Nantes to La Rochelle: La Vélodyssée
Enjoy the sea breeze as you cycle along this section of the Velodyssée, taking in the scent of the pine forests, the Breton wetlands, colourful ports and fishing villages, ending up in the historic harbour town of La Rochelle.
Holiday Highlights
- Part of the Vélodyssée cycle track
- Stunning Atlantic Coastline
- Beaches in Vendée
- Islands of Noirmoutier
- Fishing ports and fresh seafood
- Historic harbour town of La Rochelle
What's Included
Starting Days
You can choose to begin this holiday on any day of the week.
Itinerary & Hotels
1
Arrive in Nantes day 1
- Summary
Arrival in Nantes, capital of the Loire region, on the mouth of the estuary of the longest river in France. It boasts the magnificent Duc de Bretagne Castle and 15th Century ramparts. You’ll find the road book and bikes waiting for you.
- Hotel
Hotel Belfort
NantesThis modern 3 star hotel is centrally located in Nantes and is a short walk from the railway station.
Facilities
- WiFi
- Flat screen TV
- En suite bathrooms
- Hair driers
Board
- Cuisine
Continental breakfast included
2
Nantes to St Brevin les Pins day 2
- Summary
As you leave Nantes, cross the River Loire and pass through the colourful houses of the Trentemoult district. Follow the river out to the coast. Flat roads make it easy to cycle to the ocean. Breathe in the sea breeze as you approach Brevin-les-Pins and the South Loire beaches.
- Hotel
Hotel Spa du Béryl
St Brevin des PinsOverlooking the waterfront promenade this polished spa hotel overlooks the sandy beach.
Facilities
- Free Wi - Fi
- Indoor Pool
- Free Parking
- Air-conditioning
- Laundry Service
Board
- Cuisine
Continental breakfast included
42 mi
(68 km)3
St Brevin les Pins to Bouin day 3
- Summary
A great day to take in the sea air. Take in the wonderful panoramic views as you cycle along the coastline today. We recommend that you take the optional loop on the St Gildas point. Cycle through the pretty port of Pornic as you start your descent between the marshes and the sea, before arriving in your hotel in Bouin.
- Hotel
Domaine de Martinet
BouinThis cosy 18th Century hotel belongs to the Relais de Silence chain. A peaceful hotel, with contemporary style rooms, set in the heart of the Marais - Breton - Vendeen Salt Marshes, it has a small outdoor pool in a lovely garden.
Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Free Parking
- Outdoor Pool
- Bar
- Restaurant
Board
- Cuisine
Be seduced by the on site restaurant 'Le Martinet'. Chrystèle & Emmanuel offer you fine and traditional cuisine with seasonal flavours fresh from their garden. A selection of regional products with a touch of originality.
Restaurant offers fine French dining and has been awarded an Assiette Michelin
21 mi
(34 km)4
Bouin to Noirmoutier en L'Ile day 4
- Summary
The day starts with a morning cycle through the oyster farms. Why not stop and try some for lunch. In the afternoon, you can cycle over to the Noirmoutier Island either via the Passage de Gois causeway if the tide is low or over the bridge if the tide is high. You’ll spend the night in a hotel on the island.
- Hotel
Hotel Les Prateaux
Noirmoutier-en-L'IleA short walk from the beach, this charming chalet-style hotel is set in lovely gardens and offers fine dining, it's speciality being the locally caught lobster.
Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Free Parking
- Room service
Board
- Cuisine
Install yourself and be tempted by the flavours of the menu. The chef passionately prepares dishes made with local seafood and seasonal products.
At the gastronomical restaurant of Les Prateaux, you can taste delicious recipes like asparagus and prawn with orange and lemon or sea bass with spring vegetables and veal juice. You can also taste local products from the coast like the turbot or the Noirmoutier oysters.
But we highly recommend the speciality of the restaurant, the lobster. Cooked in various ways, the chef prepares it like a carpaccio or flambé with Cognac. A true invitation to gastronomic pleasure! The restaurant prides itself on freshness and quality products, with fish tanks located on site in the kitchen.
The pastry chef prepares his soufflé with Grand Marnier, his chocolate sphere and strawberries with basil, or his raspberry speciality.
28 mi
(45 km)5
Noirmoutier en L'Ile to St Gilles Croix de Vie day 5
- Summary
You’re heading south again today. You’ll have lots of chances to stop off for a swim in some of the numerous coves on the way. You’ll arrive in the charming town of St Gilles Croix de Vie in the afternoon. Settle in to your hotel.
- Hotel
Hotel Ibis Styles - St Gilles Croix de Vie
St Gilles Croix de VieThis modern hotel offers comfortable rooms with WiFi and flatscreen TV's, and either a balcony or terrace. Additional facilities include an indoor pool, a poolside bar, a restaurant and a children's video game area.
Facilities
- WiFi
- Flatscreen TV's
- Indoor Pool
- Bar
- Air - conditioning
- Restaurant
Board
- Cuisine
Restaurant available on site
36 mi
(58 km)6
St Gilles Croix de Vie to Sables D'Olonne day 6
- Summary
A days cycling along the coast and through pine forests on to the beach resort of Sables D’Olonne.
- Hotel
Hotel Calme des Pins
Sables d'OlonneIn a peaceful location, just a few minutes walk from the beach, this hotel offers the perfect opportunity to relax, offering a well-being spa with sauna, steam rooms, gym and a pool.
Facilities
- Comfortable modern rooms
- WiFi
- Hairdryers
- Free Parking
- Spa room
- Indoor pool
- Lovely garden
Board
- Cuisine
Continental breakfast included
23 mi
(37 km)7
Sables D'Olonne to La Tranche sur Mer day 7
- Summary
Hugging the coastline, cycle past beaches and rocky coves, following the cycle path to the port of Guittière why not sample some local fresh oysters. A lovely ride through the Longueville forest will bring you out at La Tranche Mer where you are staying for the night.
- Hotel
Hotel Les Dunes
La-Tranchce-sur MerThis relaxed seaside hotel is a short walk from the beach, with comfortable modern rooms, an indoor pool and a well-being spa, it is the perfect place to unwind after a day's cycling.
Facilities
- WiFi
- Televisions
- Hair dryers
- Indoor pool
- Well-being spa
Board
- Cuisine
Taking his inspiration from the marine environment, the chef lets you discover the culinary delights of the sea and of the region. He offers a menu featuring a starter and a choice of main dishes, a cheese platter or “fromage blanc” (sort of smooth cottage cheese), and of course a dessert.
27 mi
(43 km)8
La Tranche sur Mer to La Rochelle day 8
- Summary
The days starts with a cycle round the beautiful nature reserve of Anse de L’Aiguillon, home to a huge variety of birds. The area also boasts a thriving mussel industry. Follow the Sevre Niortaise river along to Brault Bridge, where you’ll pick up the canal at Marans and follow it along to the historic harbour town of La Rochelle where you will stay for the night.
- Hotel
Hotel Francois Premier - La Rochelle
La RochellePart of the Citotel Urban Style chain, this hotel is located in the centre of La Rochelle, and boasts a quirky. contemporary style.
Facilities
- Citotel Urban Style Hotel
- Boutique hotel
- Contemporary decor
- WiFi
- En suite facilities
Board
- Cuisine
Continental breakfast included
42 mi
(68 km)
