Gourmet escape on the Vélodyssée:
between Atlantic Ocean and vineyards

"What I like about this trip: the contrast between ocean and vineyards, this little-known part of the Médoc, called here: the little Médoc Camargue, strolling among the oyster huts of Fort Royer, tasting great wines and enjoying the gastronomy of the southwest .... Simon"

"What I like about this trip: the contrast between ocean and vineyards, this little-known part of the Médoc, called here: the little Médoc Camargue, strolling among the oyster huts of Fort Royer, tasting great wines and enjoying the gastronomy of the southwest .... Simon"

  • Loop from La Rochelle

  • 8 days - 7 nights

  • Level: Intermediate

  • Family

    Families

  • PMR & Handicaps

    PMR & Handicaps

  • Icon of a white cell phone vibrating on a yellow background

    +33 7 64 49 09 28

Highlights of the trip

100% customized travel

Discover the little-known landscapes of the Charente-Maritime and Médoc regions on an 8-day cycle tour from La Rochelle, on a classic bike, a VAE or a semi-recumbent Pino tandem.

  • Pedal your bike or semi-recumbent tandem from La Rochelle to the prestigious wine Châteaux of the Médoc, via the Côte Sauvage, the Vélodyssée, the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, the Seudre Valley and the Ile d'Oléron.

  • Discover the charm of the Charente villages and enjoy the region's culinary delights.

  • Visit the Domaines' cellars and taste some of the world's most prestigious Crus.

  • Relax in charming, upscale guesthouses and hotels, with spas, swimming pools and exceptional surroundings.

  • A 100% customizable, immersive cyclo-tour for two or more on a bicycle or semi-recumbent Pino tandem.

Itinerary

Steps

Arrival in La Rochelle

The adventure begins...
Your hotel room awaits you, equipped with everything you need for a successful trip: panniers, GPX itinerary, and a detailed travel diary to record your favorites. Settle in, breathe in the sea air, and set off to explore La Rochelle, this historic city with its lively streets and picturesque old port. Dine in front of the illuminated medieval towers, and let the excitement of tomorrow's departure lull you to sleep.

Tomorrow, the bike will take you to the natural marshes of the citadel of Brouage... Ready to pedal your way to escape?

DAY 1: La Rochelle → Ronce-les-Bains (70 km)

First pedal strokes between ocean and forest
Your adventure begins in vibrant La Rochelle, with its old port and medieval towers. After a café on the terrace, strap on your helmets and head south along shady cycle paths and quiet country roads. You'll pass through the salt marshes of Brouage, before arriving at Ronce-les-Bains, a discreet seaside resort with an end-of-the-world feel. Dine with your feet in the sand, lulled by the sound of the waves...

Tomorrow, off to Soulac-sur-Mer and its wild dunes!

DAY 2: Ronce-les-Bains → Soulac-sur-Mer (57 km)

The call of the ocean and vast horizons
The road winds its way between pine forests and immense beaches, with the Atlantic always in the background. Pass the Pointe de la Coubre, where the lighthouse watches over the Gironde estuary, before heading for Soulac-sur-Mer, the pearl of the Côte d'Argent by the Bac de l'estuaire de la Gironde. Take a stroll through the historic center with its Belle Époque villas, then enjoy a sunset on the beach.

The Médoc awaits you tomorrow... and its legendary vineyards!

DAY 3: Soulac-sur-Mer → Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne (48 km)

From the ocean to the vineyards, a change of scenery
Leave the dunes to enter the Pays Médoc, kingdom of the grands crus. The road passes through picturesque wine-growing villages, where châteaux and prestigious estates follow one another. Stop for a tasting at a Cru Bourgeois, before arriving at Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, a peaceful little village in the heart of the vineyards.

Tomorrow is a light day to explore the castles at your own pace!

DAY 4: Cycling day & castle visits (25 km)

Immerse yourself in the Médoc's grands crus
Today's tour is not a long-distance trip, but a gourmet stroll through the vineyards. Visit two emblematic châteaux, discover the secrets of wine-making, and taste some exceptional crus. In the evening, relax in your accommodation or enjoy a final sunset tour of the vineyards.

Tomorrow, back to the ocean and Charente-Maritime!

DAY 5: Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne → Saint-Palais-sur-Mer (65 km)

Back to the coast and its luminous landscapes
You leave the vineyards for the sea air. Cross the estuary on the Le Verdon / Royan ferry, then follow the coast to Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, a family resort with golden beaches. Relax with a swim and dinner overlooking the ocean.

The island of Oleron is getting closer... get ready for tomorrow!

DAY 6: Saint-Palais-sur-Mer → Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron (62 km)

Set course for the island of treasures
A varied stage, between forests, marshes and small ports. After crossing the Pont d'Oléron, you'll discover the island at its best: fishing villages, oyster beds and bike paths lined with mimosas, taste the local oysters and explore the colorful lanes.

Tomorrow is free to enjoy Oléron as you please!

DAY 7: Free day on Oléron

Breathing in the sea and total freedom
Wild beaches, gourmet markets and charming little ports are yours for the taking. Rent an electric bike for a ride to the Chassiron lighthouse, or laze on the sandbanks of Saint-Trojan. This is your day, so enjoy it without moderation!

Last stop tomorrow... back to La Rochelle.

DAY 8: Saint-Trojan → Boyardville (20 km) + return by boat

Final pedal strokes before bidding farewell
A short stroll along the coast takes you to Boyardville, where you'll embark for La Rochelle. Take advantage of this final crossing to relive your fondest memories, before returning to the bustle of the old port.

Congratulations, you've covered almost 350 km... and taken the spirit of the Atlantic with you!

Lodgings

When you book, we'll offer you our best selection of accommodations to suit your budget and preferences! You retain complete freedom to choose your stopovers and book directly, and we take care of personalizing your itinerary for a tailor-made trip.

Under the stars or with 5 stars

Category Bivouac under the stars, campsites, small B&Bs
Cosy category comfort campsites, 2*, 3* hotels, guest houses
Category Charm : 3*, 4* hotels, Glamping, charming B&Bs.
Luxury category: 4*, 5* hotels, exceptional homes and estates.

From 456 € / pers

based on 2 people (degressive for more than 2 people) / Excluding accommodation*.

    • Personalized itinerary

    • GPS guidance & travel log.

    • Selection of accommodation, activities and transport with direct booking links.

    • Welcome by our team

    • Equipment rental: classic or tandem semi-recumbent bikes

    • Introduction and advice on how to get to grips with your bike or tandem quickly and easily

    • Concierge & assistance.

    • Meals

    • Booking accommodation, activities and transport

    • Any additional costs associated with the guidance app

    • Personal expenses

    • Insurance

    • Anything not included in the quote

  • When you book, we'll offer you our best selection of accommodations to suit your budget and preferences! You retain complete freedom to choose your stopovers and book directly, and we take care of personalizing your itinerary for a tailor-made trip.

    Bivouac category
    on average: - 80€ / night / based on 2 people
    Category Cosy
    average : 80 to 120€ / night / based on 2 people
    Charming Category
    on average : 120 to 220€ / night / based on 2 people
    Luxury category
    on average : 220 to + de 280€ / night / based on 2 people

    • VAE bike

    • Top-of-the-range touring bike

    • Pino semi-recumbent tandem with electric assistance

    • Travel equipment

    • Non-route delivery

    Many other options available upon request and quotation

For a couple, a group of friends, a family, a honeymoon, a disabled person or PRM, ...

Don't let the weather spoil your vacation,
benefit from a postponement of up to 18 months!
See conditions in FAQ

Two people, a man and a woman, cycling at sunset along a waterfront lane, with mountains in the background.
Two people enjoying an outdoor picnic, sitting on a blanket, with a basket of fruit next to them, a glass of red wine and a bottle of wine.
Two old stone buildings with shuttered windows and slate roofs, surrounded by flower gardens, under a sunny blue sky.
Black grapes in bunches hanging from the vine, surrounded by green leaves, in sunlight
Travel guide page with a map of the island, a photo of a wooden tower by the sea, and a yellow sign with suggestions for camping in French.
Green vineyards under a clear sky, with mountains in the background and trees framing the scene.
Platter of oysters with lemon, glass of white wine, view of a stretch of water with boats, a seaside restaurant table.
View of a beach with dunes covered in greenery, a sandy path leading to the sea under a blue sky with a few clouds.
White birds flying over a marshy field with water and blue sky
Stone fort by the water at sunset. Fort Boyard.
Traditional wooden fishermen's carrelets at sunset, reflection in the water, cloudy sky.
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Old port with medieval towers, pleasure boats and waterfront buildings. La Rochelle
A hut perched on stilts on the water's edge with a suspended fishing net, sea view and clear blue sky
A wooden house painted blue with green and yellow accents, decorated with yellow anchors on the front, and a pile of fishing nets or metal cages stacked in front.
Glasses of red wine on a table, with a bottle of wine being poured, background blur with warm lights.
A sandy path to the beach, surrounded by wooden fences and shaded by pine trees, with the sea and a clear blue sky in the background.
Aerial view of a coastline with beaches, agricultural areas, dwellings, an inland body of water, and a large body of water or sea in the background, taken from an airplane. Ile de Ré.
Platter of fresh oysters garnished with a lemon wedge, with a sunset in the background.
A cobbled lane lined with pink flowers and stone houses under a blue sky. A tourist agency logo at bottom left.
Wooden carrelets on stilts by the sea, with a clear sky and rocky landscape in the foreground.
White sand path leading to a beach with sand dunes and grass, view of the turquoise sea and a blue sky with a few clouds.
Wooden barrier on the beach with shadow cast in the sand, sea view in the background
Vines with red roses planted in a field of vines under a clear blue sky, with houses in the background.
Grape tree with bunches of yellow grapes in a vineyard under a blue sky.
A smiling young woman in an autumn vineyard, as a man takes her picture, surrounded by grapes and colorful leaves.