Ile d'Oléron and Ile de Ré by bike

A seaside stay discovering the famous cycling islands of Charente Maritime

Highlights

La Rochelle, a real open-air museum
Rochefort and the Corderie royale
The charm of the Ile de Ré and the Ile d'Oléron by bike
Marennes oysters
The Vélodyssée cycle paths, a fully marked route
The beaches of the Atlantic Ocean
The sea crossing between the island of Oléron and La Rochelle

A bicycle trip on land and sea, along the Charentaise coasts

During this bike-touring stay - on a loop starting from La Rochelle - you will discover the authenticity and tranquility of the Charentais coast where the sea is always close to you.

The White City, nickname given to La Rochelle, offers you precious moments to stroll through its narrow streets, walk along its old port or to taste a delicious Italian gelato passing by the impressive watchtowers.

On your path, you stop at Rochefort. This town of Art and History is the home base for the famous recent reconstruction of La Fayette’s frigate (18th century): the Hermione. If the ship is not sailing, we recommend that you visit this wooden monument. Not far from there, the Corderie Royale is a very interesting museum on shipbuilding.

The island regions of Charente are favorable to relaxation. By bicycle on the Ile de Ré, you stroll between the immaculate white houses, through the vineyards and the salt marshes. You can also easily sunbathe on a white sandy beach. The Ile d’Oléron has nothing to envy its neighbor. With a strong military and religious heritage and an untamed coast that faces the Atlantic, its charms are many. Do not forget to take a few pictures of the famous Fort Boyard, when you reach La Rochelle by boat.

Every evening, you will enjoy the return of fishermen to the ports. Food lovers are delighted with seafood platters. Many restaurants promise you a gourmet table of fresh seafood.

This itinerary recalls the salty scents of the seaside holidays of our childhood. The warm sand, the scent of the sea breeze, the pine forests, surround you throughout your journey on the Vélodyssée cycle paths. This stay in Charente Maritime promises you sun, savoring, contemplation and relaxation!

Carte L'île d'Oléron et l'île de Ré à vélo
Niveau EasyEasy or Niveau LeisureLeisure
Day 1

LA ROCHELLE

Arrive on your own to La Rochelle and check-in at your hotel. Enjoy your evening to discover this city anchored on the Atlantic coast. La Rochelle is experienced and discovered through its various ports and its rich and preserved heritage.

Meeting with our local guide

Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.

Day 2

La Rochelle, Ile de Ré Loop 54km 102m Niveau Loisir

A day on the island of Ré. More than 120km of bikepaths make this island a paradise for cycling. Beautiful beaches await you, but also some of the most beautiful villages in France.

  • For a few more km 66km 156m Niveau Forme

    Cross the Loix salt marshes and see the oyster beds at low tide

Day 3

From LA ROCHELLE to ROCHEFORT 50km 123m Niveau Loisir

After a first part on the coast, the route continues inland up until Rochefort. You arrive on a city of the seventeenth century entirely turned towards the sea. Rochefort benefits from a remarkable architectural heritage with the famous royal ropery, entirely restored. It is from this city in April 2015 that the Hermione sailed, a reconstitution of the frigate of La Fayette to join the American Revolution in 1780.

Day 4

From ROCHEFORT to SAINT-TROJAN-LES-BAINS 45km 83m Niveau Loisir

You follow on the channel of the Charente. In Marennes, follow the direction to Oléron to take the bridge that passes over the sea. You reach a tourist rich island in the summer but it reveals more of its secrets if you venture on the small roads and paths that we recommend !

You reach the transporter bridge. An original experience to cross the river is to sit on this “suspension bridge”. Built in 1900, it works like a ferry, but literally suspended over the water, pulled by cables to cross from one bank to the other. There are only 7 left in the world!

Tickets not included, to be purchased on site. The bridge is closed between 12.30pm and 2pm.

  • For a few more km 5km 135m Niveau Forme

    You leave Rochefort along the Charente.

Day 5

From SAINT-TROJAN-LES-BAINS to LA ROCHELLE 25km 57m Niveau Facile

Make the most of this peaceful ride on the small roads and paths of the Ile d’Oléron. You will embark for a sea cruise which will take you to the port of La Rochelle.

Leaving Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, you’ll pass through Le Grand-Village-Plage, a seaside resort renowned for its fine sandy beaches. Then on to Château d’Oléron, a small fortified town where you can admire the ramparts and the famous oyster port. Don’t miss the Château d’Oléron citadel, a listed historic monument offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Continue on to Dolus d’Oléron, where you can discover the church of Saint-André and its famous contemporary stained-glass windows. Stop off at the Oléron salt works to observe traditional salt production and learn more about this age-old craft.

Sea cruise from the Ile d'Oléron to La Rochelle

From Boyardville, you reach La Rochelle passing near the famous Fort Boyard. This building was built in order to protect the Charente estuary, Aixe and Rochefort island from attacks by enemy ships. Boat arrival in the heart of the city, at the foot of the famous towers.

  • For a few more km 50km 123m Niveau Loisir

    Head for the north of the island, where you’ll cross the state forest, a protected natural area where you can enjoy a pleasant stroll in the shade of the maritime pines. You’ll pass through l’Écuissière, a small hamlet typical of the island. Next, you’ll cross the vineyards of La Menounière, where you can admire the local vineyards and perhaps sample an island wine. Continue on to Domino, a charming coastal village, before heading for the Chassiron lighthouse. This iconic Oleron lighthouse offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding area. Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the lighthouse for an exceptional view. Finally, finish your walk by crossing the Douhet marsh, a nature reserve where you can observe a variety of flora and fauna. It’s an ideal place for lovers of nature and tranquillity.

Day 6

LA ROCHELLE

End of your stay after breakfast.

Essential Range

You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.

Accommodation example
Hôtel Roca Fortis

Starting from 760€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Comfort Range

Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Hôtel François 1er Hôtel Roca Fortis

Starting from 765€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Privilege Range

Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.

Accommodation example
Façade côté rue Hotel la monnaie La Rochelle

Starting from 1255€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

Price includes

  • Accommodation: 5 nights in a Double room
  • 5 breakfasts
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
  • Application fee
  • Tourist taxes
  • The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
    • Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
    • Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner with french topo maps
  • Additional services included:
    • Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
    • Day 5 : Sea crossing - BOYARDVILLE Oleron - LA ROCHELLE
  • Price does not include

    • bike rental (see option)
    • Breakfast on day 1
    • Lunches
    • Dinners not included in "Price includes"
    • Drinks, visits & other personal expenses

    Close assistance
    • One of our guides greets you by phone on your first day. He present you all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide)
    • Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team 7 days a week
    • A Luggage transfer service from 09:00 and with a delivery before 18:00. (one luggage and one bagback per person maximum)

    Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional

    GPS for cycling trips

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     


    You can also

     

    On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
    • One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
    • Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
    • A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce

    We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.


    Hiking Bike (man)

    ARCADE ESCAPE

    28″ wheels
    Two frame sizes
    21 gears
    Aluminium frame
    Luggage rack

    The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • One luggage carrier bag (capacity 20L per bag)
    • Lock
    • A handlebar bag
    • A repair kit (pump, light tools, puncture kit)

    Hiking Bike (woman)

    ARCADE ESCAPE

    28″ wheels
    Two frame sizes
    21 gears
    Aluminium frame
    Luggage rack

    The lightweight, practical and comfortable travel bike.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • One luggage carrier bag (capacity 20L per bag)
    • Lock
    • A handlebar bag
    • A repair kit (pump, light tools, puncture kit)

    Ebike

    Several models of ebikes available with :

    28″ wheels
    At least 3 levels of assistance
    Minimum range of 50 km
    Maximum range 90-100 km
    7 gears at least
    Central motor in the bottom bracket
    Aluminium frame
    Luggage rack

    A great alternative to travel more kilometers a day and support your efforts.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • One luggage carrier bag (capacity 20L per bag)
    • Lock
    • A handlebar bag
    • A repair kit (pump, light tools, puncture kit)

    Children Bike

    6 gears
    20″ or 24″ wheels
    Aluminium frame
    Mountain bike or Hybrid bike model

    Recommended for children from 6-7 years old for a maximum height of 145 cm.

     

     

     

    Follow me

    Intermediate solution
    No obligation to pedal for the child
    Attached to the saddle of a man or woman bike

    Recommended for children between 5 and 7 years old.

     

    Children trailer

    Two places
    Maximum charge : 40 kg
    Note: this model is not convertible into a stroller.

     

    Getting here

    Departure city : LA ROCHELLE

    Coming by car

    • at 4h45 from PARIS
    • at 2h from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Parking*

    • Parking gare de La Rochelle – EFFIA – LA ROCHELLE
    • Esplanade des Parcs – LA ROCHELLE

    Coming by train

    • La Rochelle train station - 3h15 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • La Rochelle airport

    Arrival city : LA ROCHELLE

    Coming by car

    • at 4h45 from PARIS
    • at 2h from BORDEAUX
    • at 6h from LYON

    Coming by train

    • La Rochelle train station - 3h15 from Paris

    Coming by plane

    • La Rochelle airport

    *Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.

    * Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.

    Recommended equipment

    Bike

    • Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
    • 18 to 30-speed transmission
    • 26- to 29-inch wheels
    • Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
    • Disc brakes recommended
    • 2 bottle cages
    • Bell
    • Front and rear lighting

    Clothing and equipment

    • Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
    • 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
    • Suitable cycling clothing:
      • bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
      • Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
      • Breathable windbreaker
    • Thermal or fleece jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • 1 pair of sunglasses
    • 1 pair of cycling shoes
    • 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
    • 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
    • 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
    • Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
      • 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
      • Padded bib (chamois)
      • High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
      • Neck warmer and cap

    Bike maintenance

    • Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
    • Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads

    Other

    • A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
    • Street clothes
    • 1 pair of evening shoes
    • Fleece jacket for the evening
    • Toiletry bag
    • Telephone and charger

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