Atlantic Coast Weekender Single Centre

Take a short trip on the train down to the great naval city of Rochefort (journey time: 22 mins; ticket payable locally) where you’ll take delivery of your bike at the station and saddle up for a delightful day of gentle cycling, weaving your way along mainly dedicated cycle paths. Rochefort however, couldn’t be more straight forward — planned by Colbert in the 1660s to supply and defend the French Royal Navy, you’ll find it truly firm of purpose, its streets strictly regimented with wide boulevards destined for grand military parades. It’s worth breaking rank briefly though to get a glimpse of the replica of the 3 mast frigate, L’Hermione, which sailed to the Americas in 1780, famous recently restored rope walk building, La Corderie Royale or the naval museum in the rectilinear citadel.

But the coast is calling and soon after the little village of St Laurent du Prée, the Reserve Naturelle du Marais d’Yves brings a wilder type beauty to the world. All the way to chic Châtallion-Plage, the views are wide and watery, leading past tufty marshland with leaning evergreens, rugged bays, oyster farms and salt pans. But the great sandy expanses which attract the sun-worshippers are not as natural as they seem … every year they have to be replenished thanks to ongoing coastal erosion! Alas, Châtallion has seen its medieval fort disappear too, but see if you can spot the occasional pre-19th century agricultural and oyster farm building. There are smart villas here too, memories of those early days when the railways brought the first bathers and the resort was born. Park up and take a dip here perhaps, or stop off at one of the other many beautiful beach spots – Plage St Jean des Sables, Plage d’Aytre, Plage du Roux… – en route back to La Rochelle.

Overnight in La Rochelle.

Miles  28  Kms  44

It’s all sorts of things about the Ile de Ré which capture the imagination – the beaches of amazing white sand, the brightly painted shutters on white-washed cottages, the sail boats, café culture and even the light itself. Let the picturesque island inspire you as you discover its many colours for yourself along its great network of flat cycle paths. Cross the 3km long bridge which curves across the water, then follow a circular tour via Rivedoux-Plage and Abbaye des Châteliers – the largest abbey ruins in the region – to the vibrant old fishing village of la Flotte. Here, either cross the island to return via Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, or continue to the impressive port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, fortified by Vauban in 1681 with a 14km star-shaped stone wall, ultimately a built to defend the royal naval port base at Rochefort. Green (‘Ré’ = wild fern), pleasant, wrapped in sea and sky, the island is a real breath of fresh air and you’re sure to find yourself stopping to admire the view, put a toe in the water, or sample the fruits of local labours down by the quayside. Enjoy!

Overnight in La Rochelle.

Miles  24 /31  Kms  40 / 50

Depart after breakfast, or take time for a last wander around la Rochelle… well, have you seen the fine arts museum or elegant Renaissance Maison de Diane de Poitiers yet?

Extra nights can be booked in La Rochelle to allow more time to explore the city and the Atlantic Coast of Aquitaine at your leisure.