Marennes / Royan

The Marennes Country, home to the leading oyster farms in Europe, spreads over salt marshes and the Seudre estuary. Here cycle paths are numerous and a truly memorable part of the route takes you through the forest of Coubre as La Vélodyssée reaches La Palmyre.This part is fit for a king, with splendid sea views. Following cycle lanes throughout, it weaves through the coastal forest and array of pretty beaches, one of which is the charming St-Palais, along the coast road to reach the striking cliffs and sandy beaches either side of the beautiful streets of Royan. All you have to do is to catch the boat!

Itinerary

Leave Marennes on a designated track which follows the length of the RD 728E.  Take care when crossing the bridge over the Seudre.  Cycle lanes continue through the national forest.  There is a magnificent track along the section coming into La Palmyre. Upon leaving the Palmyre, the route crosses the pine forest to very quickly rejoin the coast: the greenways stretching along the coastline can in places be covered by sand.  Take care when crossing Saint-Palais-sur-Mer and Royan, with cycle lanes often on busy pavements.  Be prepared to have to move onto the road, particularly when traffic is heavy.  At Royan there is a SNCF train station connection : be careful as some intersections can be tricky, notably Boulevard de la République, Cours de l'Europe and La Place du Docteur Gantier.