Cycling the Vélodyssée from La Rochelle to Arcachon

Depending on your arrival time in La Rochelle, take the opportunity to explore this charming maritime city. Wander through its historic streets, discover its medieval heritage and admire the remains of its former fortifications, including the city walls that once surrounded La Rochelle before being destroyed in 1628 on the orders of Cardinal Richelieu.

La Rochelle is also home to the largest marina on the Atlantic coast, the Port des Minimes, with 3,600 berths. You can then settle into your hotel for a relaxing first night before beginning your cycling adventure.

You set off from the famous 14th century medieval towers of the Port of La Rochelle. Ride along the seafront to reach Chatellaillon - Plage with its pretty Belle Epoque villas. A rival town to La Rochelle during the Middle Ages, its castle disappeared into the ocean in the 13th century. Continue along the railway before turning off towards Fouras (from where Napoléon set sail for St Helena) to take in the Pointe de la Fumée, facing the Ile d’Aix. You then head on to Rochefort, a city of art and history. Take a look at the Arsenal neighbourhood, where the frigate Hermione was rebuilt. You may have a chance to see her if she has not sailed off into the Atlantic ?
Night in Rochefort.

Leave Rochefort by following the right bank of the Charente River. To reach the opposite shore, you can cross aboard the famous Rochefort Transporter Bridge, an unforgettable experience that takes you back in time. In just 4½ minutes, the suspended gondola carries you across the river while offering unique views over the Charente.

Crossings operate every 10 to 15 minutes on demand, with no advance booking required. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor centre on the Rochefort side (€2.10 one way), or online if you prefer to save time.

Your route then follows a former railway line before joining a pleasant towpath alongside the canal. You continue cycling through peaceful marshlands, a protected natural habitat where a wide variety of bird species can be observed.

Today's ride ends in Marennes, the oyster capital of the region, where you can discover the unique oyster farms and maritime landscapes that have made this area famous.

Today's ride takes you through the iconic landscapes of the Charente coastline, passing oyster farms, salt marshes and the banks of the Seudre Estuary. Gradually, the scenery gives way to rolling sand dunes, vast pine forests and long sandy beaches.

You pass the striking Coubre Lighthouse, standing proudly at the edge of the Côte Sauvage, before reaching the popular seaside resort of La Palmyre. Following the Atlantic coast, a few gentle climbs add variety to the route as you continue to Royan, where you can stroll along the lively seafront and admire its elegant Belle Époque villas.

Before leaving Royan, take some time to explore this elegant seaside resort, largely rebuilt in the 1950s and now renowned for its remarkable modern architectural heritage.

You then board the ferry to cross the Gironde Estuary and reach Pointe de Grave (tickets not included). Taking a bicycle on board is free of charge. The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes, and we recommend arriving 30 minutes before departure.

Once back on land, stop in Soulac-sur-Mer to admire the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres, a magnificent 12th-century Romanesque church. From there, simply follow the long cycle paths through the Landes pine forests to reach Hourtin-Plage, surrounded by peaceful and unspoilt natural landscapes.

Today’s stage follows the famous Lighthouse Route, taking you through fragrant pine forests and along the Atlantic coastline. A few gentle climbs add variety to the ride before you return to the peaceful cycle paths of the coast.

You continue as close as possible to the ocean towards Lacanau-Océan, a seaside resort founded in 1905. Famous for its vast beaches and impressive waves, it has become one of Europe’s most renowned surfing destinations. A regular stop on the world surfing championship circuit and home to the oldest surf school in Europe, Lacanau is the perfect place to discover the thrill of riding the waves… why not give it a try?

Initially staying next to the ocean, you then turn east at the Grand Crohot. The landscape opens up progressively, giving pride of place to the oyster farms. If your legs are still in good shape, you can opt to head on towards Cap Ferret or, alternatively, pass through the Lège Nature Reserve to arrive in Arès, which has been home to a runway for UFOs since 1976!
Night in Arès or Lège. 

For this final stage, you set off to discover the treasures of the Arcachon Bay. Along the way, you will pass through several charming villages around the Bay. Take the opportunity to stop and explore their oyster-farming ports, enjoy some fresh local oysters, or simply take a break and soak up the atmosphere.

In Andernos, you can walk along the longest pier in France (232 m) and enjoy a peaceful moment overlooking the Bay.

You then continue your route along the former disused railway line that once connected Lacanau to Arcachon. Your journey takes you through the Teich Ornithological Park, a remarkable natural site where cyclists are asked to ride slowly in order to preserve the tranquillity of the area.

You will then reach Gujan-Mestras, the true oyster capital of Arcachon Bay, with its charming oyster-farming harbour. Finally, you follow the shores of the Bay and the Prés Salés salt marshes before gently arriving in Arcachon, where you can enjoy its elegant and welcoming atmosphere.

End of the trip in Arcachon.