The Velodyssée, from Nantes to La Rochelle

THE VÉLODYSSÉE

THE VÉLODYSSÉE: A CYCLING ADVENTURE ALONG THE ATLANTIC

The Vélodyssée is a nearly 1,200 km cycling route connecting Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye at the gates of Spain. Part of EuroVelo 1, it follows the Atlantic Ocean, crossing a variety of landscapes: the old-world charm of the Canal de Nantes à Brest in Brittany, the marshes and hedgerows of Vendée, the vast beaches and pine forests of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, before reaching the hills of the Basque Country.

Mostly set on safe cycle paths or quiet roads, it offers a smooth and enjoyable route, perfect for bike travelers. Whether you're an experienced cyclist looking for a long-distance challenge or a fan of short getaways, the Vélodyssée provides an accessible and immersive experience, blending heritage, preserved nature, and oceanic lifestyle.

The routes we offer are the most popular, as they start and end in well-connected locations by train, linking two iconic places of the Vélodyssée. However, if you want a custom route, for example, starting from where you left off on your previous journey, that’s also possible.

FROM NANTES TO LA ROCHELLE: BETWEEN ESTUARY, MARSHES, AND ATLANTIC SHORES

This section of the Vélodyssée takes you from Nantes, the capital of the Dukes of Brittany, to La Rochelle, the pearl of the Atlantic coast. A route where rivers, marshes, and the ocean follow one another, offering a diversity of landscapes and an immersion in the region's maritime and river history.

The journey begins by following the Loire, an iconic river with banks dotted with small ports and bucolic landscapes. Gradually, you leave the influence of the river to reach the coast and its seaside resorts, starting with Pornic, with its picturesque old port and turquoise coves.

Next, head toward the vast expanses of the Marais Breton Vendéen, a land between sea and land where wet meadows, estuaries, and canals blend together. This preserved landscape, a refuge for many bird species, accompanies your route to the long beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, where the salty air and the sound of the waves set the rhythm of your journey.

You then cross the pine forests of the Vendée coast, remnants of ancient dunes stabilized by vegetation, before reaching the Marais Poitevin, known as the "Green Venice." This labyrinth of canals, shaped by humans, contrasts with the vast beaches and offers a calming backdrop before arriving in La Rochelle.

Your cycling odyssey concludes in this iconic port city, where the Old Port, medieval towers, and the lively historic center testify to its rich maritime past. A perfect way to end your trip!

If you opt for an extra night in La Rochelle, you can take a loop ride on the Île de Ré (GPS tracks provided).

If you are very motivated you can continue the Vélodyssée to Arcachon, which requires 5 more days, or even to Hendaye, if you have 10 more days!

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN NANTES

Welcome to Nantes, a city of art and history, the starting point of your adventure. You will be welcomed in your hotel, where you will receive your travel booklet along with documents about the region.

Nantes, the former capital of the Dukes of Brittany, is full of treasures to discover. Among the must-sees are the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, which reflects the city’s medieval past and turbulent history, and The Machines of the Isle, where you can admire the impressive Grand Elephant, a mechanical creation inspired by the world of Jules Verne. For a moment of relaxation, don’t miss the Botanical Garden, ranked among the most beautiful botanical gardens in France.

Overnight and breakfast in a 3-star hotel.

DAY 2: NANTES - SAINT-BRÉVIN-LES-PINS (60 to 65 km, D+ 130 m)

Your first day on the bike follows the majestic course of the Loire, along the shared route of La Vélodyssée and La Loire à Vélo. The river, the last great wild river in Europe, reveals its wetlands, small ports, and estuaries that evolve with the tides.

Throughout your journey, you will encounter works from the contemporary exhibition "Estuaire", a true open-air museum dotted with surprising art installations, such as the Serpent d’Océan, a huge sculpture snaking along the beach of Saint-Brévin.

Upon reaching Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, you will finally feel the sea breeze. This seaside resort, with its long sandy beaches, marks your first true encounter with the Atlantic Ocean.

Overnight and breakfast in a 3-star hotel.

DAY 3: SAINT-BRÉVIN-LES-PINS – BOUIN (53 km, D+ 150 m)

This stage takes you through a maritime atmosphere of beaches, coves, and oyster farming ports. You will follow the Bay of Bourgneuf, once a major center for salt trade during the Middle Ages.

A stop in Pornic is highly recommended. Its picturesque old port and castle overlooking the sea make it one of the jewels of the coast. It is also here that you can enjoy an artisanal ice cream from the famous Fraiseraie.

You will then leave Loire-Atlantique and enter Vendée, through the Marais Breton Vendéen. This landscape of canals and wetlands is a paradise for migratory birds and nature lovers. You will finally reach the small village of Bouin, renowned for its oysters.

Overnight and breakfast in a 3-star hotel.

DAY 4: BOUIN - SAINT-GILLES-CROIX-DE-VIE (59 to 62 km, D+ 50 m)

Today, you will follow one of the most iconic sites of the route: the Passage du Gois. This submersible road, unique in Europe, connects the mainland to the Île de Noirmoutier, but is only accessible at low tide! A fascinating but risky crossing, where you can sometimes spot foot fishermen searching for clams.

If the tide doesn’t allow you to cross the Gois, you will take an alternative route through the Marais Vendéen, passing through Beauvoir-sur-Mer.

You will then reach Saint-Jean-de-Monts, famous for its long beaches and seaside atmosphere. Along the Vendée Corniche, you will discover stunning rock formations, such as the Cinq Pineaux, before arriving at Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.

Overnight and breakfast in a 3-star hotel.

DAY 5: SAINT-GILLES-CROIX-DE-VIE – LES SABLES D'OLONNE (40 km, D+ 76 m)

This stage takes you towards Brétignolles-sur-Mer and Brem-sur-Mer through coastal landscapes where the sea air mixes with the scent of pine trees.

The arrival at Les Sables d'Olonne, famous for the Vendée Globe, marks the end of this day.

Overnight and breakfast in a 3-star hotel.

DAY 6: LES SABLES D'OLONNE – LA TRANCHE-SUR-MER (45 km, D+ 75 m)

You continue along the ocean, with must-see stops like the Bay of Cayola, offering a spectacular view, and the Pointe du Payré, a listed site of natural beauty.

You then pass through Port de la Guittière, now a small oyster farming village, before entering the Forest of Longeville, where green oaks and maritime pines provide some shade before arriving in La Tranche-sur-Mer.

Overnight and breakfast in a 3-star hotel.

DAY 7: LA TRANCHE-SUR-MER – LA ROCHELLE (68 to 72 km, D+ 30 m)

This final day offers a variety of landscapes. You will cross the lagoon of Belle Henriette, one of the last natural lagoons on the Atlantic coast.

Next, you will discover the Marais Poitevin, also known as the Green Venice. You will follow the Sèvre Niortaise and its canal, eventually reconnecting with the coastline and entering La Rochelle.

DAY 8: END OF THE TRIP

The trip ends after breakfast.

• Option to add an extra night in La Rochelle. You can then do a loop on the famous Île de Ré, where you will discover the village of La Flotte-en-Ré, its lively port, and colorful fishing boats before heading to Saint-Martin-de-Ré and its impressive fortifications designed by Vauban. Along the way, you will pass oyster parks, salt marshes with silvery reflections, and the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for many species of migratory birds. The return is via La Couarde-sur-Mer and Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, with their fine sandy beaches.
• If you are motivated you can continue the Vélodyssée to Arcachon, which requires 5 more days, or even to Hendaye, if you have 10 more days!

1. Duration:
   
   8 days / 7 nights, including the arrival and departure days. 6 days of cycling.


2. Minimum age:
   
   There is no minimum age for this trip, which is particularly well-suited for families with children: secure routes, often on dedicated paths, no elevation, and dream beaches for great moments. Trailers and tag-along bikes are available!


3. Seasonality: between April and October.
   
   The French Atlantic coast enjoys a climate halfway between oceanic and Mediterranean, with relatively mild and humid winters and warm, dry summers (at least south of the Loire, Brittany is another story!).
   
   In spring, temperatures are generally pleasant, but do keep in mind that the sea is still quite cold, especially early in the season.
   
   In summer, the weather is typically sunny and warm, but not excessively hot thanks to the marine influence. Heatwaves are possible, but the sea is thankfully never too far to cool off. The crowd in seaside resorts is also at its highest during this period.
   
   The region also enjoys a beautiful late season, with pleasant temperatures until the end of October and a sunshine rate almost as good as in summer. And the ocean hasn't really had time to cool down yet!
   
   Note: The weather varies greatly from year to year. The information above is just an average.
   


4. Arrival day on site: any day of the week


5. Arrival and departure:
   
   
   • Start of the trip: Nantes
   • End of the trip: La Rochelle
   
   To promote train travel, please note that all our itineraries are easily accessible by train.
   
   
6. Arriving in Nantes:
   
   BY TRAIN
   
   
   • High-speed trains to Nantes from London (via Paris), Paris, Brussels, Strasbourg, Lyon, Montpellier, or Marseille.
   • Direct INTERCITÉS or TER from Rennes, Bourges, Nevers, Le Mans, or Bordeaux
   
   BY CAR
   
   
   • From London: 765 km (+- 8h45 via the A16/A28)
   • From Paris: 385 km (+- 3h30 via the A11)
   • From Brussels: 685 km (+- 6h20 via Paris)
   • From Lyon: 685 km (+- 5h50 via Clermont-Ferrand)
   • From Geneva: 780 km (+- 6h40 via Mâcon)
   • From Marseille: 980 km (+- 8h20 via Toulouse)
   
   
7. Return from La Rochelle:
   
   BY TRAIN TO NANTES: direct connection (INTERCITÉS) - around 1h45.
   
   BY TRAIN TO OTHER CITIES:
   
   
   • Direct high-speed trains and OUIGO to Paris - around 2h40 to 3h15.
   • Direct INTERCITÉS to Nantes (1h45) and Bordeaux (2h20)
   • For Brussels, Lyon, Marseille, Geneva, or anywhere in eastern France, the easiest way is to transfer via Paris.
   
   More information & schedules: www.sncf.com
   
   
8. Type of route:
   
   Linear (itinerant).


9. Guidance:
   
   Self-guided, with phone assistance available 7 days a week. You will have a detailed roadbook in English and GPS tracks via an easy-to-use navigation app. Since navigation is satellite-based, no internet connection is required.


10. Level: easy
    
    
    • Elevation: Both the coast and the hinterland are generally very flat.
    
    
    • Distance per stage: about 40 to 65 km per day, allowing time for several extended stops along the way.
    
    
    • Terrain: over 90% paved roads. A few compact gravel tracks, not requiring suspension or mountain bike tires.
    
    
11. Accommodation: 3* hotels
    
    All rooms have a private bathroom, and the accommodations have facilities to store your bikes. The accommodations were also chosen for their proximity to the route, setting, and the quality of the service.


12. Meals:
    
    Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are on your own. During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (suggestions will be provided daily in our roadbook) or have a picnic by buying supplies at local shops.
    Half-board is not available for this trip, but there will always be a few restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation, unless the accommodation has its own restaurant.


13. Luggage transport:
    
    You only carry your daily essentials during the cycling stages. Your luggage will be transported from one accommodation to the next by our team, and you will find it at your accommodation at the end of each day.


14. Travel documents:
    
    A detailed roadbook and GPS tracks via our navigation app. You will receive your roadbook at your first hotel.


15. Bikes:
    
    We offer quality bike rentals, fully equipped and suitable for the terrain.
    
    The equipment includes a smartphone holder, a waterproof rear bag, a handlebar bag, a lock, a repair kit, and (upon request) a helmet.
    
    Electric bikes are available for rent for this trip.
    
    If you wish to use your own bike, make sure to check all parts of the bike beforehand (brake wear, tires, gears, chain, etc.) to ensure it is technically sound for covering several hundred kilometers.


16. Insurance:
    
    To ensure reimbursement in case of cancellation or issues during the trip, you can purchase cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer - cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer - assistance). For more details about the insurance, click here.

The price per person depends on the period and the bike rental.



The base price includes:

• A detailed roadbook with color maps and tourist documentation
• GPS tracks via our navigation app
• Accommodation in good 3-star hotels
• Breakfast at each accommodation
• Luggage transport between accommodations
• Assistance line (7/7, 8am - 8pm) in case of problems on the road (except minor breakdowns: flat tire, derailment)
• Tourist taxes
• Booking fees

If bike rental:

• The bike and equipment (helmet, lock, puncture repair kit, waterproof 20L pannier, handlebar bag, phone holder).
• Delivery of bikes to the first hotel.
• Return transport of bikes from the last hotel.

Optional extras:

• On-site rental of a bike with or without electric assistance
• On-site rental of a follow-me bike, child seat, or trailer
• Single room supplement
• Extra nights in Nantes or La Rochelle
• Optional insurance: cancellation and/or 24/24 assistance (more info)

The price does not include:

• Travel to Nantes and return from La Rochelle
• Lunches and dinners
• Entrance fees to tourist sites
• Anything not listed in "the price includes"

Other:

• If you carry your luggage between accommodations yourself, you benefit from an extra discount (see booking form). An extra pannier will be provided.
• Children receive discounts (see table) when staying in family rooms (subject to availability).
• Groups of 6 or more benefit from a 5% discount.
• A "solo traveler" supplement of 180 € applies to solo travelers.

    Stéphanie and Renette , 30 and 32 years old

"I recommend Cyclodyssées ! Thanks to Joseph for organizing our road trip from Arcachon to Saint Jean de Luz ! It was an unforgettable experience. The service is exceptional, with bike and luggage delivery between each hotel. The chosen hotels are very satisfactory, as well as the breakfasts. I will not hesitate to book another bike trip with Cyclodyssées."  13 august 2023

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