Voir les disponibilités 
An Experience that Takes You Closer to Nature…
An ecological mode of transport and a physical activity full of benefits, cycling is suitable for everyone. City bikes, mountain bikes, BMX, road bikes… It’s an activity that appeals to both young and old. And in Charente-Maritime, we’re well aware of that. That’s why we’ve developed a vast network of cycle paths throughout the entire department!
The routes offer us cyclists diverse and breathtaking scenery (Don’t forget to breathe when you’re pedaling!). So let’s wander through the vineyards, marshes, and forests. These paths will allow us to enjoy the flora and fauna and encourage us to get closer to nature during our stay. A change of scenery feels great!
La Vélodyssée
The first and undoubtedly most famous route is called “La Vélodyssée.” It starts in the Poitevin Marsh, at the Brault bridge, and ends after 164 km on the estuary banks in Royan, Gironde.
This vertical crossing of the department varies between seaside, canal banks, and city. We’ll have the opportunity to stop very frequently to visit charming spots with beautiful viewpoints or cultural sites. For example, during this excursion, we’ll have the chance to pass through La Rochelle and Rochefort, two cities with a truly interesting heritage.
The route will allow us to make a stop there to climb the towers or stroll along the port (La Rochelle). We can also take a break at the transporter bridge or the royal rope factory (Rochefort). This trip will also give us the opportunity to catch our breath at Fort Vauban in Fouras or to eat at the oyster city in La Cayenne, after visiting it.
The Canal Des Deux Mers
“The Canal des Deux Mers” is another route extending La Vélodyssée. Starting in Royan and ending in Vitrezay (33820), it will take us 63 km along the Atlantic coast.
The Meschers caves are a must-see stop that will leave you starry-eyed! Day or night, we just need to set off to discover the troglodyte site. Thanks to the superb beaches bordering the cycle path, this route will allow us to enjoy swimming breaks to relax with our feet in the water.
We’ll make a detour to the Fâ Gallo-Roman museum and site to soak up some culture before ending our journey by admiring the carrelets, these small stilt-mounted fishing huts, which are highly characteristic of the department.
La Flow Vélo
If you wish to cross the department from east to west (or vice versa), it’s possible! You’ll need to choose the cycle route called “La Flow Vélo,” which connects Île d’Aix and Salignac-sur-Charente.
It will also take us through Rochefort but then continue east of the department, following the Charente river to Saint-Savinien. There, we can admire its charm and architectural heritage. Before reaching Saintes, the circuit will take us through Port d’Envaux, offering us the opportunity to discover the rock sculptures at the “Les Lapidiales” site.
We’ll then finish our route by heading towards Cognac, and even if the itinerary ends a few kilometers before, nothing prevents us from crossing the department border to go to Charente and visit the city named after the famous drink, Cognac (we can even enjoy a tasting, in moderation, of course!).
Overlapping with the beginning of the Vélodyssée route, we find a part of the famous “Vélo Francette,” which starts north of Brittany in Ouistreham and ends next to the old port of La Rochelle.
Even if predefined routes exist, the cycle path network isn’t limited to just that… You can easily create your own itinerary by selecting a path from the department’s 5300 km of cycle paths.
Léa’s Testimonial
Accustomed to bike tours, I particularly love the Vélodyssée for the diversity of its landscapes: between marshes, wild beaches, and small oyster ports, each stage offers a different atmosphere.
With experience, I’ve gotten used to planning my stops based on campsites near the route. This allows you to travel light and fully enjoy your days, without logistical stress. The “Cycling” section is also an excellent tool for this: the interactive map facilitates preparation and provides a good overview of available cycle paths and accommodations.
✨ My tip: don’t limit yourself to the main sections. Also plan shorter loops to explore the marshes or cycle along the coast at sunrise – these detours make a road trip truly rich.
🚲 Bonus tip for enthusiasts: remember to vary the stages, alternating sporty days with more contemplative ones. It’s the best way to maintain your pace while savoring the region in every detail.
So: “To our maps… Ready… Book” (your stay)
