Nature takes centre stage during this leg of the journey, as you cycle past the water that flows through the charming canals which join the Poitevin marshes. We pass Marans, the ancient watchtower on the estuary of the Niort Sèvre which looks out over the marshes, and follow the canal that leads us to La Rochelle and onto the ocean.
Greenway along the Marans Canal to La Rochelle except for a tricky undeveloped section of path to Dompierre-sur-Mer. Cycle lanes continue right into the centre of La Rochelle.
A signposted cycle route takes you to the Ile de Ré.
Train + Bike
La Rochelle station:
TGV for Poitiers > Tours > Paris and Poitiers > Bordeaux
TER for Luçon > La Roche-sur-Yon > Nantes and Rochefort > Saintes > Angoulême
Most trains allow you to take your bicycle with you, placed in a space provided for this purpose. Please note that the number of places is limited and is subject to conditions. Find out more at SNCF.
Must-see: discover the Marans chicken conservatory! Did you know that the Marans hen is a cross between local hens and Asian fighting cocks taken on board by sailors? The "Marans" lays dark red eggs renowned for their taste!
On the discovery side: in Marans, the Notre-Dame des Marais church and its atypical bell tower made of glass and brushed aluminium. Enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the whole town and its surroundings from the bell tower, which is accessible during the summer.
Adventure: a boat trip on the Green Venice, with a boatman or on your own, is a guaranteed adventure!
For your taste buds: the fricassee of maraîchines eels, grilled with parsley, to delight your taste buds!
Angelica is a plant that is known for its many virtues and can be enjoyed in many forms: candied sticks, jam, angelica chocolates, sweets, liqueur, but also essential oils.µ
Events: you haven't heard of the Moul'Stock Festival which takes place in June? Good rock and mussels and chips for an open-air, rhythmic and ultra-friendly evening!
In La Rochelle, there is of course the Francofolies in July, but also the Festival Jazz entre les 2 Tours in October.
For families: your children will not forget the La Rochelle Aquarium in a hurry! They will visit the heart of the oceans and travel to meet more than 12,000 marine animals, to dream and understand the sea!
Travellers’ reviews