A solo bike ride on the Vélodyssée from Pornic to Lacanau!

Early morning, after a cup of coffee at one of the cafés overlooking the sea on Gourmalon port in Pornic, it’s time to start pedalling towards Bouin! What a pleasure it is to ride at your own pace. When you arrive, we recommend getting some oysters for lunch at Les Brochets port, before visiting one of the salt marshes there. Then make your way to the seaside resort of Fromentine, with the forest on one side and the sea on the other. Relax on the beach with your feet in the sand. Here, you can choose to visit the eco-museum Le Daviaud where there are free shows held throughout the summer. 

In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable culinary experience by booking a table at the restaurant Une Bouteille à la Mer, where fresh seafood and inventive dishes are served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. After dinner, check in to the comfortable and peaceful Hôtel L’Embarcadère, which is in the perfect location for a good night’s sleep, lulled by the calming sounds from the adjoining harbour.

Today’s cycle paths run alongside the sea and through the forest and are all car-free routes. Perfect for taking in the scenery all around you and stopping off to take a few photos! Once you arrive in Saint-Gilles, take a stroll around the pretty streets of the town centre and then visit either the Atelier de la Sardine or the canning factory, La Perle des Dieux.

At the end of the day, stop by Grain de Sable, a beautiful restaurant where you can taste some local specialities in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. After your meal, head to the hotel Le Ceïtya for a relaxing overnight stay. You are guaranteed comfort and great service at this chic establishment.

Another day, another section of the coast, this time to Bretignolles-sur-Mer and then the vineyard in Brem-sur-Mer. The cycle path will lead you slightly inland through the forest and ancient salt marshes. Once you arrive in Les Sables d'Olonne, the town where the Vendée Globe sailing race departs from, make your way to the Ile Penotte district and the Zoo des Sables. 

 

Go for dinner at the restaurant César & Rosalie, a welcoming place where you can try local specialities. Check in at the hotel Les Embruns for an overnight stay. This peaceful place offers all the comfort you’ll need for a great night’s sleep after an action-packed day.

This section of the Vélodyssée is just magical with the beaches, coves and forest, and even more so when you’re alone because you can stop off wherever and whenever you like! If the sun is out and you fancy cooling off, why not go for a swim in the sea. When you get to La Tranche-sur-Mer, there are plenty of water-based activities to choose from such as surfing or sand yachting. 

Make sure you book a table for your evening meal at Casa Soso. They serve traditional Italian pizzas there, all homemade. End your evening at the hotel Les Cols Verts where you’ll be staying in a comfortable room at the heart of the pine forest.

You’ll need to cycle for around 3 hours to reach Marans by lunchtime. When you get there, park up your bike and explore the marina and historic town centre on foot. Grab a sandwich for lunch (or try the local fricassé d’anguilles maraîchines (fried eel)), and then make your way to La Rochelle. Two unmissable activities there are the aquarium and the famous boat trip to Fort Boyard. We recommend staying an extra day to relax and make the most of your time here.

In Nieul-sur-Mer, the restaurant Port Lauzières is a former oyster farming cabin from the 60s, on the coastal path overlooking the sea. Enjoy this peaceful place on the headland of Le Plomb, with an exceptional panoramic view of the Pertuis Breton stretch of water and Ile de Ré.

In the evening, head to the hotel Le Champlain, a recently renovated 4-star hotel in the town centre of La Rochelle.

A sporty day awaits so you’ll need to get up at the crack of dawn if you want to reach Rochefort by lunchtime (50 km). Then make your way to Marennes, the leading destination in Europe for oyster production. When you get there, climb to the top of the church bell tower and then taste some fresh Marennes-Oléron oysters. 

 For dinner, the chefs at the restaurant Le Claire are committed to providing their customers with a memorable culinary experience by using fresh and local ingredients to concoct their dishes. 

The hotel La Plage is a magical place with remarkable panoramic views of the estuary, dunes and lagoon, and the sunsets are breathtaking from here.

After a short ride to Royan in the morning, enjoy lunch there and then set off again. In the summer, don’t miss Montalivet market with 200 stalls selling tasty and unique local products such as the wines of Médoc. After all your efforts, you deserve a treat…

Enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant Les Cinq Sens, where every dish is a chance to discover new flavours and scents. 

End the evening by booking a comfortable room at the hotel Le Marin near the wild coast. We particularly like the breakfast served out on the terrace.

This is the last section of your trip, a 1 hr 20 min ride to Hourtin-Plage. Lacanau hosts the Lacanau Gliss’Festival in May, so you’ll have your pick of water sports. The rest of the year, head to one of the surf schools and enjoy the waves all day, and then admire the stunning sunset on the beach in the evening. 

If you’re looking for a great place for dinner in Lacanau, we recommend the Café Maritime, where you’ll be served creative cuisine in a chic, loft-style atmosphere. After your meal, get some rest at La Varangue,a bed & breakfast in Lacanau with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and relaxing atmosphere.

Visit la Vélodyssée

Further reading : 

• Les meilleurs spots pour observer les grandes marées 
• Que faire sur la Côte Atlantique ?