Royan / Montalivet-les-Bains

Upon entering the Gironde, a new world reveals itself to travellers on La Vélodyssée. La pointe de Grave also marks the end of the Médoc, a landscape of great variety, depending on whether you cross the west coast or the estuary and the vineyards. Pleasant cycle lanes wind their way from Verdon to the charming Soulac-sur-Mer with its lively streets and pretty seaside villas, we take the trail towards Montalivet. To the north of this stage, the sea entices you in for a cooling dip; to the south there is a more forested area which is most pleasant in fine weather.

Itinerary

Cross the Royan estuary at the Pointe de Grave: ferry open daily, with several trips in peak season.  Landing stage at Royan Port: 05 46 38 35 15. https://www.transgironde.fr/en

The cycle lanes (except in Soulac and Montalivet) are sometimes quite narrow and with several long but gentle inclines, but there are panoramic views over the Cordouan Lighthouse.