VÉLODYSSÉE: FROM NANTES TO BORDEAUX
Discover the Vélodyssée, from Nantes to Bordeaux, through varied and enchanting landscapes. An itinerary suited to all levels, with comfortable stages and total immersion in the beauty of the Atlantic coast. A unique cycling adventure, combining nature and culture..
Along the Vélodyssée
Vineyards and the Loire by bike
Towns of Art and History,
UNESCO sites
Arrive in Nantes, birthplace of French writer Jules Verne and famous for its unique Verne-inspired Machines de l’île. It features a giant mechanical elephant that takes visitors on rides through the city. The town is also famous for its medieval Château des Ducs de Bretagne and its Muscadet wine.
Leaving the city, you follow the Loire, admiring its impressive river scenery. Crossing the Breton hinterland, you join the coastal cycle path, passing several ports and locks with their famous fishing boats. Arrive at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, famous for its beaches, dunes and the Serpent d’océan, an emblematic work of art.
Leaving Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, you’ll follow the coast towards Pornic, passing through landscapes of dunes and pine forests. In Pornic, take a break to admire its charming harbor and its castle overlooking the ocean. You’ll then follow the Vélodyssée along the coast, between wild creeks and salt marshes, before reaching Bouin, in the heart of the Breton marshes, where oyster farming and vast stretches of wilderness provide a unique backdrop.
Today you cycle on a very beautiful path which brings you to Nantes. Here you can learn more about the history of the dukes of Brittany. For centuries Nantes was the capital of Brittany, so now you are in ancient part of it. The castle lies impressively in the very city centre with studwork houses nearby. This young and vibrant city will fascinate you with all its facets.
Leaving Saint-Gilles, you follow the wild coastline to Les Sables-d’Olonne, with its beaches and famous embankment. Then, following the Vélodyssée through forests and marshes, you’ll reach La Tranche-sur-Mer, a popular seaside resort with superb views over the Ile de Ré.
Departing from La Tranche-sur-Mer, you’ll follow the coast through the marshes and forests of southern Vendée. After a pause at Esnandes to admire the Baie de l’Aiguillon, you enter the Charente-Maritime region and reach La Rochelle, with its old port, emblematic towers and unique maritime atmosphere.
Leaving La Rochelle, you drive along the coast past Châtelaillon-Plage and its vast stretches of sand. You’ll then cross the Charente marshes before reaching Rochefort, a historic town famous for its arsenal and Corderie Royale.
Leaving Rochefort, you’ll follow the Charente estuary through marshes and small villages. Then you’ll head for the coast and beaches before arriving in Royan, a lively seaside resort with Belle Époque villas and vast sandy beaches.
Leaving Royan, you cross the Gironde estuary to Le Verdon-sur-Mer, then follow the wild Médoc coastline, between endless beaches and pine forests. Looking out over the ocean, you’ll pass through the picturesque villages of the Royan region before entering the Médoc to arrive in Pauillac, in the heart of the great Bordeaux wines.
Departing from Pauillac, you’ll drive through the heart of the Médoc, past prestigious châteaux and vineyards as far as the eye can see. The roads are quiet and picturesque. As you approach Bordeaux, you’ll skirt the city’s quays, offering a beautiful view of the Garonne River, before reaching the historic heart of the city, famous for its squares and monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
It’s the last day and time to say “see you soon”!
8 nights in 3* hotels
2 nights in 4* hotels
• 8 nights in 3* hotels
• 2 nights in 4* hotels
• Personalized welcome
• Hearty breakfasts
• Daily luggage transfer
• Bike delivery and pick-up
• Itinerary on our app
• Route book with maps
• 7/7 telephone assistance
City tax is not included and has to be paid on the spot.
Arrival: Daily 15.04 – 14.10.25
Route characteristics: From time to time on cycle paths, calm side roads, always bituminized, flat to slightly steep.
| By plane: The nearest airport is NANTES (direct flights from Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Munich, Geneva, Amsterdam, Basel, Vienna, London). Then direct train connection to Saumur
By train: Arrival station: SAUMUR By car: Parking: Our partner hotel offers a secured parking place for your car during the whole travel period. |
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