Visit the Ile d’Oléron and the Marennes Basin by bike

Oléron, a network of heavenly cycle paths

The island of Oléron is dotted with a large number of cycle paths, covering 160 km from one end to the other. It’s easy to cycle around the island with your family, as the routes are relatively flat. There is a wide choice of itineraries. The network of cycle paths on Oléron is expanding every year. Between salt marshes and forest, you can cycle at a steady pace or more leisurely, taking time to appreciate the natural wonders around you. Have your sporting efforts taken you to the very north of the island? That’s where you’ll find the Chassiron lighthouse, offering breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings. You can then follow the western coastline of the island to listen to the sound and contemplate the foamy rollers of the ocean. If you get a bit hungry during your cycling trip, there are picnic spots all around the island.

How do you plan your itinerary?

To plan your cycling trip around the island of Oléron, use the Loopi application. It shows you a route that’s suitable for cycling, whether your itinerary takes in tarmac roads, cycle paths or small footpaths. You can download it to your computer or Android smartphone. Loopi can also suggest various themed tours to be completed over half a day.

Discovering the Vélodyssée between Oléron and the Marennes Basin

Your cycling trip to the Ile d’Oléron is also a great opportunity to visit the region via the Vélodyssée. This cycle route follows the Atlantic coastline between Brittany and the Basque Country for 1,200 km. Your cycle ride is guaranteed to give you a real change of scene, combining a variety of landscapes, cultural discoveries and physical exertion. It’s an opportunity to cycle as close as possible to the ocean on roads and greenways, while visiting the must-see tourist attractions. Between Marans and Royan in Charente-Maritime, in the Marennes basin, 150 km of Vélodyssée awaits you. There are two possible routes. The first, from Rochefort to Marennes, is around 38 km long and takes 2? hours to complete. The second, between Marennes and Royan, is 45 km long and takes 3 hours to complete. These two routes are ideal for discovering the remarkable cultural heritage of the Marennes Basin. Stop off at Brouage, a fortified town listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Then take a detour to the not-to-be-missed Fort Louvois, built to Vauban’s plans. Then get off your bike in Marennes to discover the village and its famous oysters. Finally, visit Saint-Just-Luzac and its exceptional Moulin des Loges. During your cycling odyssey in the heart of Charente-Maritime, take the opportunity to put down your bags at the Les Sables Vignier campsite.