The Vélodyssée in Charente Maritime: our stopover in Châtelaillon site

Day 1: Discovering the marshes

First stop on our Vélodyssée in Charente Maritime: Marans, in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. We’re strapping on our bikes – here, we get around on the water. After strengthening our legs by covering several hundred kilometres of cycle paths, it’s time to work on our arms by rowing!

This little green break was more than welcome – we needed a breather! As we floated along, we discovered the Poitevin marshes and their flora and fauna. Swans, kingfishers and dragonflies accompany us on our escapade on the water.

It’s a magical experience!

This getaway has done us a world of good, so it’s time to get back on the road! Before strapping on our helmets and setting off, we asked one of the marsh boatmen for some advice. Looking for a place by the sea to rest for a few days, he recommended Châtelaillon. Off you go!

Day 2: Along the Atlantic coast

We’re following the recommendations of this sailor from Charente and looking for a place to spend the night. It’s decided, for us it will be the campsite! Apparently there’s a very good one in Les Boucholeurs, the Port Punay campsite… cyclists are welcome and the owner’s wife is Dutch, so she’s certainly a cycling enthusiast.

©Velo Ami Chatelaillon Conteurs|Agence les conteurs

On the way, we passed through La Rochelle and stopped for a few minutes to enjoy a caramel ice cream in the harbour. Invigorated by this sweet treat, we set off for the last few kilometres.

The stretch of coastline between La Rochelle and Châtelaillon is superb! We can already see the town in the distance. Just before arriving in port, we couldn’t resist stopping off at a very pretty beach lined with huts: the Port du Plomb in Angoulins. This Charente Maritime Vélodyssée is definitely full of surprises!

Day 3: A well-deserved break in Châtelaillon

Finally we arrived at our destination for a well-deserved rest! After setting our bikes down on the promenade in Châtelaillon, we ran to relax our legs in the water.

We’ve worked up quite an appetite after that swim, so we’re looking forward to the Bugatti terrace and its salads. We take advantage of this gourmet break to have the tyres of our bikes re-inflated at Good Bikes, a bike hire and repair shop located just behind the Casino.

©Velo Plage Chatelaillon Oli|Olivier Pravert Photographe

With our bikes as good as new and our appetites satisfied, it’s time to explore Châtelaillon and the surrounding area. We ride along the seafront, between the port and the Boucholeurs, the sea spray refreshing our faces. As we reached the charming village of Boucholeurs, our progress was halted by an oyster farmer’s tractor filled with bags of oysters. We’d just had lunch, yet the sight of all that seafood made our mouths water! We know what we’re going to eat tonight!

On arrival at the Port Punay campsite, we were greeted by Morgan and Angélique with a big smile. Nestling in the heart of the village and surrounded by nature, the campsite is perfect for relaxing. We spent the late afternoon in the campsite’s wellness area and the evening on the Saveurs Nacrées terrace, savouring a seafood platter with a view over the bay. The sun sets and we enjoy the moment before setting off again in a few days’ time for Royan, the final stage of our Vélodyssée in Charente Maritime.

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