Velodyssey from Nantes to La Rochelle, Loire Atlantique and Vendée

This self-guided trip follows La Vélodyssée south from Nantes to La Rochelle, tracing the Loire Atlantique and Vendée coastlines. From Nantes, home to the Machines de l'Île, the route follows the Loire estuary past open-air art installations to the Pays de Retz and the Côte de Jade, with its coves and cliffs.

Riders continue through Pornic and the Marais Breton Vendéen to Bouin, then on to Noirmoutier via the tidal Passage du Gois (weather and tide permitting) before following the Corniche Vendéenne to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and Les Sables d'Olonne.

The final stages pass Cayola Bay and the Pointe du Payré to La Tranche-sur-Mer, then cross the Poitevin marshes to finish in the historic port city of La Rochelle. An optional day-8 loop of the Île de Ré is available before departure. Accommodation is mainly in 3-star hotels throughout.

Highlights

• Nantes' Machines de l'Île and the Loire estuary's open-air art trail
• Pornic and the oyster route around the Baie de Bourgneuf
• Tidal Passage du Gois crossing to Noirmoutier island (tide-dependent)
• Corniche Vendéenne cliffs and Les Sables d'Olonne
• Poitevin marshes on the approach to La Rochelle
• Optional Île de Ré loop, including La Flotte and Saint-Martin

Surface and terrain:
Sealed, mostly flat coastal cycle paths and greenways throughout, described as an easy, quiet route. No significant climbs.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a relaxed, self-guided coastal holiday; the Passage du Gois crossing depends on tide timetables, so some flexibility is useful.

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