A Refined Journey from Cognac Estates to Atlantic Coast
This bike tour offers a refined transition through a secret region, between the prestigious vineyards of Cognac and the invigorating Atlantic shores. Your itinerary begins along the serene meanders of the Charente River, where French history and heritage have been distilled in the cellars for centuries. Here, the buildings are blackened by the “angel’s share,” the portion of alcohol that evaporates during cask aging. You pedal through a landscape of rolling vines and historic estates before heading toward the coast to discover Rochefort, a grandiose maritime city famous for its majestic naval arsenal and historic elegance.
Further west, the route leads you to elegant La Rochelle and its iconic towers lining the harbor. From there, you reach the wild beauty of Île de Ré, a cyclist’s paradise adorned with whitewashed villages and hollyhocks. With predominantly flat terrain, you ride along peaceful country roads lined with vineyards, following the Charente River—which King François I called the “most beautiful river in France”—as well as the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
A refined escape between prestigious vineyards and the Atlantic breeze. Pedal from the historic cellars of Cognac to the wild shores of Île de Ré, following the peaceful meanders of the Charente River.
PLAN your ATLANTIC COAST bike tour
To truly savor the blend of vineyards and ocean, the period from May to September is ideal. Spring reveals the freshness of the Charente countryside, while summer and early autumn allow you to fully enjoy the island lifestyle.
The route is an invitation to serenity on predominantly flat terrain. Between the meanders of the Charente, the Cognac vineyards, and the cycle paths of Île de Ré, you will ride with total ease. The experience harmoniously blends the historical heritage of maritime cities with the quiet of country roads.
To ensure a seamless experience from the moment you arrive, this tour is designed around direct high-speed train (TGV) links from Paris. We will meet you at Angoulême station (just 2 hours from Paris) to provide your transfer to Cognac and the start of your adventure. Your journey concludes just as effortlessly in La Rochelle, where the central station offers direct TGV returns to the capital. Between these two gateways, your only task is to enjoy the ride: we handle the daily transfer of your luggage between hotels.