The Atlantic Coast by bike

Free day in the city. Take the opportunity to explore this pretty maritime city, with its medieval relics and the surviving fortifications (remparts that surround the city destroyed by Richelieu in 1628). La Rochelle is also home to the largest marina on the Atlantic Coast, with a total of 3600 moorings at the Port des Minimes.
Settle in to your hotel.

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.

As the transporter bridge is currently undergoing a makeover, you’ll follow the banks of the Charente, crossing over further upstream in order to reach an old railway line, before joining the canal towpath.You then ride through the marshlands where you will be able to spot a wide variety of birds. Finally you arrive in Marennes, the oyster capital! 
Night in Marennes.

Ride through the oyster parks and saltwater marshes towards the Seudre Estuary. The landscape gradually changes and opens up to dunes and pine forests. You are welcomed by the lighthouse, standing on the Pointe de la Coubre, before arriving in La Palmyre. Continue your ride along the seafront and coastline to reach Royan. Here, you will see more beautiful villas from the Belle Epoque.
Night in Royan.

Take advantage of the morning to visit Royan which was largely rebuilt in the 1950s, notably by Niemeyer and Le Corbusier. Take the ferry (no advance reservation possible, crossing at your own expense on the day - around €3.60/person (in 2021) with bike (free) - plan to arrive 30 minutes in advance with the crossing taking a further 30 minutes), to cross the Gironde and reach the Pointe de la Grave. In Soulac, do not miss the 12th century Roman Basilica, Notre Dame de la Fin des Terres. 
Find your top gear to arrive in Hourtin - Plage- it’s straight on (almost) ! 
Night in Hourtin.

Follow the route of the lighthouses, with some sections of coastline thrown in to keep up the pace. Stick close to the sea to reach Lacanau - Océan, a seaside resort built in 1905. This is a highly-reputed surfing spot, home to a stage of the World Championships and the oldest surf school in Europe - why not give it a try? 
Night in Lacanau - Océan.

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. 

As you cross through the towns of the Bassin d’Arcachon, don’t hesitate to dismount and explore the oyster-farming ports, take time to enjoy some oysters or simply stretch your legs in Andernos by walking along the longest pier in France (232m). You will follow the former Lacanau to Arcachon railway before passing through the very pleasant Teich Bird Reserve (cyclists should dismount) and arriving in the oyster-farming port of Gujan - Mestras, oyster capital of the Bassin d’Arcachon…Take a gentle ride around the Bassin and the saltflats before reaching Arcachon with its cosy atmosphere. 
End of trip in Arcachon.