From La Rochelle to Niort, come immerse yourself in the richness of a still wild and preserved nature. Take your time to meander along the Sèvre, adopting the peaceful rhythm of the river. Let the birds enchanting you. Welcome to the heart of the Marais Poitevin Natural Park. Away from hustle and bustle, the river will guide you as you discover an exceptional flora and observe its serene wildlife. Enjoy the freedom to stop wherever you like to stroll, relax by the waterside, or take a traditional boat ride.
You'll love
The safe routes of the Vélodyssée and Vélo Francette
The comfort of the accommodations and the warm welcome from your hosts
The gradually changing landscapes along the water's edge
The calm and serenity of this green oasis filled with birds
The silent boat ride through the heart of the Marais Poitevin
This historical centre town with its half-timbered houses, the old port flanked by stunning towers, and the cobblestone streets, reflects a rich maritime past. You have arrived in La Rochelle, the “Ocean Gate.” You will be warmly welcomed in a family-run hotel located halfway between the port and the train station.
Immerse yourself in this invigorating and relaxed atmosphere of the ancient town before finding a restaurant to celebrate the beginning of your journey.
Overnight and breakfast in a hotel in a heart of the old town. Dinner is on your own.
D2
From La Rochelle to Marans (or Île d’Elle)
27 km (or 32 km) - Duration around 3 hrs.
Leaving La Rochelle quickly along the famous greenway of the Vélodyssée, you enter the plain of the "Marais Desséché", these vast expanses dotted with old salt marshes. Here, the landscape has been shaped by human work. The horizon widens, and the sky takes over. Your day will be punctuated by crossing several villages with traditional architecture and bucolic charm, leading you to Marans, a lovely town nestling at the crossroads of the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the beginning of the wet Marais Poitevin.
Half-board accommodation in a charming guesthouse or campsite.
D3
Around Marans (or Île d’Elle)
25 km (or 20 km) - Duration about 2hrs/2hrs30mn
A peaceful exploration awaits you today through the marshes of the Atlantic coast on small and little-traveled roads. This wide open space, under an endless sky, is perfect for birdwatching, as many species have found refuge in this temperate, humid oceanic climate. Take advantage of being in Marans to enjoy a boat ride or to appreciate the beauty of the site and its small shops.
Half board in a charming guesthouse or campsite.
D4
From Marans (or Île d’Elle) to Saint Hilaire la Palud
Etape de 35 km - Duration about 3hrs30mn
Now, the tumult of the Atlantic Ocean fades away as a calmer, wilder atmosphere envelops you along the Sèvre Niortaise. As you cycle up along the legendary greenway of the Vélo Francette, you'll be surrounded by landscapes that are both sumptuous and timeless. The route you take and the small villages you encounter will set the pace for your journey to Saint Hilaire la Palud, a quaint town located in the heart of the so called "Green Venice".
Half board accommodation in a charming guesthouse.
D5
Cycling around Saint Hilaire la Palud
24 km - Duration about 2hrs30mn
This is the perfect day to discover the wet marshes. Hop on your bikes to reach the embarkation point and navigate the marshes aboard a traditional boat, immersed in this soothing greenery. You will discover exceptional flora and fauna. To enhance this outing, we also suggest a countryside walk in the shade of the tall ash trees, the emblematic species that dominates the landscape of the Wet Marsh.
Half board accommodation in a charming guesthouse.
D6
From Saint Hilaire la Palud to Niort
32 km - Duration about 3hrs
This final stage takes you to Niort and its legendary market, voted the most beautiful market in France in 2024. Between cycling around, discovering villages in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, and cycling into Niort, this day will be filled with wonderful experiences. You'll remember the astonishing chain-boat crossing of the Sèvre river as well as the visit to the "Maison du Marais Poitevin".
Upon your arrival in Niort, you will take a train transfer to La Rochelle.
Overnight and breakfast in a hotel in a heart of the old town. Dinner is on your own.
D7
Departure
After breakfast, take time out to wander the streets of La Rochelle one last time to recall all the good moments of your stay.
4 nights in half-board accommodation in charming campsites or guesthouses
2 nights with breakfast in 2, 3, or 4-star hotels
Traditional boat ride in the heart of the Marais Poitevin
Train transfer from Niort to La Rochelle
Luggage transport
Travel file via the ‘Safrantours’ guidance application
Technical and logistical assistance
Optional
Bike rental from :
Adult or Junior : 150 €
MTB for child (under 1m45) : 90 €
Follow-me : 110 €
Bike cart for child : 80 €
Child seat : 30 €
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior (from 1m45): 230 €
What's not included?
Parking for the duration of your stay
Lunches
Dinners on days 1 and 6
Drinks and extras
Return journey from your home to the first accommodation on the trip
Optional insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Place-to-place cycling holiday suitable for all the family.
Daily stages between 20 and 32 kilometres, around 2 to 3hrs cycling at your own rhythm.
Fairly even route with very little climbing.
Quiet little country roads and cyclepaths
Suitable for country bikes.
Organisation
These holidays are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. We transport your luggage and a detailed roadbook will guide you from beginning to end. We also provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
On these holidays you change accommodation almost every other day, which gives you the chance to better explore your surroundings or simply take your time and relax...
B&B accommodation is in either 2 or 3 star/'épis' hotels, guest houses or tourist residences or campsites chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting.
On some of our tours, we do not propose midday or evening meals during holiday. However at each stage you'll find there are plenty of different places to eat.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
By car
From Paris: On the A10, exit 33 direction La Rochelle, then N248/N11.
From Bordeaux Bordeaux: On the A10 & A837 direction La Rochelle then N137/E602.
From Lyon: On A89 direction Clermont, then A71/A85 direction Tours, then A10 exit 33 direction La Rochelle, and N248/N11.
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