Published by Lyn on 31 October 2014
Everything you need to know about cycling in France your independent guide
Poitou-Charentes cycling holidays
Atlantic Coast La Vélodyssée from Nantes to La Rochelle
Ride along the Atlantic coast on the EuroVelo 1 bike route
Offered by:
Abicyclette Voyages
Phone number:
+33 (0)2 30 96 49 54
Tour length:
9 days / 8 nights
Price:
From €1120
On this self-guided tour, you'll enjoy the Atlantic section on the La Vélodyssée with its endless sandy beaches to explore. Hop off the bike to take a dip, top up the tan lines or enjoy the pine forests whenever the fancy takes you. Discover the marshlands of Vendée and spend time in colourful ports. Dine in the evenings with a fresh local seafood platter. La Vélodyssée is nearly all flat and signposted, mostly on secured dedicated greenways – it's a perfect introduction to cycling in France. The price of this tour includes 24/7 phone assistance, GPS guided itinerary, luggage transfers, bike rental and accommodation with a number of different options to cater for all budgets.
Cycle the Atlantic from Nantes to La Rochelle
Enjoy the beaches that hug the Velodyssey Eurovelo 1 bike route
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €1159
With this self-guided trip along the Velodyssey cycle route you will experience the wide variety of landscapes that the Atlantic coast has to offer – from sandy beaches and rocky coastlines to marshland and pine forests, charming villages and trendy seaside resorts. The initial part of the itinerary to Pornic feels like Brittany because of the historic heritage and the architecture. Further into the Vendee country is a different story. The land is more open, with agricultural polders, oyster farming land and forests. For the most part, the cycle path is close to the coast, offering the best views of the ocean. Stay each night in one of the welcoming seaside towns scattered along the Vendee coast and end your bike trip in La Rochelle and its old harbour. The price of this tour includes bikes, GPS routes, maps and tourist leaflets, accommodation and panniers. Ebikes and luggage transfers are available as added extras.
Cycle the Velo Francette from Saumur to La Rochelle
Ride one of France's most diverse routes – the fabulous Velo Francette
Offered by:
Le Velo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €1045
The full Velo Francette links La Rochelle on the Atlantic Coast to Caen in Normandy. The section featured on this self-guided tour is one of the route's most varied – between Saumur in the Loire and the coast at La Rochelle. It's a mosaic of landscapes. Start among the castles of the Loire and ride along small backroads following the Thouet river, stopping in beautiful Parthenay, with its medieval atmosphere, then in Niort, with its ancient dungeon and cathedral. Explore the glorious nature among the softness of the Poitevin marshes, making time for a stop in Coulon, its canals and waterways weaving through the landscape. After a detour to Fontenay-le-Comte and the majestic Maillezais abbey, finish your trip in La Rochelle, the gateway to the Atlantic. The price of this self-guided tour includes bike hire, panniers, luggage transfers, detailed route information and accommodation. Electric bikes are also available on this route.
Cycle tour from Poitevin Marshes to Ile de Ré
Discover Poitou-Charentes from the Poitevin Marshes to Ile de Ré
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0) 1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €1069
Start your bike trip in Niort and discover the small roads and narrow canals of the Poitevin marshes. Cross small villages, discover the fauna and flora of the marshes with a guide on a boat, and visit the magnificent abbey of Maillezais. Stop in the city of art and history that is Fontenay-le-Comte before leaving the wild Marais Poitevin to reach the beautiful port city of La Rochelle. The next day you'll ride to the island Ile de Ré where you'll discover the long fine-sand beaches, the salt evaporation ponds of Loix and Ars-en-Ré, the fortified city of Saint-Martin-de-Ré or the producers of Pineau wine. Cross the bridge back to La Rochelle to bring your adventure to an end. Bérangère and Eugénie at Le Vélo Voyageur have been riding in France since they were 22. They started running self-guided tours to share their favourites routes with visitors to France.
Cycling Holidays in Western France (Self-Guided)
Local cycling at its best on quiet back roads of NE of La Rochelle
Offered by:
Moulin Holidays
Phone number:
+33 (0)5 49 95 94 87
Tour length:
6 nights (shorter or longer breaks possible – please ask)
Price:
€850 for holidays taken before the end of April; €1450 the rest of the year
Enjoy a flexible, fixed base self-guided cycling holiday through the idyllic countryside of the Deux-Sèvres department in western France. Le Moulin is located in Scillé, just 80km north-east of La Rochelle – a stunning corner of France and a real off-the-beaten-track delight. Wake up to the sound of birdsong before heading out to explore the quiet backroads. Detailed maps and routes are provided on arrival, with easy or moderate rides to choose from. Bike hire is also available (regular + electrics), as well as pick-ups from Niort, La Rochelle or Poitiers. The Le Moulin bike trailer can also be used to take you and your wheels further afield to enjoy the history of the Marais Poitevin (Green Venice), Mervent Forest, the walled town of Vouvant, Pathenay, Niort or the theme parks of Puy du Fou or Futuroscope – great for families or the non-cyclists in your group. Relax in the swimming pool at the end of your day's riding. This is a really 'local' cycling holiday – become a member of Le Moulin family during your stay and enjoy top-class cuisine made using local meats and vegetables direct from farmers and matched with regional wines and beer. Le Moulin is a fully inclusive auberge set at the end of a verdant valley within 15 acres of pasture and ancient woodland. Enjoy sustainable and regenerative farming at its best, with recycling and a lack of plastic at the heart of its ethos. This holiday can be as relaxing or as busy as you choose!
La Velodyssey from La Rochelle to Bordeaux
From the beaches of the Atlantic coast to the vine of the Medoc
Offered by:
Le Vélo Voyageur
Phone number:
+33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
Tour length:
8 days
Price:
From €999
From La Rochelle's ancient fortified harbour you'll ride on the Atlantic Velodyssey route along beaches, through marshes and pine forests. You'll discover the city of Rochefort and its 'Corderie Royale', Brouage citadel built by the French engineer Vauban, the marshes of Marennes, the oyster-farming port of La Tremblade and the costal town of Royan. You'll cross the Gironde Estuary by ferry to Le Verdon and continue your bike trip across Médoc peninsula. You'll cycle along the seashore then through Grand Crus vineyards such as Mouton-Rothschild. You'll reach Pauillac before getting to Bordeaux by train with your bikes to discover this historic and lively city. All in all, a great cycling holiday!
Need planning help? Use our bespoke service
Let Freewheeling France help you plan your French cycling adventures
If you want to cycle in France but you're not sure where to go or how to sort it – maybe you're strugglng to find accommodation or the right self-guided or guided ride for you – then this service is for you. It's my own bespoke service that matches your holiday wishlist to the right tour operator or accommodation option for you. This is for riders who need a little support on the road – anything and everything from accommodation advice and route planning to hiring bikes and luggage transfers. I'm working with a network of cycling specialists across France to offer you the best cycling holidays possible – and tailored just for you, your dates and your cycling ability. Hit the brown button below or see this link for details.
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