The Velodyssée, from La Rochelle to Arcachon
- From 1049 € / pers.
- 7 days (6 nights)
- From April to October
- Level: easy
- Average dist.: 48 km/day
- Electric bicycles (optional)
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights
- A varied coastal route, between beaches, marshes, and pine forests
- The discovery of La Rochelle, its Old Port, and its famous towers
- The crossing of Rochefort, a maritime town founded under Louis XIV
- The oysters of Marennes-Oléron, matured in the "claires"
- The charm of seaside resorts like Royan and Châtelaillon-Plage
- The crossing of the Gironde estuary and arrival in Médoc
- The endless beaches of the "Côte Sauvage" and the waves of Lacanau-Océan
- The oyster villages of Cap-Ferret and the Arcachon Basin
- The possibility of renting bike trailers or a Follow-me for your kids
Highlights :
- A varied coastal route, featuring beautiful beaches, retro seaside resorts, marshlands and pine forests
- Discovering La Rochelle, its Old Port and famous towers
- Passing through Rochefort, a maritime town founded under Louis XIV
- Crossing the Charente via the famous transporter bridge
- The oysters of Marennes-Oléron, matured in “claires”
- The endless beaches of the “Côte Sauvage” and the waves around Lacanau
- The oyster-farming villages of Cap-Ferret and the Arcachon Bay
From 1049 € / pers.
- 7 days (6 nights)
- From April to October
- Level: easy
- Average dist.: 48 km/day
- Electric bicycles (optional)
- Luggage transfer included
The Vélodyssée
The Vélodyssée is a cycle route of nearly 1,200 km, linking Roscoff, in Brittany, to Hendaye, on the doorstep of Spain. An integral part of EuroVelo 1, it follows the Atlantic coast through a mosaic of landscapes: the Nantes-Brest Canal with its century-old locks, the marshes and bocages of Vendée, the vast beaches of Nouvelle-Aquitaine bordered by the largest maritime pine forest in Europe, before reaching the slopes of the Basque Country where the Atlantic becomes wilder.
Developed with 80% on dedicated cycle paths or quiet backroads, it allows for smooth and safe progress, even for families or occasional cyclists. You will pass through oyster-farming villages where you can taste oysters and white wine with your toes in the sand, ride alongside Atlantic Wall bunkers, spot legendary lighthouses, and wander between Belle Époque seaside resorts and fishing villages with colourful facades.
The routes offered are the most popular, as they start and finish in locations well-served by rail and link two iconic spots on the Vélodyssée. However, if you would like a bespoke itinerary—starting, for example, from where you left off on a previous trip—this is, of course, possible too.
THE VELODYSSEE FROM LA ROCHELLE TO ARCACHON
The section between La Rochelle and Arcachon is an immersion into the heart of the landscapes and heritage of the Atlantic coast. The journey begins in La Rochelle, a port city with a rich past, where you can discover the Old Port, its famous towers, and its lively historic centre. You will quickly follow the coastline to Châtelaillon-Plage, a seaside resort with numerous listed villas, before crossing the Baie d’Yves nature reserve, a haven for migratory birds.
After passing through Rochefort, an arsenal town founded under Louis XIV, and a detour via the Citadel of Brouage, a former stronghold of the salt trade, the route reaches Marennes, famous for its oysters matured in basins known as "claires". You then enter a landscape of marshes and forests, heading towards Royan, a seaside resort with an architectural style blending Belle Époque and post-war modernism.
Crossing the Gironde estuary marks a turning point: landing at Le Verdon-sur-Mer, you cycle through pines and dunes to Soulac-sur-Mer, where superb 19th-century villas remain alongside the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, the path heads into the coastal forest, following the infinite beaches of the Côte Sauvage, before reaching Lacanau-Océan, a major hub of European surfing.
Finally, the itinerary ends at Arcachon Bay, a unique territory where oyster farming, vast stretches of sand, and pine forests meet. Cycling past the typical oyster-farming villages of Cap-Ferret, you discover a lifestyle balanced between the ocean and the bay, before crossing by boat to reach Arcachon, an elegant town marked by its seaside architecture and proximity to the majestic Dune of Pilat, the highest in Europe!
Enjoy your trip!
💡 GOOD TO KNOW
- Fans of long-distance journeys can choose to continue all the way to Hendaye, which requires an additional 5 days!
- For a more family-oriented itinerary, please note that it is difficult to shorten certain stages on the Vélodyssée due to a lack of suitable accommodation. We have, however, designed a Vélodyssée route specifically adapted for families starting and ending in La Rochelle.
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in La Rochelle
By train or car, you arrive in La Rochelle, the pearl of the Atlantic. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will receive your travel documents.
A port city with a prestigious past, La Rochelle charms with its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional heritage. Its Old Port, dominated by the imposing Saint-Nicolas and Chain towers, was long the strategic guardian of the maritime entrance. From the 13th century, these towers served to protect the city from invasions and control the flourishing trade in salt and wine, which was once exported across Europe.
Today, La Rochelle is a lively and welcoming city. Enjoy its bustling markets, seaside terraces, and its commitment to ecology: it was one of the first French cities to adopt a bike-sharing system back in the 1970s!
💡 Option to add an extra night in La Rochelle. You will then have the opportunity to complete a loop around the Île de Ré (GPS tracks provided), where you will discover the village of La Flotte-en-Ré, its busy harbour, and colourful fishing boats before heading for Saint-Martin-de-Ré and its imposing fortifications designed by Vauban. Along the way, you will cycle past oyster beds, salt marshes with silver reflections, and the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, a true sanctuary for many species of migratory birds. The return journey takes you through La Couarde-sur-Mer and Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, with their fine sandy beaches.
Loops of 30 or 60 km.
Day 2: La Rochelle - Marennes
59 km | 
+85 m
You first follow the coast before crossing Châtelaillon-Plage, a seaside resort famous for its Belle Époque architecture and sandy beach.
The route then branches off towards the Baie d'Yves nature reserve, a stopover for many migratory birds.
Next, you arrive in Rochefort, a city founded in the 17th century to house a major naval arsenal commissioned by Louis XIV. This naval past is reflected in its exceptional heritage, notably the Corderie Royale, an architectural masterpiece 374 metres long where the ropes for the Sun King's ships were manufactured. Another iconic curiosity in Rochefort that you will pass: the transporter bridge. This structure, unique in France and built in 1900, allows you to cross the Charente via a suspended gondola. It is still in operation!
The route continues by winding between marshes, formerly used for salt production, and now a kingdom for egrets and grey herons.
🚲 Extension via Brouage (+ 11 km)
Option to take a detour to the citadel of Brouage, a fortress designed by Vauban and formerly a strategic port for the salt trade.
Finally, the day ends in Marennes, the birthplace of the famous Marennes-Oléron oysters, matured in "claires" basins which give them their unique flavour.
Day 3: Marennes – Royan
48 km | +80 m
Today you cross the vast pine forests of the "Côte Sauvage", where the scent of resin accompanies you.
Your journey continues towards Royan, following the coast through Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, the family beaches of Vaux-sur-Mer, and the Pontaillac district, popular for its early 20th-century casino. Arrival in Royan is via its marina: the city, destroyed during the 1945 bombings, was rebuilt in a bold modernist style.
Royan still reveals a few Belle Époque villas scattered among the post-war buildings. Its covered market, designed by architect Louis Simon in 1955, is striking with its shell-like architecture, while its seafront comes alive with summer terraces.
Day 4: Royan - Montalivet
35 km |
+30 m
Departing from Royan, board the ferry with your bike for a crossing of the Gironde estuary, following a route once used by "gabares" (traditional barges) carrying salt and wine.
Once you disembark at Pointe du Verdon, you cycle along pleasant cycle paths towards Soulac, a charming seaside resort that was buried under sand in the 18th century. The town has since regained its splendour and jealously guards the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the last witness to the passage of Santiago de Compostela pilgrims in the region. Beautiful Belle Époque villas also remain, vestiges of burgeoning tourism in the 19th century.
Before your eyes, beaches and the ocean stretch as far as the eye can see, while the salty air mingles with the scent of the pine groves. You continue to Montalivet, a peaceful seaside resort tucked between forest, ocean, and marshes, known for hosting France's first naturist centre in 1950.
Day 5: Montalivet - Lacanau
55 km | +160 m
Your journey continues south towards Lacanau-Océan. Here, the Vélodyssée unfolds along a peaceful cycle path, winding through a majestic pine forest between lakes and the Atlantic.
Take a break at Hourtin to admire the largest natural lake in France, a true haven of tranquility popular with sailing and swimming enthusiasts.
Then you arrive at the seaside resort of Lacanau-Océan, famous among surfers for its world-renowned waves.
Day 6: Lacanau - Arcachon
45 km | +50 m
You continue between dunes and forests, crossing the largest wild beaches of the Aquitaine coast. Le Porge Océan boasts a vast 13 km beach free of any buildings. Never far from the shore, you speed through the pines towards Arcachon Bay.
Since the middle of the last century, this bay has been the kingdom of the oyster. Its 84 km of beaches surrounded by pines make it a unique place on the French coast. Bordered to the west by the wild ocean, to the north and east by Bordeaux vineyards, and to the south by the immense Landes forest, the Bay enjoys a mild climate where the invigorating scents of sea air and pine resin mingle.
Enjoy the end of the stage through the oyster-farming villages of Arcachon Bay before reaching Arcachon by ferry. A seaside resort of international renown, it was born in the 19th century from the imagination of bold pioneers who gambled on the trend for sea bathing.
⚠️ From 2026, the maximum weight for a bicycle on the boat crossing of Arcachon Bay is 25 kg. For electric bikes, the weight applies "once the battery is removed". All our rental bikes are equipped with removable batteries, so you have nothing to worry about in this case. However, if you are travelling with your own electric bikes, please note that electric bikes with non-removable integrated batteries will be refused. In this instance, it is better to opt for a rental electric bike.
Day 7: End of stay
End of your Atlantic odyssey after breakfast.
NB: If you wish to climb to the top of the famous Dune of Pilat, do not leave too early the next day, or opt for an extra night in Arcachon.ACCOMMODATION
We prioritise authentic, small-scale accommodation that inspires comfort, friendliness, and well-being. We also ensure they are well-located: easily accessible by bike and as close as possible to local amenities.
AVAILABLE COMFORT RANGE(S)
3 ★ Hotels
A selection of addresses combining modern comfort and authenticity.
Photo provided as an example to illustrate the type of accommodation in this category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Restaurant(s) within walking distance
- Convenient location
💡 Overnight stays are primarily in 3 ★ hotels, with one night in a 4 ★ and one in a 2 ★.
CHOOSING YOUR BIKE
Whether you opt for a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike suited to both the requirements of the route and your own needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer high-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under 12, as some stages exceed 50 km.
Trekking Bikes
Bikes from the Arcade brand, Escape model (or similar). With 21 speeds and an aluminium frame, they provide what is needed to tackle the rare small hills without too much effort. In the men's model, the frame is high-step.
Electric Bikes (e-bikes)
Trek Verve+ 1 Lowstep, BREEZER Powertrip Evo 3.2+ S bikes or similar, equipped with a minimum 500 Wh battery. You can count on a range of at least 70 kilometres with great comfort.
Child Trailers
The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we also offer for rent. These can accommodate up to 2 young children.
Children's Bikes
For children who have not yet reached adult height, it is possible to rent children's bikes. Various sizes are available.
Tag-along Bikes
If you have children who are not yet used to long outings, the best solution is to opt for a tag-along bike, which can be attached to an adult bike at any time. The attachment system (photo below) is included with the tag-along bike.
Photos for informational purposes. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone mount
- Waterproof rear pannier (1 per bike)
- Small handlebar bag (1 per bike)
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, gears, derailleur, chain...
You may be far from assistance in the event of a mechanical failure!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Touring / Trekking bike
- Mountain bike (MTB)
- Gravel bike
- E-bike with removable battery (read the box below)
- City bike
- Road bike
- E-bike without removable battery (read the box below)
⚠️ From 2026, the maximum weight for a bike for the boat crossing of Arcachon Bay is 25 kg. For electric bikes, the weight applies "once the battery is removed". All our rental bikes are equipped with removable batteries, so you have nothing to fear. However, if you are travelling with your own electric bikes, please note that electric bikes with non-removable integrated batteries will be refused. In this case, it is better to opt for a rental electric bike.
💡 As the route includes some sections of compact gravel, avoid tyres that are too thin or too slick. Mountain bike tyres are not necessary, however.
LEVEL: EASY
➡️ Stages are moderately long (approx. 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day - max. 5)
This pace suits the majority of people: it combines the pleasure of cycling with discoveries along the way.
➡️ The coast and the hinterland are generally very flat.
Only a few sections in the dunes, between Hourtin and Lacanau, might give the impression of some elevation, relatively speaking.
DAILY DISTANCES:
ELEVATION:
TYPE OF PATHS
Over 70% of the route is on "voies vertes" (greenways).
The rest of the time, you will travel on quiet backroads. There are also a few short sections on busier roads, but in these cases, there is always a dedicated, safe cycle path.
Over 90% of the route is tarmacked. Some sections are on well-maintained compact gravel paths.
No technical difficulties to report.
💡 Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over exertion. We strive to adjust the length of the stages based on the terrain, the type of paths, and points of interest, so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable and open to the unexpected.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
7 days and 6 nights, including arrival and departure days. 5 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Every day from April to mid-October.
🗺️ ROUTE TYPE
Linear.
📍 START AND END POINTS
Start of stay: La Rochelle
End of stay: Arcachon
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
In spring, temperatures are generally pleasant, but do bear in mind that the sea is not yet very warm, especially at the beginning of the season.
In summer, the weather is usually sunny and warm, but not excessively so thanks to the marine influence. Heatwaves cannot be ruled out, but fortunately, the ocean is never far away for a cooling dip. Crowds in seaside resorts are also at their peak during this period.
The region also generally enjoys a beautiful late season. And the ocean hasn't really had time to cool down yet!
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are not included.
During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (you will find suggestions in our roadbook) or have a picnic by picking up supplies at local mini-markets.
For dinner, you will always have several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless the hotel has its own!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSPORT
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by one of our providers. You only carry your essentials for the day during the cycling stages. A pannier is provided with the rental bike.
If you prefer to carry your own luggage in side panniers, you will receive a discount.
🚩 GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
La Rochelle is served from the north, east, and south by regional (TER) lines, as well as by a high-speed TGV line from Paris.
Direct lines from:
BY CAR
If you wish to park your car for free in the centre for the duration of your cycling trip, it is still possible at l’Esplanade des Remparts. Address: Chemin des Remparts, between number 2 and number 38. However, this car park (partly on-street) is very popular during the day: it is best to park early in the morning or in the evening.
On the outskirts, you will find various large Park & Ride car parks. These are free and connected to the city centre by regular buses. More info on La Rochelle Park & Ride.
Alternatively, there are various large paid car parks in the centre of La Rochelle.
🔁 RETURNING TO THE STARTING POINT
The simplest way is to return by train.
Take the direct TER to Bordeaux (approx. 1h) then take the INTERCITÉ towards Nantes as far as La Rochelle (approx. 2h 20m).
💡 If you are travelling with your own bikes, they can be taken on board without being dismantled on the TER between Arcachon and Bordeaux and on the INTERCITÉS between Bordeaux and La Rochelle, but a bike ticket booking is mandatory (allow €5-10 per bike). We recommend booking your bike tickets well in advance, especially if travelling at the weekend, as the number of bike spaces on each train is limited.
Upon request, we can also organise a return by private shuttle.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To ensure you fully enjoy your adventure, we will provide you with various practical and easy-to-use resources:
A roadbook (A5 format booklet), including:
- Practical information
- Route description
- Detailed maps of the journey
- All necessary tourist information
- Dining suggestions
- Places to stock up on supplies
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- User-friendly app (a short tutorial will be sent just in case)
- Satellite navigation (works in flight mode)
- Custom tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND ASSISTANCE
You travel independently (self-guided), with telephone assistance available 7 days a week in case of any issues.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation or problems on-site, you can take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about cancellation and assistance insurance.
An optional theft & damage insurance is also available for those renting a bike.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone mount, and a waterproof rear pannier constitute the basic equipment. If you have rented a bike, these are included (helmet provided on request only).
For added comfort, we recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Rain over-trousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes, and mud. Some models feature gaiters that also cover your shoes.
Power bank
Useful for recharging your phone during your lunch break: navigation is energy-intensive, even in flight mode. Recommended unless your battery is high-performance.
Cost approx. £10-20.
Cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction during long rides. Alternatively, opt for a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle (bidon)
More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some keep water cool for several hours thanks to double-walled insulation.
Buff / neck warmer / beanie
Outside of summer, mornings can be chilly and you won't regret bringing these along!
2026 RATES
Prices are calculated based on two people sharing a double/twin room. All rates are per person and subject to the availability of the requested room type.| Package | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|
| In double/twin room | €1,049 | €1,109 |
| Single room supplement | + €370 | + €430 |
|
Child discounts (* in the same room as 2 people paying full price) |
0-3 years: - 80% | 4-11 years: - 25% | 12-17 years: - 25% | |
| Group reduction | 6 - 11 people: - 5% | 12+ people: - 10% | |
| Extra nights (optional) | Low Season | High Season | |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Rochelle | In double/twin room | €90 | €95 |
| In single room | €155 | €170 | |
| Arcachon | In double/twin room | €90 | €110 |
| In single room | €155 | €190 | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low Season: 1/4 - 30/6 & 1/9 - 31/10
- High Season: 1/7 - 31/08
| BIKE RENTAL - equipment, delivery and return included - | |
|---|---|
| Electric bike | €305 |
| Trekking bike | €165 |
| Child bike (-12 years) | €120 |
| Child trailer | €120 |
| Detachable tag-along bike | €120 |
THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Overnight stays in carefully selected hotels (see “Accommodation” tab)
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Estuary crossing at Royan
- Arcachon Bay crossing from Cap-Ferret
- A detailed roadbook with colour maps and tourist information
- GPS tracks for the route via our navigation app
- Luggage tags
- 7-day-a-week telephone assistance
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Rental bike(s)
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) in La Rochelle and/or Arcachon
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
- Theft and breakage insurance for the rental bike
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel to La Rochelle and return from Arcachon
- Crossing of the Charente via the "Transporter Bridge" (€2 per person)
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “THE BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount is applied (see booking form). An extra pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travellers: a logistical supplement is added to the single room supplement.