Charente Islands: La Rochelle, Ré, Aix & Oléron

Day 1 — Arrival in La Rochelle
Arrive at your hotel in La Rochelle. Explore the historic port city — medieval towers, arcaded streets and the 15th-century town hall.

Day 2 — Loop to Île de Ré | 30–60 km · ↑ 150 m
Cross the bridge to Île de Ré. Discover La Flotte, Saint-Martin and its Vauban fortifications, oyster beds, salt marshes and the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve.

Day 3 — La Rochelle to Rochefort | 39 km · ↑ 150 m
Ride south along the coast through Châtelaillon, past Belle Époque villas and the Bouchôleurs village. Cross the Baie d'Yves nature reserve. Arrive in Rochefort — home of the frigate Hermione.

Day 4 — Loop to Île d'Aix | 58 km · ↑ 110 m
Ride through the marshes to Fouras. Ferry to the car-free Île d'Aix with views of Fort Boyard.

Day 5 — Rochefort to Marennes | 30–35 km · ↑ 30 m
Cycle between waterways and marshes, past the Citadelle de Brouage. End in Marennes, France's oyster capital.

Day 6 — Loop to Île d'Oléron | 60 km · ↑ 20 m
Cross the bridge to Oléron. Explore Château d'Oléron, ride the Oyster Route, reach La Cotinière and the Port des Salines.

Day 7 — Marennes to Royan | 48 km · ↑ 80 m
Pedal through pine forests of the Côte Sauvage, past La Palmyre zoo, to Royan via Saint-Palais and Pontaillac.

Day 8 — Departure from Royan
Breakfast and end of services.