Atlantic Coast I: Nantes - La Rochelle

Discover the charms and secrets of this Art & History city settled on the Loire river banks: its magnificent houses in the old districts, its cathedral and its Ducs de Bretagne chateau.

This first bike stage will allow you to reach the Loire river estuary with its calm and wild landscapes, between marshlands and countryside ... before breathing salty and fresh sea air in Saint Brévin les Pins. Enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Discover the "oyster capital" of the Vendée area, former island now protected by dikes and polders, and unique in France. Observe the salt marshland workers and don't forget to taste some oysters at Port du Bec, enjoying the view over Noirmoutier island.

Follow the cycling paths through dunes and forests, and admire the 20th century villas all along the way. After the small loop on the Noirmoutier island, a beautiful fine white sand beach is waiting for you at Saint Jean de Monts.

Between Sion and St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, ride along the picturesque rocks of 'Cinq-Pinteaux' and 'Trou du Diable'. Discover the old fishing port of St-Hilaire-de-Riez before reaching the famous 'Vendée Globe' race departure town: Les Sables d’Olonne. There you can taste seafood products such as the well-known 'sablaise' sardine.

On the first part of this stage, you will ride close to the sea, from beaches to rocky creeks... before riding along the Payré estuary with its astonishing and contrasting colours. Leave your bike for a while to have a swim on one of the nice beaches such as Conche beach, before reaching La-Tranche-sur-Mer, a famous seaside resort dedicated to board sports.

Cycle through the dry part of the 'Marais Poitevin' and follow the ‘Voies Vertes’ cycling paths to enter the village of Marans. Have a look at the church and its surprising bell tower made of glass and metal. Continue to La Rochelle with its old towers, remains from the old defensive walls. You will enjoy the charms of the old city bathed with warm and sweet lights.