Montalivet - Royan - Rochefort - La Rochelle

15.5.2022 The route to the northern tip of the peninsula passes by a larger resort town called Sulac sur Mer. The ferry to Royan does not run as often, so I have plenty of time and walk to the sea during low tide, which takes about 10 minutes. After a snack, I continue the rest of the short stage to the ferry. The crossing takes about 30 minutes, and because it's Sunday, there is a lot of activity at the port in Royan and in the restaurants. I explore the marina and take it easy.

16.5.2022 Outside of Royan, the coast looks much rockier at first. I pass by the lighthouse 'Phare de la Coubre' and later ride through flat land with many canals and water areas. The terrain is flat and the forest is rare. Before Rochefort, I come across a special ferry, 'Le Pont Transbordeur', which works like a cable car with long ropes and has a platform for people and vehicles. It has been renovated in the last 5 years and reopened recently. Now it only transports people and bikes. After the crossing, I reach Rochefort.

17.5.2022 First, I go back to 'Le Pont Transbordeur' to take better pictures than the day before. The short stage to La Rochelle often follows the coast, and there are many shellfish farmers who have ponds there and often operate a small restaurant. I pass by some small harbors, and all the boats are out of the water, with no sea in sight. The tidal range is about 5m. If you want to swim here, you need to have a good tide calendar, otherwise, there will be a long walk to the water. I arrive in La Rochelle around noon. Since the small hotel doesn't have secure bike parking, and I don't want to leave my bike outside the hotel in the old town, I park it in a lockable box at a parking garage.

Route Taken