French "CÎte de Beauté" with the family
For a successful first getaway by bike with the children, what could be better than a cycle route through varied, outstanding scenery: pine trees, sand dunes, long beaches, cove-indented coastlines and seaside villas âŠ
The La Coubre Lighthouse and La Palmyre Zoo provide two cultural and entertaining stop- off points.
đ The La Coubre lighthouse and its eco-museum: built in 1904, the current lighthouse was at that time located 1.8 km from the coast. From the top of its 300 steps, youâll have a stunning 360° panoramic view of the Gironde Estuary, La Coubre Forest, the Arvert peninsula and OlĂ©ron Island. At the foot of the tower, the eco-museum recounts the adventures and history of the lighthouse. The site is Accueil VĂ©lo (Cyclists Welcome) accredited.
đ 40 km
â±ïž 2-3 stages
đ Ronce-les-Bains âĄïž Royan
đČ I begin / Family
Day 1: Ronce-Les-Bains <> La Palmyre (20 km)
La VĂ©lodyssĂ©e takes you on to Ronce-les-Bains, then into the heart of La Coubre forest. Youâll soon be tempted to stop off: the Galon dâor beach, where the children will easily imagine themselves kite-surfing. The Pointe Espagnole, where the beach is simply breathtaking. Or La Coubre lighthouse where the âsmall number of stepsâ will be quickly forgotten as soon as you reach the topâŠ
Stop for a picnic at Baie de Bonne Anse, one of the biggest tidal lagoons, and then itâs just a short ride to reach La Palmyre.
â±ïž đïž Here, you can end the day building a sandcastle on the beach, before settling in at one of the Accueil VĂ©lo accredited establishments (see list of accommodation between Marennes and La Palmyre).
Day 2: Safari and cycling La Palmyre <> Royan (18 km)
Today, you have two options:
- Option 1: Start the day by visiting La Palmyre zoo, one of the biggest in Europe with over 1600 animals from all five continents. It is rated as the second best zoo in France by Tripadvisor!
đĄ Good to know: the zoo has designated bicycle parking facilities.
In the afternoon, head off towards Royan, star of the âCoast of Beautyâ and spend the evening there, followed by a night at an Accueil VĂ©lo accredited establishment (see list of accommodation between La Palmyre and Royan).
- Option 2: spend all day and another night at La Palmyre. There are plenty of activities for kids, and cycle paths abound.
Day 3: A relaxing day in Royan, then return to Ronce-les-Bains by bus
Option 1: You are already in Royan: your programme for the day includes sightseeing and relaxation! If youâve had enough of cycling and you feel like a âchange of airâ - fair enough. We suggest a boat trip to the Cordouan Lighthouse - an entirely different, yet unforgettable adventure! Several companies offer crossings sailing from Royan. Information available from the lighthouse website.
When you get back, why not take a well-deserved a break on the beach, unless you fancy a turn on the big wheel? (For that, you have to visit between April and September).
Option 2: You arrive in Royan after a short (15 km) cycle ride. We bet, however, that those 15km will take longer than expected⊠because taking a few nice photos of the family on their bikes is irresistible on this seaside itinerary!
âčïž ALL THE PRACTICAL INFORMATION
âĄïž Type of route: linear with return by bus
đ żïž Where to leave your vehicle?
Leave your car safely at the Post Office car park in La Tremblade. To get to La VĂ©lodyssĂ©e, take the little road which leads to the ârond-point des bateauxâ roundabout (this is the little connection point shown in purple on the cycle route stage map). Once you have crossed this roundabout, La VĂ©lodyssĂ©e opens up to you all the way to Ronce-les-Bains!
To get back to your starting point : one of you will have to go back to Ronce-les-Bains via the CARA bus line number 6+ (45 minutes long) so that you can pick up the vehicle you left at the place of departure. The others can take a relaxed stroll around Royan. The town was recently awarded the âVille dâArt et dâHistoireâ (Town of Art and History) label, for its 1950s architecture.
đČ Bike hire
In Ronce-les-Bains you can rent bikes.
đĄ To avoid returning by train with your bikes, one-way rental is the ideal solution: see the âone-wayâ bike rental companies on La VĂ©lodyssĂ©e
đ Finding your way around
There are a number of paper guides to help you follow this route, find the references.
Tailor-made itineraries
Tailor-made itineraries
24 Marennes / Royan
The VĂ©lodyssĂ©e 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 Ăpoque villas. Unforgettable!