A. Lamoureux

Seudre Estuary, Oyster farming ponds

Between land and sea, Charente-Maritime has four rivers that flow into the ocean through as many estuaries. Among these exceptional sites is the Seudre estuary, a mosaic of waterways and salt marshes shaped by humankind.

La Vélodyssée crosses the Seudre estuary, the heart of the land of the famous Marennes-Oléron oyster (PGI and Label Rouge).

So, tasting is a must! Whether year-round in an oyster restaurant or bar, or in the summer in one of the oyster huts.

But that's not enough to learn everything there is to know about the subject. We invite you to leave La Vélodyssée for a moment and visit one of the local oyster ports. That's where you'll best immerse yourself in the unique world of oyster farming.

And above all, don't forget your camera: the oyster huts, a key element of the picturesque nature of these ports, with their red-tiled roofs and bright colors, are ideal for capturing stunning photos every time!

Complete this authentic visit with a visit to the Cité de l'Huître and its educational oyster farm, a true living eco-museum where visitors can discover and share the sensations and flavors of an exceptional region. Divided into five themed "huts," the museum space allows visitors to learn about oyster farming landscapes, farming techniques, and the secrets of the oyster.

You will cross the Seudre estuary on the Vélodyssée stage from Marennes to Royan.

Tailor-made itineraries

Tailor-made itineraries

Marennes / Royan

24 Marennes / Royan

45 km
3 h 01 min
I begin / Family
Cross the Marennes region by bike, between salt marshes and the Seudre estuary. Then, from Ronce-les-Bains, savor the scent of sea spray and pine trees along the cycle route, a cycle path in the middle of the Coubre forest, all the way to La Palmyre. Park your bikes and enjoy a swim on one of the beaches of the Côte Sauvage. After all, isn't the coastline from La Palmyre to Royan known as the Côte de Beauté?

The Vélodyssée offers you a royal stopover with a sea view, a cycle path that winds through the coastal forest and past pretty beaches, all the way to Royan and its Belle Époque villas. Unforgettable!