Enjoy a beautiful crossing cycling between Marennes and Royan. Take in the scenery of the salt marshes and discover the Seudre estuary... Between land and sea, pedal along the cycle route through the La Coubre forest to Palmyre. With the physical effort, the exhilarating sensation of speed, the fragrance of the pine trees and the delicious iodised scent of the sea, it's an unforgettable experience. a trip to Charente-Maritime that's sure to stay with you forever. Take a break and leave your bike behind for a few moments to enjoy a dip in the water on one of the beaches of the Côte Sauvage, which contains the region's most beautiful beaches. Thanks to thea Vélodyssée, is an exceptional cycling route to Royan in the heart of nature, with stunning sea views and splendid beaches.
Le camping Royan You can easily explore the surrounding area by bike.
The Marennes to La Palmyre cycle route
Your coastal cycling tour is the perfect opportunity to meet the oyster farmers and sample a dozen Marennes-Oléron oysters with a glass of white Charentais wine. Continue your tour with a visit to the City of oysters or stop off to visit the steeple of the church in Marennes, which offers a privileged view over the bay of Marennes. the Seudre estuary.
Leaving Marennes
Leave Marennes via a cycle path alongside the D728 road, heading for La Tremblade. Take care when crossing the bridge over the River Seudre.
You can drive through Saint-Just-Luzac to discover the Moulin des Loges, where you can take a guided tour of this picturesque tide mill, see its eco-museum or learn more about its activities.
In La Tremblade, don't hesitate to leave your bike behind and board the surprising Train des Mouettes, not far from La Vélodyssée. This is the oldest steam locomotive in the country, and has been listed as a historic monument. Enjoy a 30 km/h journey to Saujon on the banks of the Seudre estuary, just like in the 19th century!
On your return to La Tremblade, continue your cycling adventure to Plage de la Cèpe, with its panoramic views over the Ile d'Oléron, then visit Plage de la Pointe Espagnole.
Crossing the La Coubre forest
Once you've reached the La Coubre forest, continue along the cycle path through the forest to reach La Palmyre. Enjoy the maritime pine landscape. Visit La Coubre lighthouse, In the bay of Bonne Anse, you can discover a superb unspoilt natural site ideal for birdwatching. This lagoon is one of the most impressive on the Charente coast.
Once you arrive in Palmyre, on the outskirts of the town, follow the greenway that will have taken you to the coast. Beware of the risk of slipping, as the paths can occasionally become covered in sand.
From La Palmyre to Saint-Palais-sur-Mer and Royan
The next stage of your cycling itinerary takes you through Saint-Palais-sur-Mer then Royan.
Discover Saint-Palais-sur-Mer and its beaches
In Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, as in Royan, you'll have to make your way along the often congested cycle paths on the pavements. If this is the case, keep out of the way by continuing your journey in the car lane, which is often quiet.
Once you arrive in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, head for the town's beaches and their fine sand. Each beach is simply magnificent and well worth a visit. It's a great opportunity to get off your bike and take a well-deserved break from swimming and lounging! Every year in summer, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer also hosts the Crescendo festival, featuring prog rock concerts. Cyclists with a passion for music can also take part in the Un Violon sur le Sable festival in Royan.
After refuelling your bike, you can take a trip to the Cordouan lighthouse on the open sea, the last lighthouse built on the planet. And if you're keen to join in the summer festivities, head to the Remontée de la Seudre, a local event held in September.
Then head for Royan. From Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to your final destination, there are just over 4 km to cycle.
End of the cycling odyssey from Marennes to Royan: the finish line
If you're heading for the station, you'll need to pay particular attention to the crossroads in Royan, as the Boulevard de la République, Place Gantier and Cours de l'Europe are very busy. Once you've arrived, head off for a swim at Grande Conche, a beach stretching over 2.5 km. It's a great opportunity to immortalise the typical beach huts you'll come across.
You can also enjoy a welcome break at Thalazur, a thalassotherapy establishment. Treat yourself a thalasso session among the various cures on offer at the centre. Relaxation, rest and well-being are the order of the day, making for some magical moments to savour after so many miles of cycling!
For the return journey, if you do not wish to take the cycle route, If you prefer, you can leave by rail. A train will take you to the town centres of La Tremblade and La Palmyre. At Royan station, the TER train to Niort and the Intercité train to Paris (only during the summer season) allow you to take your bike on board. Find out more on the SNCF website, as the number of places is limited and regulated.