Cycling Holidays - La Rochelle to Bordeaux

La Rochelle to Bordeaux

France

From £1,129 P/P

From La Rochelle this cycling tour takes you along the Atlantic coast to discover the Charente Maritime area.

You will cycle along the Velodyssey to discover Re island with wide sandy beaches, marshes, oyster farms and visit the town of Rochefort and Royan.

You will continue your cycling holiday onto little roads going through the Haute-Saintonge and Haute Gironde, finishing in the medieval city of Bordeaux.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to La Rochelle

Arrive at your 4-star hotel in La Rochelle, where you will find the road book and bikes waiting for you.

La Rochelle is a tourist friendly and lively city, remarkable for its history. You can appreciate the old harbor and its towers which guarded the entrance fror over a hundred years. You can also enjoy the city centre and its arches as well as the town hall from the 15th century.

Day 2: Optional Loop around Ré Island - (30 to 60 km)

Loop tour to the island of Ré, passing through the villages of Flotte en Ré (dating from the 18th century) and its fishing boats, Saint-Martin with its fortifications and its fortress.

You will walk along the oyster beds, salt marshes and the nature reserve of the illeau Niges. Back by La Couarde and Bois plage.

Day 2 or 3 : From La Rochelle to Marennes. (59-70 km)

Today's cycle takes you alongside the coast and through the lively cities of Chatelaillon and Fouras.

Your itinerary then continues by the nature reserve of the Yve’s Bay. In Fouras, possibility to take the ferry to the Island Aix and to visit this small island which welcomed the last pension of Napoleon 1st.

Before arriving in Marennes the path takes you through Rochefort. This city founded in the seventeenth century around shipbuilding shares with you the original and unique transporter bridge “Eiffel”. The route continues on the bike paths of the most beautiful coast of western France.

Day 3 or 4 : From Marennes to Royan (48 km)

Your itinerary takes you on the cycle path to go through the pine forest of the wild coast, the Palmyre where you can visit the zoo.

You will arrive to Royan by Saint Palais, the beaches of Vaux sur Mer, Pontaillac and the marina. It is a stage marked by the intoxicating smell of maritime pines.

Royan is a modern resort city that hides some beautiful villas of time, an original covered market and a festive and lively waterfront.

Day 4 or 5 : The cliffs’ trail (35 km)

You will leave Royan by taking the boulevard Garnier and passing by its beautiful 19th century villas.

You will continue at the tof of the cliffs with a super view over the estuary. Here are hidden charming little wide ports. Discover Talmont-sur-Gironde, its church and blooming streets, the artisanal village of cave dweller dug in the limestone cliffs of Meshers-sur-Gironde.

You will stop at the Park of the estuary, pole nature de la Charente Maritime, you will cross a forest overlooking the ocean and the estuary of the Gironde, but also you will cross Saint-Seurin-d’Uzet, the old capital of Caviar, with its port almost located in the centre of the village.

Further south, you will visit the wine-maker of Mortagne to discover all about the Pineau, Cognac and Charentais wine. Mortagne-sur-Gironde, lays on the with cliffs, its fishing and sailing port make it a unique site in the area.

Day 5 or 6 : Charente, land of cultivation - Pineau and Cognac (35 to 45 km)

You will move away from the banks of the estuary and circulate then inside the land to discover the chateaux wine-making of Cognac and pineau similar to St-Dizant-du-Gua. The roads will lead you past old windmills, sunflower fields, fountains, posh houses and sumptuous chateaux.

The small roads in the marsh will make you join the banks of the estuary, where you will be able to feel the wildness and immensity of the area before reaching the vineyards of the Bordelais. First you will approach Cotes de Blaye then Cotes de Bourg by following the hills covered with wheat and vineyards.

Overnight in a charming guesthouse in the maisons de maître or manoirs with a blooming park in the heart of the vineyard...

Day 6 or 7 : Back to the estuary towards Blaye (40 to 50 km)

You will keep going along the banks of the estuary and discover Blaye and its famous citadel built by Vauban. Massive and majestic, the citadel dominates the estuary with 33 acres in the heart of the city, then offering a magnificent view on the Gironde.

Day 7 or 8 : Towards Bordeaux (50 km)

Discover Blaye and its famous citadel built by Vauban and take the ferry.

Your cycling day continues on the Médoc side in the heart of the Margaux and Haut Médoc vineyards. The Garonne River and the estuary of the Gironde mark profoundly the landscapes, through swamps, banks and small ports. Through little country roads you continue towards Bordeaux, le port de la lune on the Gironde.

Day 8 or 9 - Departure

After breakfast, end of tour
Route Overview

Route Overview

From la Rochelle, your cycling tour takes you along the Atlantic coast to discover the Charente maritime area. You will ride along the Velodyssey to discover many islands as Ile de Ré or Ile d’Aix but also wide sandy beaches, marshes, oyster farms... You will ride onto little roads going through the Haute-Saintonge and Haute Gironde. You will meet the wine-makers of the famous “Cognac” and “Pineau” of Charentes.

Starting point of the cycling holiday: La Rochelle

You will also cycle by superb Romanic churches, caves and some unique Gallo-Romanic sites. You will discover small ports on the estuary, will stroll in city and charming villages. This journey with various landscapes alternates bicycle paths trough forests and flat roads alongside streams of vineyards and cliffs, will allow you to discover the exceptional natural surrounding which will fulfil yourself with its diversity. At the end, you will croSs the Gironde etsuary and reach Bordeaux via the famous Margaux Vineyards. You will be warmly welcomed every evening in 3 or 4 stars hotels and charming guest houses.

Route Map (For guidance only)

Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Getting There
Getting There

We recommend flying to La Rochelle or Bordeaux airports to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
- If you need to go to the train station, go to the PLACE DES QUINCONCES and take the Tramway Line C (Cost 1.50 euros)
- If you need to go to the aiport, Take the Shuttle “30’Direct” from the train station (cost : about 8 euros). Times : https://30direct.com/fr/horaires/
Access to the first Hôtel in La Rochelle : Le Savary

2 Rue Alsace-Lorraine, 17000 La Rochelle

Tél : +33 (0)5 46 34 83 44

The best is to take a taxi from the train station – About 15 euros.

Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.

We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Voyages SNCF for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.

Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0800 755 5385 for more specific travel advice.

You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.

Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
What’s Included?
What’s Included?

The La Rochelle to Bordeaux cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.

Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- 3/4 * Accommodation
- Bike hire
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- 1 dinners (drinks included)
- Route notes & maps, regional information
- Gironde estuary crossing
- Emergency telephone support
Not Included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.

You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.

Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.

E-Bike Upgrades:

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on +44 (0) 800 7555385.

Hotels

This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on +44 (0) 800 7555385 for more information.

THE HOTEL LIST BELOW IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND SHOULD BE USED AS A GUIDE.
WE WILL CONFIRM THE EXACT HOTELS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

La Rochelle to Bordeaux	Sample Hotel List
La Rochelle	Hotel Normandie
Marennes	Hotel Ibis Styles
Royan	Hotel Foncillon
Mortagne	La Rive
Saint Palais	La Sauvageonne
Blaye	Le Clos Reaud de la Citadelle
Bordeaux	Hotel les 4 Soeurs

You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.

Date & Prices

You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0800 755 5385 to speak to one of the team.

2019 Cycling Holiday Prices:

Season	Date Band	Arrival Day
Season 1:	01.04. - 14.06.2019 \| 16.09. -31.10.2019	Daily
Season 2:	15.06. - 15.09.2019	Daily

Category A Information:

Season	Prices per person including bike hire
Season 1:	£1129
Season 2:	£1149
E-Bike Upgrade:	£59

Hotel Category Descriptions:

Category Type	Accommodation Overview
Category A:	3* and 4* Hotels

Date From	Date To
01 April 2019	31 October 2019

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Overall Trip rating:

4.2^/5

Customer Experience:

4.2^/5

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