Holidays in Charente-Maritime: explore the Vélodyssée from La Rochelle to Royan

From June to September, the organic market in Les Boucholeurs, a neighborhood in Châtelaillon-Plage, takes shape on Place André-Hesse every Sunday morning. It features local producers and local specialties such as pineau, authentic Charentais melon, and oysters produced in Les Boucholeurs! A gourmet stop that allows you to discover the richness of the region.

Continuing along the trail, you arrive at the heart of the marshes and Yves Bay. Located on a major migration route, this nature reserve is one of the easiest places on the Atlantic coast to observe wildlife. Take the time to discover the birds that inhabit this marsh and the flora in the company of a birdwatcher from the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO).

Practical information for the Yves Marsh Nature Reserve. Ferme de la Belle Espérance, 17340 Yves. Tel. 05 46 56 41 76

In the distance, Fort Boyard stands facing the Isle of Aix like a seafaring vessel. If you're feeling fit, take a detour to the Fouras-les-Bains peninsula. Located at the mouth of the Charente River, it offers one of the best views of Fort Boyard, the Isle of Oléron, and the Isle of Aix.

Head for Rochefort and its naval arsenal. You'll follow the Charente River, which lives to the rhythm of the boats, and pass in front of the transporter bridge. If you feel like it, take this structure, invented by Ferdinand Arnodin, which is one of the last of its kind in France. Aboard its gondola, you'll be transported for a mini-round trip, with an exquisite lunch at L'Escale, in Échillais. Take the Vélodyssée route again, which takes you to the Corderie Royale. This factory was where the ropes needed for the navy's sailing ships were made.

The Rayonnement campsite

This municipal campsite is well-versed in welcoming cycle tourists. It has been awarded the Accueil Vélo label and offers eco-lodges on stilts for cycle tourists looking for a real mattress. With its three stars, it offers true comfort and is ideally located just a stone's throw from the historic center of Rochefort. The establishment adjoins part of the old city walls and is located on a former mast pit.

Tel. 05 46 82 65 00. For children (place this little title in a small bubble)

Become an 18th ^- century topman for a morning or afternoon in this frigate-shaped adventure park reminiscent of "L'Hermione." Try out the different courses and, depending on your mood, try climbing to the top of the masts, up to 30 meters high, to enjoy the incredible view.

Accro-mâts, Place Amiral-Dupont, 17300 Rochefort. Tel. 06 73 37 08 70

Distance La Rochelle > Rochefort: 50 km

After Tonnay-Charente, head towards Marennes. During this journey, keep your camera handy, as it's not uncommon to encounter white storks on this route. They like to build their nests on top of the power line pylons! After the canals and other marshes, make a detour to Brouage, a small fortified town full of character. Within the walls, you'll discover various craft shops. A great place to do some shopping before heading back to Marennes, the town that beats to the rhythm of oyster farming. If you're passionate about the theme, head to the Cité de l'Huître (the Oyster City) to become an expert. Otherwise, lay your towels down on the artificial beach of Marennes, a stone's throw from the Seudre bridge. A place that will delight young children and will allow you to recharge your batteries before exploring the entire wild coast.

Be extra careful when crossing the Seudre bridge that spans the Charente estuary, as you'll be sharing the road with cars (a small ferry is available in Marennes to avoid this bridge). Once on the other side, take a detour to La Tremblade to enjoy the atmosphere of the summer markets. You'll then find the coolness of the cycle paths that cross the entire Coubre forest and run along the wild coast. Be careful, the latter lives up to its name, and the beaches of Pointe espagnole, Bouverie, and Coubre are dangerous. To fully enjoy them, choose areas supervised by lifeguards.

Pure bliss awaits you next, as the Vélodyssée follows the coastline. After the Coubre lighthouse, you'll reach Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, then La Palmyre, Vaux-sur-Mer, and Royan. Each cove is an invitation to relax and swim. The final pedal strokes are among Royan's Belle Époque villas, which give it such a special charm. Your adventure ends here, but the ferry beckons to extend the journey beyond the Gironde estuary...