Atlantic Coast Cycle - Nantes to La Rochelle
Atlantic Coast Cycle - Nantes to La Rochelle
$1790
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along France's stunning Atlantic Coast from Nantes to La Rochelle. This self-guided tour invites you to explore the vibrant city of Nantes and the charming seaside town of La Rochelle, while cycling through diverse landscapes and picturesque villages. Follow the renowned La Vélodyssée route, experiencing the maritime allure of sandy coves, jagged coastlines, and lush forests. Enjoy the freedom of cycling at your own pace, with opportunities to swim and explore historic sites along the way. Accommodation includes cozy B&Bs and hotels, with luggage transfers and a digital information pack to guide your journey. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or seeking a leisurely ride, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on France's beautiful Atlantic shores. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Nantes
Location: Nantes, Saint Pierre et Saint Pauls Cathedral, Nantes, Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Nantes, Passage Pommeraye, Nantes
Accommodation Name: hotel
Arrive in Nantes and make your way to the hotel. Nantes is the largest, and one of the most beautiful, towns on the Loire. If you have time, take a walk through the charming town centre to view Saint Pierre et Saint Pauls Cathedral, the castle of the dukes of Brittany and Passage Pommeraye, a famous shopping centre built in the 1840s and recognized as a historic monument thanks to its impressive architecture. Follow its Voyage green line, stretching over 20km and connecting must-see sights and artworks. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Follow the Loire to Paimboeuf, continue south to the seaside resort of Saint-Brévin-les-Pins (58km/36mi)
Location: Loire River, Paimboeuf, Saint-Brévin-les-Pins
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
As you commence your cycle this morning along the mouth of the Loire you will encounter surprising works of art at unusual places. Passing Le Pellerin you will follow the Martinière canal along small, quiet roads on the cycling route of La Loire à Vélo. From Paimboeuf, your itinerary on the coastal route “Velodysée” starts and you will notice the strong influence of tides and currents on the Loire. The end of the day is in St-Brevin, a lively seaside resort on the Atlantic.
Ascent 1m, descent 18m
Day 3 : Discover Atlantic coast scenery en route to Bouin (57km/35.6mi)
Location: Pornic, Bouin
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
As you continue south of the Loire, La Vélodyssée has a maritime feel with sandy coves, jagged coastlines and small seaside resorts. Pass by Pornic, the gem of La Côte de Jade nestling in an inlet. The Marais Breton Marshlands form the border between the departments of Loire-Atlantique and Vendée. Overnight in Bouin.
Ascent 110m, descent 106m
Day 4 : Cycle past dunes and through the Pays de Monts to Saint Jean de Monts (42km/26.2mi)
Location: National forest of Pays de Monts, Saint Jean de Monts, Gois causeway, Island of Noirmoutier
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, your ride will focus entirely on the sea, the beach, the forest and the dunes. You will cycle 18km along winding paths through the National forest of Pays de Monts, after which you will reach the seaside resort of St Jean de Monts. The highlight of today will be crossing the famous Gois causeway to the island of Noirmoutier, if the tides permit.
Ascent 35m, descent 34m
Day 5 : Pass the famous boulders at Sion-sur-l'Océan en route to Les Sables d'Olonne (55km/34mi)
Location: Sion-sur-l'Océan, St-Hilaire-de-Riez, St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Brem-sur-Mer, Les Sables-d'Olonne
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before reaching the Vendéenne Cove and its famous boulders at Sion-sur-l’Océan, 'La Vélodyssée' heads towards an old fishing village in the commune of St-Hilaire-de-Riez. St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a working port and seaside resort is located on a river in an unforgettable location! Take some time to stroll around before continuing the route which heads towards Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Brem-sur-Mer and finally Les Sables-d’Olonne via the Port de Plaisance. A superb cycling day, this is an idyllic location for family seaside holidays.
Ascent 112m, descent 113m
Day 6 : Follow the coast to La Tranche sur Mer with swimming opportunities (46km/28.7mi)
Location: La Tranche-sur-Mer, St-Vincent-sur-Jard, National Park of Longeville
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A dream ride for this part of 'La Vélodyssée' you will cycle close to the sea, beaches and rocky coves. A beautiful trail and a real pleasure to ride along whilst breathing in the fresh sea air before turning back inland. After passing St-Vincent you will wind your way into the National Park of Longeville, meandering back towards the ocean on two occasions where the beach can be accessed easily. This are opportunities to swim today.
Ascent 102m, descent 115m
Day 7 : Cycle to La Rochelle (73km/45mi)
Location: La Belle-Henriette Lagoon, St-Michel-en-l'Herm, Marais Poitevin, Pont du Brault, Marans, La Rochelle
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cycle along the La Belle-Henriette Lagoon, which is separated from the ocean by a small stretch of sand, continuing to St-Michel-en-l’Herm through the marshes of Marais Poitevin. This landscape is dotted with farms, after which you will cross the Pont du Brault to reach the department of Charente-Maritime. Continue through the town of Marans to reach La Rochelle with its old towers and ruins from its past as a maritime harbour famous for trading with wine, salt and cheese.Ascent 30m, descent 30mNOTE: It's possible to split this day and stay overnight in Marans, in which case the cycling is La Tranche-sur-Mer to Marans (47km/29mi) and Marans to La Rochelle (26km/16mi) - a supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking.
Day 8 : Trip concludes (or extend your stay cycle on the beautiful Île de Ré)
Location: Île de Ré
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your trip concludes this morning after breakfast. At the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and facing the islands of Ré, Aix and Oléron, we recommend extending your stay to take time to explore the area - please ask for our rates.
What's Included
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Accommodation
hotels -
Hybrid rental bike
Hybrid rental bike including helmet, pannier, lock, repair kit and handlebar bag is included.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer for 1 piece with a maximum of 20kg is included, with a supplement for excess.
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Digital information pack
A digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps, roadbook, and GPS tracks is included.
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Visitor tax
Visitor tax is included.
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Emergency hotline
An emergency hotline is available during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Destination
Travel to Nantes and from La Rochelle is not included.
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Meals and Drinks
Meals not listed as included and all drinks are excluded.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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E-bike Rental
E-bike rental is available with a supplement.
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Tour Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no tour guide is included.
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Single Room Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers
Transfers not listed as included are excluded.
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Taxi or Public Transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Optional Day Split
Option to split day 7 into two days with a supplement.
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Phone Holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Lunches and Dinners
Lunches and dinners daily and all beverages are excluded.
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Museum and Site Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to museums, chateaux, parks, archaeological sites, and wine tastings are not included.
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Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Grading
GRADE 3 - Follow the 'La Vélodyssée cycle route along dedicated cycleways and quiet roads that give easy access to historic towns and cities along the way. Overall, the cycling is moderate grade with daily cycling distances from 42 to 73km/26.2 to 45mi (with the option to split the 73km day - must be requested at time of booking). The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos and perhaps a swim. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel to Nantes and from La Rochelle is not included, but the tour provides a hybrid rental bike with helmet, pannier, lock, repair kit, and handlebar bag for your cycling journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in a mix of charming B&Bs and 2-3 star hotels, all offering twin share rooms with ensuite facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your cycling adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in a combination of B&Bs and 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Is there an option to rent an electric bike for the tour?
Yes, an electric bike is available for rent upon request, but a supplement applies.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you should carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package, but it is mandatory for participants.
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Are meals included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 continental breakfasts. Other meals and drinks are not included.
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Is there a guide provided during the cycling tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no tour guide is included.
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Can the cycling distance on the last day be split into two days?
Yes, it is possible to split the cycling distance on the last day into two days with an overnight stay in Marans. A supplement applies and must be requested at the time of booking.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as moderate, suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. Daily cycling distances range from 42 to 73 km, with an option to split the longest day.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Atlantic Coast Cycle - Nantes to La Rochelle
8 Days Starting in Nantes, France and ending in La Rochelle, France
Visiting: Nantes, Saint Pierre et Saint Pauls Cathedral, Nantes, Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Nantes, Passage Pommeraye, Nantes, Loire River, Paimboeuf, Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, Pornic, Bouin, National forest of Pays de Monts, Saint Jean de Monts, Gois causeway, Island of Noirmoutier, Sion-sur-l'Océan, St-Hilaire-de-Riez, St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Brem-sur-Mer, Les Sables-d'Olonne, La Tranche-sur-Mer, St-Vincent-sur-Jard, National Park of Longeville, La Belle-Henriette Lagoon, St-Michel-en-l'Herm, Marais Poitevin, Pont du Brault, Marans, La Rochelle, Île de Ré ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NLR
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided