Atlantic Coast Cycle - Nantes to La Rochelle

Arrive in Nantes and make your way to the hotel. Nantes is the largest, and one of the most beautiful, towns on the Loire. If you have time, take a walk through the charming town centre to view Nantes Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul), the castle of the Dukes of Brittany and Passage Pommeraye, a shopping centre built in the 1840s and recognized as an historic monument thanks to its impressive architecture. Follow its Green Line (Ligne Verte), stretching over 20km and connecting must-see sights and artworks.

As you commence your cycle this morning along the mouth of the Loire you will encounter surprising works of art in unusual places. Passing Le Pellerin, follow the Martinière canal along small, quiet roads on the cycling route of La Loire à Vélo. From Paimboeuf, your itinerary on the coastal route “Velodysée” starts and you will notice the strong influence of tides and currents on the Loire. Today's destination is St-Brevin, a lively seaside resort on the Atlantic. Ascent 91m, descent 89m

Continuing south of the Loire, La Vélodyssée has a maritime feel, with sandy coves, jagged coastlines and small seaside resorts along the way. Pass by Pornic, the gem of La Côte de Jade, nestling in an inlet. The Marais Breton Marshlands form the border between the departments of Loire-Atlantique and Vendée. Overnight in Bouin. Ascent 195m, descent 199m

The focus of this stage is the sea, the beach, the forest and the dunes. There are 18km of winding paths through the Pays de Monts national forest, after which you will reach the seaside resort of St-Jean-de-Monts. A highlight is crossing the famous Gois causeway to the island of Noirmoutier, tides permitting. (Accessible only at low tide). Ascent 73m, descent 70m

Before reaching the Vendéenne Cove and its famous boulders at Sion-sur-l’Océan, 'La Vélodyssée' heads towards an old fishing village in the commune of St-Hilaire-de-Riez and St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a working port and seaside resort. Take some time to stroll around before continuing your cycle towards Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Brem-sur-Mer and finally Les Sables-d’Olonne via the Port de Plaisance. A superb cycling day ending in an idyllic location for family seaside holidays. Ascent 177m, descent 167m

A dream ride for this part of 'La Vélodyssée' as you cycle close to the sea, beaches and rocky coves. It's a beautiful trail, breathing in the fresh sea air before you head inland. After passing Saint-Vincent you will wind your way into the National Park of Longeville, meandering back towards the ocean on two occasions where the beach can easily be accessed. A quick dip is a must! Ascent 165m, descent 168m

Today's cycle is along the La Belle-Henriette Lagoon, which is separated from the sea by a narrow stretch of sand, before leading you into La Faute-sur-Mer which stretches endlessly towards the point of Arçay. The route then heads inland to St-Michel-en-l’Herm through the reclaimed marshes of Marais Poitevin, a great expanse of drainage channels and cultivated land dotted with farms and sheds. Cross the Pont du Brault to reach the department of Charente-Maritime in the ancient district of Aunis. Continue through the town of Marans, once an important lookout point, to reach La Rochelle. La Rochelle is a vibrant town, with its old towers, remains from the original defensive walls, and remnants of its past as a maritime harbour famous for trading with wine, salt and cheese. Ascent 44m, descent 49m NOTE: It's possible to split this day and stay overnight in Marans, in which case the cycling is La Tranche-sur-Mer to Marans (47km/29mi) and Marans to La Rochelle (26km/16mi) - a supplement applies and must be requested at time of booking.