5 secrets to admire on the Vélodyssée in Charente-Maritime

It's France's longest cycle route, crossing Brittany from Roscoff and skirting the Atlantic coast with the ocean as a backdrop, all the way to Hendaye in the Basque Country. The route is 80% car-free, and offers an unforgettable cycling experience.
Fully signposted and landscaped from end to end, the Vélodyssée makes some beautiful stops in Charente-Maritime. Here are some ideas for your visit.
Here are the 5 major secrets of the remarkable sites you can discover on the Charent-Maritime section of La Vélodyssée:

1.The Côte Sauvage: Located near La Palmyre, the Côte Sauvage offers spectacular coastal scenery with cliffs, dunes and sandy beaches. You can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, stop for a swim, taste oysters and appreciate this coastline of unspoilt natural beauty.

2.Salt marshes: In Charente-Maritime, the traditional salt marshes where salt has been harvested for centuries stretch for miles. These marshes offer a pristine white landscape, with saltwater basins and mountains of salt glistening in the sun. At the end of the day, you can learn more about flower-of-salt harvesting techniques at the Marais salant de Mornac, for example, and discover the history of this ancestral activity.

3. Picturesque villages: As you travel along the Vélodyssée, you'll pass through charming Charente villages such as Talmont-sur-Gironde perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Gironde estuary, Mornac-sur-Seudre on the Arvert peninsula with its oyster-farming tradition, or Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente nestled in a meander of the Charente river on its limestone cliff. These villages are renowned for their traditional Charente stone architecture, picturesque lanes and authentic atmosphere.

4. Fishing ports: Along the coast, you'll pass through traditional fishing ports such as La Cotinière and Port-des-Barques. See the colorful fishing boats, observe the activities of local fishermen and enjoy fresh seafood in local restaurants.

5. Cabanes à carrelets: Today, carrelets are part of Charente-Maritime's cultural heritage. More than 500 of these stilted huts stand on the coast, their large square nets suspended over the water.
Find out more about La Vélodyssée in Charente Maritime > https://www.lavelodyssee.com/itineraire/la-rochelle-rochefort

FOR THE BEST CYCLING ACCESS FROM THE VILLAGE OF LES MATHES, HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS:

1.La Vélodyssée cycle path: La Vélodyssée is a well-developed cycle path along the Atlantic coast. You can join this trail from Les Mathes and follow the signs for La Vélodyssée to enjoy a safe, signposted itinerary.

2. Forêt de la Coubre: Near Les Mathes, you'll find the magnificent Forêt de la Coubre. This forest offers numerous trails and cycle paths through unspoilt forest landscapes. You can explore the forest by bike along the marked trails and enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of this environment.

3.Coast: From Les Mathes, you can also cycle to the coast and along the beach. There are cycle paths along the coast offering panoramic views of the ocean and the chance to stop for a swim or relax on the beach.
It's advisable to check out local maps and cycle routes, available from tourist offices or online, to best plan your bike ride from Les Mathes and enjoy the best access and scenery in the region.