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The islands around La Vélodyssée

How about taking a little detour to do some island hopping?

Fancy an escapade to the Atlantic islands? See the islands you can visit during your cycling trip on La Vélodyssée.

Île de Batz:

Located off Roscoff, Île de Batz is a small island town of 320 hectares. After a 15-minute crossing, you’ll step off the boat into a different world. You’ll be enchanted by the island’s fauna, flora and heritage, and by the warmth of the islanders’ welcome.

Stretching a mere 3.5 kilometres from coast to coast, this small piece of land is home to 500 people. It has a primary school, a secondary school and a full range of essential services.

Life on the island revolves around fishing, farming and services. Shopkeepers and artisans have also put down roots there. The island has embraced tourism and the modern way of life while preserving its culture and heritage.

Île de Noirmoutier:

Île de Noirmoutier is one of the jewels of the Vendée coast. It is linked to the mainland by the Passage du Gois, a submersible causeway unique in Europe. Visitors are advised not to use this causeway to get to the island, as it can be tricky to cross.

The sea current makes for a mild climate ideal for Mediterranean vegetation, hence the nickname ‘Mimosa Island’.

The island has several kilometres of cycle paths, and its dunes, salt marshes and holm oak trees are full of hidden treasures. There are plenty of interesting places to explore, such as the Bois de la Chaise, Plage des Dames, the windmills and Noirmoutier castle. The island’s colourful landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, from the green of the countryside to the blue of the ocean and sky, and the white of the houses and salt pans.

Île d’Yeu:

Located 17 km off the Vendéen coast, Île d’Yeu packs a wealth of history, culture and places of interest into its 23 square kilometres. From the prehistoric remains to the maritime monuments, the island and its history will never cease to amaze you.

On the coast, beaches are hidden among rocks or set against a backdrop of dunes and pine forests. Further inland, they give way to a countryside landscape. The island’s tranquillity makes it the perfect place for long bike rides and for exploring chapels, windmills and marshes. A day isn’t long enough to visit all the hidden gems of Île d’Yeu.

Île de Ré:

Surrounded by the ocean and dotted with picturesque little villages, Île de Ré is in Charente-Maritime, near La Rochelle. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, the island is a treasure trove of hidden wonders just waiting to be explored by cyclists.

Île de Ré wavers between a terrestrial and maritime identity. Its landscapes form a remarkable mosaic, hence its nickname “the Pearl of the Atlantic”. The biodiversity there is rich, and has evolved with the island through the centuries. The smells, flavours and sounds of nature demand to be explored and admired. A year-round treat for the young and the old alike.

Spanning 30 km from coast to coast, Île de Ré has 100 km of cycle paths. Perfect for exploring the island’s treasures at your own pace!

Île d’Aix:

Located in the Charente estuary, Île d’Aix is a car-free zone. Reached by boat, it offers an outstanding panoramic view of the Charente archipelago, with Île d’Oléron to the west, Île de Ré to the north and Île Madame to the south. Île d’Aix also gives you a breath-taking view of Fort Boyard.

This croissant-shaped island of 129 hectares can be explored by bike, on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage. Known as “the little Corsica of the Atlantic”, the island showcases the full diversity of the Charente-Maritime landscape. Hollyhocks and whitewashed houses create an atmosphere where time seems to stand still. The island is a haven of peace, where swimming and relaxation come highly recommended.

Île Madame:

Île Madame is the smallest island in the Charente archipelago (0.72 km2). You can cycle there from Port-des-Barques, along a path called the Passe aux Bœufs. When you get there, you are greeted by a huge foreshore covered with pebbles, sand and seaweed, and a 360° view of the Charente estuary.

On the island, see the casemates of the Fort that protect the Arsenal de Rochefort, the Conservatoire du Littoral or the imposing Croix aux Galets, a pilgrimage site created in memory of the priests deported during the Revolution.

Once you have explored all the nooks, crannies and hidden treasures that Île Madame has to offer, why not head to the Ferme Aquacole to enjoy some fresh oysters and visit the oyster farm?

Île d’Oléron:

Île d’Oléron is the largest island on France’s Atlantic coast. It is also the most cyclist-friendly island in France, with almost 200 km of cycle paths!

Île d’Oléron enjoys a number of advantages: sunshine worthy of the French Riviera, beaches, fabulous food, lush unspoilt countryside and a rich heritage. It’s also the perfect playing field for sports lovers. Everyone is free to choose what to see and do on the island, depending on where their interests lie. Its mild climate and stunning scenery attract visitors all year round.
On Île d’Oleron too, the landscape forms a beautiful mosaic of salt marshes, pine forests, oyster parks, picturesque villages, hollyhocks and unspoilt beaches. Cyclists, prepare to be amazed!

You are advised to travel to the island by boat, as the bridge is unsafe for cyclists.

For information on how to reach the islands, click here.

The islands around La Vélodyssée

How about taking a little detour to do some island hopping?

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