France : Atlantic Coast

Tour de France - Atlantic Coast

Trip code: C05FA

Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2 & 2+

Navigation App

This trip forms part of our 20 night, Tour de France trip. Click here for further details.

SUMMARY

  • Cycling route with Ocean back drop.
  • Easy ride along fine sandy beaches.
  • A ride through the prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux and Medoc.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • All breakfast included
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Ferry crossing on the Gironde river (day 5)

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Follow 'La Velodyssee', French part of the Atlantic Coast Route - Eurovelo 1 is a bicycle route along the Atlantic to the Basque Coast. This is an invigorating cycling journey through landscapes of unspoilt beauty.

Get on your bike and explore this cycle tour with its beautiful ocean backdrop! Enjoy an incredible kaleidoscope of changing landscapes and vibrant atmospheres, natural and cultural treasures to be discovered at your own pace.

Ride miles of fine sandy beaches with legendary waves, fringed by fragrant pine forests, majestic estuaries, and vineyards.

Terrain

This gentle and unhurried cycling holiday follows marked and secure tracks along the 'Velodyssee' cycling path (part of the European cycling route 1). Flat terrain longing beaches and coast.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in La Rochelle

A fortified old port, recognisable by its famous medieval towers, bell towers, cloisters and a majestic town hall. La Rochelle's heritage is impressive, but that doesn't mean the atmosphere is any less relaxed. Seafood restaurants, terraces with views give the town a permanent holiday feel.

You stay at Hotel Central Park.

hotel details

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Hotel Central Park, La Rochelle

HOTEL WEBSITE      


The Central Park Hotel & Spa opened its doors in July 2016, set amidst the tranquil and picturesque greenery of the Parcs de la Rochelle. This 4-star hotel stands out for its commitment to being accessible to all. It offers high-quality facilities, including a spa and wellness area (with a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, and a range of treatments and massages), room service, a lounge bar, and concierge services. Contemporary in design and serene in atmosphere, the Central Park is an inviting place where exceptional service is a top priority, and guests are greeted with a warm and personalised welcome.

Day 2: La Rochelle - Rochefort - La Tremblade (90km/55.9mi)

Follow the cycling path longing the ocean and numerous sandy beaches. Enjoy a break for oyster tasting in Marenne the birthplace of French oyster farming.

You stay at Le Grand Chalet.

hotel details

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Le Grand Chalet, La Tremblade

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


The hotel building is the oldest in the entire city. Built in 1850, it has had several lives. Initially a casino, then a family hotel-restaurant for more than 35 years, to today, have a facelift and offer you quality services. In 2019, the hotel was bought and modernized by the current owner. A breath of fresh air has restored the image of this emblematic building of La Tremblade!

Day 3: La Tremblade - Royan - Mortagne sur Gironde (73km/45.4mi)

Between vineyards and oyster marshes, you can enjoy the wild, unspoilt countryside, just a stone's throw from famous seaside resorts. Facing the Atlantic, between two estuaries, Royan has a double reputation, as much for its beaches and Belle Epoque villas.

You stay at Domaine Bellevue.

hotel details

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Domaine Clos de Bellevue, Mortagne sur Gironde

HOTEL WEBSITE      

Shops
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


Le Clos de Bellevue, a splendid 19th-century property, invites you to enjoy a memorable stay. Set on the edge of the Gironde estuary, between Royan and its beaches, the Cognac vineyards, and the Bordeaux wine region, it’s the perfect location for exploration. Unwind in the 5-hectare park and take advantage of the on-site amenities, including a swimming pool and children’s play area.

Day 4: Mortagne sur Gironde - Blaye (62km/38.5mi)

Ride along the coast between fishing villages and vineyards. Then, explore the 17th century citadel, in Blaye, overlooking the Gironde River. Enjoy a wine tasting. The Blaye - Cote de Bordeaux appellation offers white and reds wines. Red wines aromas are strong and fruity for a young wine, with musk and spice notes developing with age whereas the dry whites are intense and powerful, with notes of boxwood and citrus (lemon, grapefruit).

You stay at Hotel de la Citadelle.

hotel details

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Hotel de la Citadelle, Blaye

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


Housed within the citadel, in the heart of this surprising and remarkable natural and architectural heritage site, the charming Hotel La Citadelle stands at the gates of Bordeaux, Blaye on the banks of the Gironde. In this mansion nestlng above the river overlooking the ramparts, you will find 21 comfortable rooms, private parking, a swimming pool, a lovely terrace, a bar and a panoramic restaurant overlooking the Gironde estuary.

Day 5: Blaye - Bordeaux (54km/33.6mi)

Take a deep breath of salt and crisp air. Start this ride by crossing the Gironde river by boat to reach Lamarque and its famous Médoc vineyards and chateaux wine cellars. Over on the other side, you can discover the jewel in the crown of the Verrou Vauban (the Vauban defensive system): Fort Médoc. Next, it's time to explore the Bordeaux Wine Route in Médoc as you pass through the world-renowned Margaux area. The route continues along small roads which pass through the Médoc's vineyards, small hedged fields and moorland as far as Bordeaux.

You stay at Hotel de Normandie.

hotel details

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Hotel de Normandie, Bordeaux

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


In the heart of the historic centre of Bordeaux, the Hotel de Normandie**** offers you quintessential French hospitality. Set in an XVIII century stone building, the hotel combines authentic elegance with modern amenities. Run by the same family for four generations, this emblematic hotel in Bordeaux city centre is a much loved pied-à-terre for many regular clients. Guests appreciate the dedication and friendliness of the long-serving staff in addition to the high level of services of a 4 star hotel. The Hotel Normandie **** Bordeaux overlooks the Place des Quinconces and is right next to the Tourist Office, the Place Tourny, the Place des Grands Hommes, the Grand Theatre Opera House, the water front and the famous St. Catherine shopping street

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 6: Departure

Train connection to Toulouse if you want to continue to the Canal du Midi (2 hours journey). See the Tour de France - Canal du Midi for further details.

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hotel Central Park, La Rochelle; Hotel de Normandie, Bordeaux.

hotel details



Hotel Central Park, La Rochelle

HOTEL WEBSITE      


The Central Park Hotel & Spa opened its doors in July 2016, set amidst the tranquil and picturesque greenery of the Parcs de la Rochelle. This 4-star hotel stands out for its commitment to being accessible to all. It offers high-quality facilities, including a spa and wellness area (with a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, and a range of treatments and massages), room service, a lounge bar, and concierge services. Contemporary in design and serene in atmosphere, the Central Park is an inviting place where exceptional service is a top priority, and guests are greeted with a warm and personalised welcome.



Hotel de Normandie, Bordeaux

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


In the heart of the historic centre of Bordeaux, the Hotel de Normandie**** offers you quintessential French hospitality. Set in an XVIII century stone building, the hotel combines authentic elegance with modern amenities. Run by the same family for four generations, this emblematic hotel in Bordeaux city centre is a much loved pied-à-terre for many regular clients. Guests appreciate the dedication and friendliness of the long-serving staff in addition to the high level of services of a 4 star hotel. The Hotel Normandie **** Bordeaux overlooks the Place des Quinconces and is right next to the Tourist Office, the Place Tourny, the Place des Grands Hommes, the Grand Theatre Opera House, the water front and the famous St. Catherine shopping street

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £273.

TRAVEL DETAILS

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

REVIEWS

Excellent service - tailored to our needs.

13 Sep 2024

Kate was incredibly helpful. She was thorough in her work and went out of her way to look at different options to best suit our travel plans. I cannot praise her enough. She was professional yet personable and is a fantastic role model for Headwater.

8 Jul 2024



1 Jan 1970



1 Jan 1970


Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2 & 2+

Navigation App

5 nights from £1399

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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