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
Loop out to Île de Ré. Discover La Flotte and its fishing boats, Saint-Martin with its fortifications and fort, oyster beds, salt marshes and the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve, returning via La Couarde and Le Bois Plage.

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, a lively town on the Charente estuary founded in the 17th century around shipbuilding, with its unique Eiffel transporter bridge.

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, well known for its oyster production.

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.