In this fairytale setting are both Les Sables (world capital of yacht racing) and La Rochelle, (the ‘broken rebel’ capital of Aunis) centre stage. The Vendéenne coast brings the cycle routes back to the Poitevin Marshes. Once past the Sèvre Niortaise River, we find ourselves at Charente-Maritime and the Marans canal which leads straight to the Old Port. After Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard, La Vélodyssée winds its way into the large national forest of Longeville, drawing close to the sea on two occasions from where beautiful beaches can easily be accessed, such as Les Conches. A quick dip is a must on this stage!

On your bike ride between La Tranche-sur-Mer and L'Aiguillon-La-Presqu'île, the La Belle-Henriette lagoon is a unique place, separated from the sea by a narrow strip of sand. Then, La Faute-sur-Mer, which stretches towards the Pointe d'Arçay, will delight you. Next, head to Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm via the Marais desséché (dry marsh). Between Vendée and Charente-Maritime, this stage of the Vélodyssée cycle route takes you to the so-called "dried" section of the Marais Poitevin.

Cycle through vast expanses of marshland and farmland dotted with farms and cabins until you reach Marans, a pleasant riverside town bordered by the Sèvre Niortaise River. Be curious and explore the marina, the historic center, and the church with its futuristic bell tower, all of this town that lives to the rhythm of the water.

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.