Discover the Atlantic Coast from La Rochelle to Bordeaux. Start in La Rochelle, the famous fortified port and continue on to Bordeaux, the capital of Aquitaine classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be taking part of the Velodyssée, passing through marshes, the Ile d'Oléron, the Gironde Estuary by boat and finishing in the vineyards of Grands Crus like Margaux. This stay is rich in diverse and varied landscapes that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and help you discover this magnificent region.
During the harvest season, cellar visits and wine tasting are subject to availability and security conditions. During this period, it may be difficult to book these activities. For more information, please contact your travel consultant.
To
see
Ile d'Oleron and Blaye to visit the fortified Citadel (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Gastronomy
The Charentais shortbread biscuit, the Charentais fagot, Marennes oysters from Oléron, the canelé of Bordeaux
Wine
Pineau of Charentes, Crémant wine of Bordeaux, the wine of Bordeaux
Feedbacks
We very much enjoyed our self-guided cycling tour. We had great support and communication in the planning. Throughout our week everything went off as planned.
Mark B.
This was my second experience with Discover France and had, again, an amazing time with my children. If you want to discover, on your own, little cities in France, this is what you have to do.
Linda G.
Our first but certainly not our last trip to beautiful France! The routes were well laid out, the app worked well, the bikes were comfortable and the hotels were excellent.
Ingrid A.
We truly had a glorious time and only have compliments for you and your company. Equipment, information, assistance, accommodation were faultless and Solène at Discovery France took care of us from the first e-mail of enquiry until the end of the cycle trip. We truly can’t wait for our next adventure with Discover France. Anna.V
Hands down the best adventure organization I’ve ever worked with abroad. This will be my 5th time returning to the TdF in 2025 with Discover France. Gabriel and the reservation team do everything they can to make your trip exactly as you hope. If there’s something they can or cannot do they work with you all the way. It’s a very one-on-one, professional and reassuring process for reservations abroad.
The programs are incredibly memorable, with exclusive VIP access that exceeds any other TdF organizations. Their focus is the riding, course, and to make sure your experience on a bike is as good as it can possibly be. Other programs offer different bells and whistles to their TdF packages but absolutely nothing is as exclusive, personalized, and uniquely small-group as Discover France programs.
You do not need to be an expert rider for the programs. But experience and at least comfort on a bike is needed. The rides can also be tailored on a daily (or even hourly) basis to the rider/group skill, weather, overall energy level that day, and your personal preferences. Support vehicle with special French credentials allows for Discover France to provide a van with you the entire trip. Sun, clouds, rain, sleet/snow (yes…it’s the Pyrenees or Alps), hot and cold: there is always a vehicle that can help you along the way and offer a place to bring along your gear like the professionals.
Shout out to: Florentin and Titouan for spectacular rides and support expertise. Finally, Thomas and Aurelian are two of the most dedicated cycling enthusiasts and leaders of a one-of-kind organization. Their dedication and leadership is evident from the top down as all of the guides and employees seem to love their works as much as they do.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Basic : 2* or 3* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Standard : 3* or 4* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Upgraded : 4* or 5* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
J-1
Arrival in La Rochelle
Arrival in La Rochelle, famous for its old fortified port, and take advantage of your day and stroll through the streets of the town center and explore Vieux Port.
Accommodation : Hotel Accostage** - La Rochelle
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Accommodation : Hotel Atlantic*** - La Rochelle
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Accommodation : Hotel Central Park & SPA**** - La Rochelle
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Included : Emergency support,concierge service,phone not provided,mobile guidance application,roadbook,travelbook,Orientation with a local guide,luggage transfer,bedroom, city tax and breakfast the next morning
J-2
From La Rochelle to Rochefort
Ride along the Atlantic Coast through sandy beaches and marshes. You will pass through villages like Châtelaillon Plage and Saint Laurent de la Prée, where you can stop for a snack or a visit.
Distance : 40 Km (25 mi).
Elevation : 120 m.
Accommodation : Hotel Caravelle ** - Rochefort
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Accommodation : Hotel Roca Fortis *** - Rochefort
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Accommodation : Hotel La Corderie Royale **** - Rochefort
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Included : luggage transfer,Itinerary (no cue sheets),bedroom, city tax and breakfast the next morning
Leave Rochefort for the Ile d'Oleron. Follow the Velodyssée cycle path through marshes and oyster farms to reach the Ile d'Oleron bridge. You will cross it to reach the island famous for its forests, its preserved nature and its numerous cycle paths. It’s highly recommended to take a bike ride in this preserved place If you have time.
Distance : 58 Km (36 mi).
Elevation : 150 m.
Accommodation : Hotel Le Coureau** - Saint Trojan les Bains
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Accommodation : DoNotUse_Hotel Mer & Foret*** - Saint Trojan les Bains
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Accommodation : Hotel Thalassa Oleron**** - Saint Trojan les Bains
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Included : luggage transfer,Itinerary (no cue sheets),bedroom, city tax and breakfast the next morning
Cross the pine forest of La Tremblade and follow the coastline on the Velodyssé around the magnificent Baie des Anses to reach La Palmyre, a small village on the Atlantic Coast. The coast becomes more and more rocky as you reach the Gironde Estuary and Royan.
You will stay on the edge of the Gironde Estuary all day. Crossing marshes, preserved landscapes, untouched nature, and passing some small villages on your way that you can stop in and enjoy. Plan for lunch in Meschers as there will be no more shops afterwards. You will reach Mortagne sur Gironde which is divided between the upper and lower towns. Discover the village from the top. Its belvedere with its orientation table is one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the Gironde, the largest estuary in Europe.
Distance : 40km (25mi).
Elevation : 377m.
Accommodation : B&B Logis de la Garenne - Mortagne sur Gironde
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Accommodation : B&B La Rive - Mortagne sur Gironde
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Accommodation : B&B La Rive - Mortagne sur Gironde
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Included : luggage transfer,Itinerary (no cue sheets),bedroom, city tax and breakfast the next morning
Continue to follow the Estuary, which narrows over the miles to change scenery and switch to the world of vineyards. Enter the Blayais, the famous Grand Cru Classé de Bordeaux. Once in Blaye, take time to visit the Vauban de Blaye Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Distance : 65 Km (40 mi).
Elevation : 200 m.
Accommodation : B&B Villa Saint Simon - Blaye
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Accommodation : Hotel La Citadelle *** - Blaye
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Meet at the Port de Blaye at 8:30 in the morning to embark with your bike on the Bac de Gironde. This boat will take you to the other side of the estuary (ticket is about 3€ per person not included). Arriving in Lamarque, disembark and get on your bike for a beautiful last day through the world famous vineyards. Enter Bordeaux, a city classified by UNESCO, take advantage of this late afternoon to visit this sumptuous place, its quays, the wine city, its famous squares and historic streets.
Distance : 53 Km (33 mi).
Elevation : 180 m.
Accommodation : Hotel des Grands Hommes ** - Bordeaux
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Accommodation : Hotel de Normandie**** - Bordeaux
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Accommodation : Hotel La Zoologie & Spa**** - Bordeaux
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Included : luggage transfer,Itinerary (no cue sheets),bedroom, city tax and breakfast the next morning
You can take your time getting started in the morning to have breakfast and depart at your leisure. (Depart on your own). Trains from Bordeaux to Paris all day long. We can help with added nights, car rentals, or other extensions to your travel.
Included : breakfast
CUSTOMIZED TOUR
This is a catalog tour, it can be modified as you wish : add extra nights, extra activities (wine tastings, visits, transfers...).
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Arrival in La Rochelle in the heart of the city
(around 3h from Paris Montparnasse by train)
Departure from Bordeaux : around 3h by train to reach Paris Montparnasse
Flights from Bordeaux possible to Paris Orly
(around 1h)
The SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty "trekking" geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 27 speed transmission and integrated front and rear lights, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
Included with your bike rental :
Helmet
Lock
Hand pump
2 spare tubes
Rear pannier
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
1 souvenir water bottle
Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 30unisex (or equivalent)
All the fun of cycling in an electric version. The SCOTT Sub Tour eRide 30 will assist you in all your rides in town or in the countryside thanks to its 500 Wh Bosch battery.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride.
Included with your bike rental :
Helmet
Lock
Hand pump
2 spare tubes
Rear pannier
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
1 souvenir water bottle
Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The SCOTT ROAD BIKE ADDICT 30 Disc (Standard) (or equivalent)
With a new geometry that focuses more on endurance. The SCOTT ADDICT 30 Disc will become your preferred choice for long distance travel.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Rear pannier
Helmet
Odometer
Lock
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Equipped with a Shimano 105 Di2 12 speed drivetrain and a brand new carbon frame, the Pinarello X3 is designed to go the distance thanks to its ability to filter vibrations and absorb the shocks present on your next road.
Sizes available: XXS,XS,S, M, L, XL,XXL
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump.
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise.
Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
SCOTT Speedster Gravel 30 (Standard) (or equivalent)
A talented and versatile gravel road bike. Designed to go the distance, explore the roads less traveled or speed up your daily commute. It's high enough for long-distance comfort and forward-leaning enough for speed.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Details
Included
ACCOMODATIONS
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
MEALS
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
BIKES
- Hybrid bike rental included
GEAR
- Complimentary Discover France Gear (including water bottle, drawstring bag)
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
SUPPORT
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed Road Book, including detailed maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
- Concierge service available to assist you for your requests during your trip (taxi transfer, restaurant, activities...)
TRANSFER
- All luggage transfers
Not included
Airfare to and from the trip
Lodging before and after the trip
Drinks
Bac de Gironde Ticket is about 3€ per person not included .
Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Multirisk travel insurance
Other questions?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.
In a beautiful and picturesque XVIIIth century residence, 50m from the Old Port and the city centre, we welcome you in one of the most beautiful areas of La Rochelle. The rooms have all the necessary comfort to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
https://www.hotel-atlantic.fr/
The Central Park Hotel & Spa is distinguished by its commitment to being accessible to all.
To ensure this we offer reasonable rates, customised services and high quality facilities such as our spa and wellness area (gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, personalised care treatments and massages), conference rooms, room service, lounge bar and concierge services.Contemporary in its design and calm in its style, the Central Park is a very inviting place where a superior standard of service is a top priority and guests are offered a warm and personalised welcome.
https://www.hotelcentralpark.fr/
The Hôtel Caravelle is located in the centre of Rochefort, next to the convention centre. It is also just located 15 minutes' drive from Fouras beach. Guests at the Caravelle can enjoy a buffet breakfast served every morning. It includes sweet and savoury items and homemade jam and yoghurts. There is a bar available to discover local specialties such as Pineau des Charentes. The hotel is well-located for visiting L’Hermine, la Corderie Royale and le Musée Maritime.
http://www.hotel-caravelle-rochefort.com/
The Roca Fortis is a 3 stars charming hotel, is located in the historical and cultural heart of Rochefort.
In spite of close proximity to the “Place Colbert” the main place of the town, you will be surprise by calm and tranquility of the hotel.
http://www.hotel-rochefort.fr/english/index.php
Located in the center of Rochefort on the banks of the Charente River and fully renovated in 2018, the 4-star Mercure Rochefort La Corderie Royale hotel welcomes you into its historic 17th century building. Enjoy the contemporary and spacious rooms with breathtaking views of the Charente, the Corderie Royale and the Hermione, or of the tree-lined garden with swimming pool. You can also enjoy meticulously prepared local produce amid the unique style of the restaurant.
https://all.accor.com/hotel/B2Q7/index.en.shtml
In the heart of Saint Trojan, on the Ile d'Oléron, the hotel** Le Coureau, is recommended by the Guide du Routard. In a personalised setting, it offers a friendly welcome near the sea, the forest and the port. In the heart of this listed seaside resort in the south of Ile d'Oléron, the hotel, created in the 1950s and taken over in 2015, offers 12 recently renovated rooms.
In the summer, the hotel** Le Coureau is accessible by the pedestrian way.
https://www.hotellecoureau.com/
DoNotUse_Hotel Mer & Foret*** - Saint Trojan les Bains
Just a stone's throw from the city center of Saint Trojan les Bains, a longstanding seaside resort, our hotel offers 6 ranges of rooms with a unique universe. They combine comfort, softness and charm to make your stay unforgettable.
Mer et Forêt, formerly named Hôtel de La Forêt, was taken over in 2002 by Christine and Thierry. This pre-war building has been transformed over time to become what it is today: a place of relaxation and conviviality.
The modernization of the restaurant, the rooms and its outside spaces has in no way detracted from the charm and tranquility that reigns in these places.
http://www.hotel-ile-oleron.com/hotel/
Hotel Thalassa Oleron**** - Saint Trojan les Bains
Enjoy a relaxing break at the Novotel Thalassa Île d'Oléron hotel. Its exceptional setting on the beach and rooms with sea or forest views welcome you for your family vacation or a romantic weekend of thalassotherapy. Enjoy wellness and seawater treatment s at the spa or take a bike ride. For team building activities, the meeting rooms overlooking the ocean will help you to discover new horizons. For a revitalizing stay or week of relaxation, reap the benefits of the ocean at Novotel.
https://all.accor.com/hotel/0417/index.en.shtml
Located 200 meters from the Grande Conche beach, a few steps from the bus and SNCF train stations, 800 meters from the hyper center, the Hotel Bar restaurant La Croisette welcomes you all year round in a friendly and family atmosphere. We invite you to push the doors of this establishment which building, central staircase and decoration will undeniably plunge you in the Royan of the 50’s.
http://www.hotel-royan-lacroisette.fr/uk_index.html
Overlooking the sea, the Grand Hôtel de la Plage, is a charming 1930s apartment hotel. Situated on a magical site in Royan, the hotel offers outstanding views over Pontaillac Bay with the Cordouan lighthouse on the horizon. The Grand Hôtel de la Plage has 39 rooms, all of which are spacious and comfortable, some with a sea view. All the rooms are equipped with flat-screen television and there is free access to the Canal + television channels.
https://www.cerise-hotels-residences.com/en/hotels-and-residences/details/royan-le-grand-hotel-de-la-plage
A professional and dynamic team welcomes you in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The rooms on the ocean side overlook the bay of Royan.
The hotel is ideally located 50m from the beach of Foncillon, and 100m from the marina, restaurants and shops of the city center.
http://www.hotel-foncillon.com/uk/
Ideally located 2 minutes from the magnificent port of Mortagne sur Gironde, the hotel Le Logis de La Garenne will be an ideal place to put down your suitcases and discover the richness of our region.
The setting is pleasant, the place is calm and restful. You will be able to have breakfast in the room or on the terrace... The rooms with soft colors, located on the ground floor with individual access, will make you appreciate the rest in this magnificent shady park.
http://www.logisdelagarenne.com/
Situated in one of the 18th century residences bordering the port, the house has 3 guest rooms, each with its own shower room and toilet.
They also offer the living room, with its breathtaking view of the port and the estuary.
Breakfast is served in the living room or in the garden when the weather permits, knowing that the sunshine is comparable to that of the French Riviera.
http://www.la-rive.fr/
Situated in one of the 18th century residences bordering the port, the house has 3 guest rooms, each with its own shower room and toilet.
They also offer the living room, with its breathtaking view of the port and the estuary.
Breakfast is served in the living room or in the garden when the weather permits, knowing that the sunshine is comparable to that of the French Riviera.
http://www.la-rive.fr/
Beautifully restored with its 1860's charm. The spacious rooms are furnished in the period style and there are lots of collector’s items that give the chambres d’hôte a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. A traditional French breakfast is offered each morning in the house dining room.
https://villastsimon.com/
Located inside the citadel, in the heart of this surprising and remarkable natural and architectural heritage, the charming hotel La Citadelle stands at the gateway to the Bordeaux region, in Blaye on the banks of the Gironde. This hotel has everything to please: an exceptional location, quality services and a friendly and professional welcome. Your hosts will welcome you in their home of character nestled above the river and overlooking the ramparts. Here, 21 rooms with all comfort, a private car park, a swimming pool, a very pleasant terrace, a bar and a restaurant with a panoramic view of the Gironde estuary await you.
https://www.hotelcitadelleblaye.com/
Behind the sober façade of the White House lies an oasis of greenery
and the simplicity of unostentatious luxury.
Built precisely in 1800, the Maison Blanche was renovated in the spring of 2018
to offer its guests the best comfort, while respecting the soul of the place.
Thus the bias was to live the modernity while respecting the period elements.
4 guest rooms, each able to accommodate 2 people, a garden of 900 m2,
an indoor swimming pool, heated from May to October, and well-prepared breakfasts,
are all elements dedicated to the well-being of visitors.
https://www.lmblanche.com/
The hotel is located in the historic heart of Bordeaux, a stone’s throw from the Marché des Grands Hommes, the Grand Théâtre, Théâtre Fémina…
An ideal location for holidays.
Our hotel is in ideal base from which to discover Bordeaux’s wonderful architectural heritage, as well as its pedestrianised streets and quays. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
https://bordeaux-centre.brithotel.fr/
The hôtel de Normandie is located in the heart of the 18th-century centre of Bordeaux, listed as a World heritage Site by UNESCO. The Garonne riverfront, the Grand Théâtre opera house and the city’s other main monuments are only a short walk away.The CIVB (Bordeaux Wine Trade Council), situated opposite the hotel, will allow you to discover the Bordeaux wine country. The windows of the hôtel de Normandie offer a view of Bordeaux’s famous Esplanade des Quinconces, a short distance from the Grand Théâtre and the Place Tourny square.
http://www.hotel-normandie-bordeaux.com/
Located in Bordeaux, Hotel La Zoologie & Spa Bordeaux features a gym, a garden, a terrace and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel features a 24-hour front desk, room service and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.
https://www.hotelzoologie.com/en/
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DURATION 8 days/7 nights
PRICE FROM 1903 €
COLLECTION
Cycling - Self Guided Tours, Hotel Version - Standard
DIFFICULTY
CATEGORY
Highlights
To
see
Gastronomy
Wine
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