Easy cycling on charming Charente islands

Arrival at your accommodation in La Rochelle, a vibrant city with rich history. Here you can wander in the old harbor with its defense towers from the 13th-16th centuries, stroll under the elegant arcades and visit the Gothic town hall from the 15th century.

The journey's first bike tour goes over to the island of Ré. You pass villages like La-Flotte-en-Ré with its fishing harbor from the 18th century and Saint-Martin with its fortress walls. The route takes you past oyster farms, salt marshes and the nature reserve L'illeau des Niges. Return via La Couarde and Le Bois Plage.

Follow the coast southward via lively Chatelaillon – one of Charente's most beautiful seaside resorts with Belle Époque villas. In Bouchôleurs you can stop at one of the simple wooden huts for a seafood platter. The tour continues through the nature reserve Baie d'Yves before you reach Rochefort at the mouth of the Charente river. The city, founded in the 17th century as a shipyard town, offers much history – including the unique bridge signed by Eiffel.

Today awaits a different kind of day! You cycle along the Charente estuary's marshland to the small seaside resort of Fouras, from where the ferry goes out to Île d'Aix (30 min, where you pass Fort Enet and see Fort Boyard in the distance). This small island is only accessible by boat and is nature protected. Here there are only hikers, cyclists and horse carriages but no cars. 15 km of walking and cycling paths make it easy to discover this little paradise island.

You cycle through marshland and along small canals. Along the way you pass the remarkable fortress Citadelle de Brouage, which lies right out in the wetlands. The day ends in Marennes – the center for oyster farming in the area. May we suggest a couple with a glass of Champagne while you read the dinner menu?

From Marennes you cycle to Bourcefranc and take the bridge over to Île d'Oléron, where Fort Louvois rises. The island is also called the Mimosa Island for its mild climate. Here the fortified Château d'Oléron stands side by side with salt pans, oyster channels and colorful huts along the "Oyster Road". You pass Saint-Pierre d'Oléron and the fishing harbor La Cotinière, as well as several of the island's finest beaches. Bring your swimwear in the bike bag! Finish at Port des Salines, where you learn more about the island's traditional salt production.

The last stage goes along cycle paths through the pine forests at Côte Sauvage (the wild coast). You pass La Palmyre, where the famous zoo is located. Then continue to Royan via Saint Palais, Vaux-sur-Mer and Pontaillac, with the scent of pine forest in the air. Royan is a seaside resort that blends modern with Belle Époque villas, an original market hall and lively beach promenade.

The journey ends after breakfast in Royan. You can also book extra nights for some well-deserved relaxation after the cycling, or continue to Bordeaux for some city life.