A lovely bike route through the vineyards in the north of the Île d'Oléron from St-Pierre to St-Georges and back again.
Distance: 38.3km
Difficulty: Easy
The island of Oléron – located off the west coast of France and in the Charente-Maritime department – and the surrounding Marennes basin may be known worldwide for oyster farming, but there is also a significant viticulture industry on the island. In fact, viticulture pre-dates oyster farming as an industry on Oléron, and vines cover more than 800 hectares of the island.
Photo: Charentes Tourism
This loop ride gives takes you through the heart of the Oléron vineyards. The localised nature of the industry here provides opportunities to meet and talk with winemakers, local cooperative staff and independent cellars.
Good drops produced on the island include wine designated under the local appellation, Charentais Vin de Pays, as well as the fabulous Pineau des Charentes (a personal favourite of ours – made from Cognac and wine and always a highlight of any visit to the Charentes), as well as Cognac and grape juice.
You can combine this loop with this ride in the south of the island to make two days of lovely cycling.
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