After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to discover the delightful port town of La Rochelle. The grand facades and whimsical turrets of the old limestone buildings in the historical centre create a unique atmosphere and a stroll around the narrow, winding streets is definitely time well-spent. If the weather is warm, you may be tempted to stroll out to the town beach for a swim and in the evening the bars and restaurants clustered around the Vieux Port draw tourists and locals alike.

Today’s ride leads you on a gentle loop around the island of Ré. After crossing the 3km bridge from the mainland on a dedicated cycle path you enter a world of quaint, ocean-side villages, sandy beaches, oyster beds and salt marshes. It’s easy to shorten the route if you like, so take your time and stop whenever the mood grabs you. At the end of the day you’ll return to La Rochelle for a second night.

Today you bid La Rochelle ‘adieu’ and head south along the coast. Easy pedaling on quiet roads and cycle paths leads you past pleasant coastal towns such as Chatelaillon and Fouras – both of which have lovely sandy beaches if you fancy a swim. After Fouras, the route heads inland to the garrison town of Rochefort on the Charente River. Originally built around a naval base and dockyard the town has a distinctly nautical flavour, even though it is some 10 kms from the open ocean. We highly recommend a visit to the fascinating Royal Rope-works Museum on the banks of the Charente and you can hardly miss the imposing Transporter Bridge built in 1900. A few more kilometers of enjoyable riding through open countryside delivers you to the pleasant town of Marennes, famous for it’s oyster farms and your home for the night.

hortly after leaving Marennes you cross a bridge and enter the forest of Coubra, over 5000 hectares of pine and holly oak trees. You’ll enjoy the pine scented air and dappled sunlight accompanying your ride south along the quiet cycle lane. If you fancy some beach time just take any of the right turns that punctuate the forest cycle path and after a few hundred meters you’ll arrive at the pristine white sand beach. You can also ascend the lighthouse at the southern end of the forest for some amazing views before cycling on along the coast to Royan, your overnight stop. The town has a lively waterfront and popular covered market.

Today starts with a ferry ride across the mouth of the Gironde Estuary. After disembarking in the small town of Le-Verdon-sur-Mer the route leads you to the nearby resort of Soulac and its stunning beach. From here the day’s ride is all about idyllic cycle paths, peaceful pine forests and wonderful beaches. Take your time and stop for some beach-time if you like as the going is easy and and it’s not far to your overnight stop in either Montalivet, Vendayes or Hourtin depending on availability.

Today you continue south along an idyllic cycle path through the pine forests. Feel like a dip? Then just turn right along any of the access paths and after a few hundred meters you’ll find yourself on a beautiful sandy beach groomed by Atlantic rollers. At Hourtin it’s worth making a short detour inland to visit Lake Hourtin, the largest freshwater lake in France. Its warm, shallow waters are perfect for a refreshing swim before carrying on down the coast to your overnight stop in Lacanau Océan. Famous with surfers the world over, this laid-back beach-side town lying at the foot of expansive sand dunes is a very pleasant place to spend the night.

Today you enjoy another day of cycling along the beach-side cycle path. The pine forest provides dappled shade and the beaches here are the widest and most deserted of the Aquitaine Coast. In Cap Ferret you can stop to explore the pretty oyster villages with their brightly painted fishermen huts – to your left are the calm waters of Arcachon Bay and to your right the pounding surf of the Atlantic ocean. A short ferry journey takes you across the bay to the bustling seaside town of Arcachon where you spend the night.

This day is omitted if you opt for the 7 night itinerary.

Follow a pleasant cycle path along the coast to the Dune du Pyla – the highest sand dune in Europe. Climb the dune for some amazing views of the surrounding area – we recommend visiting either early in the morning or late afternoon when the shadows are longer and the light is fantastic for photography. The beach at the base of dune is a lovely place for a dip before cycling back to your hotel in Arcachon.

After breakfast it’s time to head for home or your next adventure.