine by the sea.