Cycling Holiday to La Rochelle

You'll known when you get to Cognac as the brandy of the same name is omnipresent. You also soon see that this little town is just as fine as its brandy: The historic quarter and Château de Valois with its Saint-Jacques gate right on the river bank of the Charente are excellent examples. Thanks to its agility, this beautiful river will accompany you on your cycling holiday from La Rochelle almost the entire way to the Atlantic.

On small roads along the river, you cycle through vineyards and villages to Jarnac. The place is known for its Cognac distilleries, for example the Courvoisier distillery. The house where François Mitterand was born is a monument now to the former French president.

Today you cycle west. The route is hillier here and the cycle paths are also more uphill. On the way you'll see the former Benedictine monastery Fontdouce from the 12th century and its pretty herb garden. Next, you have an easy cycle downhill to the familiar Charente. A ferry (not included) takes you to the other side of the river and you cycle on to Saintes. In this little town you can follow in many Roman footsteps and see, for example, the amphitheatre or the Arch of Germanicus.

Cycle at a leisurely pace on small country roads from village to village. On your cycling holiday from La Rochelle, you gradually get closer to the Atlantic. Today's destination is Rochefort, the most important harbour town on the French west coast in the 18th century. The royal ropeworks and the reconstructed frigate Hermione takes us back to the huge marine arsenals of former times.

You're never far from the Charente River today. After cycling a few kilometres, a ferry (not included) takes you across the river whereupon you cycle to the south-lying villages of Brouage and Marennes. Here you'll find a wonderful habitat for birds, marshland and oyster farmland. You'll see the typical huts of the oyster farmers, the so-called cabanes.

Your cycling holiday to La Rochelle takes you along the Atlantic coastline today. Pack your swimming gear, as you'll be cycling past quite a few great beaches. On the way you'll see the pretty villages of St. Laurent, Yves and Châtelaillon-Plage. You continue on to La Rochelle, the former stronghold of the Huguenots. Enjoy the promenade along the strand in this lively town, with its old harbour and impressive defence towers. The wild coast and many arcades give this town its special flair.

From La Rochelle, you cycle to Ile de Ré, the white island of the Atlantic. Light sandy beaches, white picturesque houses are characteristic of this area. You reach the narrow charming island via a three-kilometre-long bridge. Be inspired by the idyllic capital town of St. Martin-de-Ré or the wonderful coastal village of La Flotte. Tomorrow your cycling holiday in La Rochelle and along the Atlantic coastline comes to an end.

After breakfast you start your journey home. You will certainly take home rich impressions of your cycling holiday, from La Rochelle and along the Atlantic coastline. If you do not feel like leaving yet, we are happy to extend your stay with an extra night.