Cognac and La Rochelle Cycling Holiday

Day 1 - Arrival in Cognac: Individual arrival in Cognac, Check into the hotel before exploring the area. overnight at a centrally location hotel a short taxi ride or 10-15 walk from the train station.

Day 2 - Round tour from Cognac:

Set off on the small roads along the Charente River from Cognac for Jarnac passing hamlets and vineyards. In the centre of Jarnac visit the head quarters of Courvoisier for a guided tour. Jarnac is the home town of the late French president Francois Mitterand. A museum, displaying the many gifts he received during his visits is located.

Approximate distance: 30 or 34  miles (49 or 55 km) 

Day 3 - From Cognac to Saintes:

Leave Cognac towards the west on slightly more hilly roads than yesterday. Find a nice spot for a picnic on the grass outside the monastery "Abbaye de Fontdouce". The abbey is open to visitors and  is a romanesque style which is typical of the region. In the afternoon, enjoy pretty downhill roads bringing you back onto the Charente River. A small ferry will take you over to the opposite bank at Chaniers. Overnight in Saintes.

Approximate distance: 27 miles (44 km)

Day 4 - From Saintes to Rochefort:

Saintes has the only Roman arena and theatre on the west coast of France. Leaving Saintes, cycle from village to village along small, country roads. In many of these there are quaint churches, local cafes and possibly even a castle. At the end of the day you will reach Rochefort, the an important royal naval port during the 18th Century.

Approximate distance: 34 miles (55 km)

Day 5 - Round tour from Rochefort:

Before setting off from Rochefort visit the replica of the frigate 'L'Hermione' docked in the harbour.  'L'Hermione was a Concorde-class frigate fitted with 32 - 12-pounder guns. There is also an old rope factory, La Corderie Royale that has been turned into an interesting museum. A few kilometres after leaving Rochefort board a small ferry to cross the Charente River. From here, head south to pass the quaint villages of Bourage and Marennes set in the marshlands that are teaming with birdlife and onwards to a large tract devoted to oyster farming, small boats and the distinctive “cabanes”, small huts used by the oyster farmers.

Approximate daily distance: 30 or 37 miles (49 or 60 km) 

Day 6 - Rochefort - La Rochelle:

Today's route heads north along the coast passing through the villages of St. Laurent, Yves and Chatelaillon-Plage. You will pass several beaches so don't forget to bring your swimwear. You will arrive in La Rochelle along the pretty sea front.

Approximate daily distance: 27miles (43km)

Day 7 - A circular Rid from La Rochelle via Ile De Re:

Today's ride visits the most beautiful island on the Atlantic Coast of France, Ile De Re. A long bridge with a cycle lane allows access to this popular island. Pass the stunning coastal villages of La Flotte and St Martin-de-Re with beaches and restaurants for a refreshing summer lunch.

Approximate daily distance: 26 or 32 miles (42 or 52 km)

Day 8 - Leaving La Rochelle:

Individual departure after breakfast or some extra days to explore the local area.

Key Details:

• This is a 7 night, 8 day self-guided cycling tour in France
• This tour will start in Cognac and end in La Rochelle
• High Season is from 29/06/20 to 30/08/20 - to avoid disappointment please book early for this period.
• The maximum distance of this cycling tour is approximately 175 to 192  miles (282 to 309 km) 
• Suitable clothing will be needed for this tour
• Bicycle & e-bike hire and extra nights available for an additional cost
• 3 * or equivalent Hotel (Hotel Classification: In France, more and more hotels and guest houses are refusing to take part in the star-rating system, even establishments which were classified a year or two ago are now choosing to not take part. This doesn’t mean that they are of a lesser quality, in fact far from it, a lot of these guest houses provide you with lovely rooms. If we indicate that an accommodation is ‘3-star or equivalent to’ this means that the establishment has chosen not to receive an official classification, but we believe the level of comfort provided is equal to that of a 3-star establishment).

You will experience many highlights during this cycling tour in France including:

• The town of Cognac
• The Charente River
• The museum of late French President, Francois Mitterand
• The Abbaye de Fontdouce Monastery
• Coastal and Countryside Views
• The La Corderie Royale Rope Museum

Getting to France:

By Rail – Cognac can be reached by taking Eurostar to Paris and then SNCR or other train operators to Cognac.

Here is the Trainline website to help you plan your journey.

By Bus– Flixbus run coaches between London and La Rochelle where you can transfer to Cognac by local bus or train.

Here is the Flixbus website.

By Car – France can be reached by car via ferry or Eurotunnel and well-maintained motorways.  There is free street parking in some areas of Cognac or limited parking available at the hotel for a charge (approx 10 Euro per day).

Here is the link to The AA route planner site https://www.theaa.com/route-planner.

By Air – There are a number of flights available to French airports including La Rochelle, Bordeaux airport or from Paris.

For help with flights click here for the Skyscanner website. 

For options and transfer times from airports please click here

For more information on getting to France please visit the France Tourism website.