Cognac to La Rochelle

You can take the train to Cognac from the airports of  La Rochelle, Bordeaux or Paris. 

If you prefer a rest in a shade, find a really  stunning  Cognac Public Garden with fountains, paths to walk on and plenty of grassed areas, playgrounds, and restaurants. 

The best way to know this city is to climb on  the rooftop terrace of the Indigo by Martell Panoramic and enjoy the views of Cognac, sipping on one of the cocktails of a secret recipe.

Newcomers to the world of cognac can sample incredible spirits visiting the Cognathèque, where connoisseurs will teach you the art of tasting.

Today we are to explore the nature of the Cognac outskirts, moving along the banks of Charente river, heading for Jarnac. The river  was in use in times of KING HENRI IV as a means of communication – the oldest ports date from the Gallo-Roman period –and the Charente became the main commercial route between the hinterland and the Atlantic coast.  Now it is the place of multiple water sport activities for every age. Stop any moment to admire the scenery, wander round a church or visit Cognac Golf course, it’s up to you!
Close to the river in the center of Jarnac, you can visit  the headquarters of  Courvoisier. Also it is interesting to see the home, where the IV-th president of France, François Mitterrand, was born, and the museum of gifts given to him during his working career.  

Return back to Cognac for your stay.

Today we are leaving Cognac towards the west on a bit more hilly roads than yesterday. You may find a nice place for a picnic on the grass outside the monastery Abbaye de Fontdouce.  Founded in 1111, survived in Wars of Religion, restored after the French revolution, the abbey is open for visitors now. It is in romanesque style, with a labyrinthine impression, mysterious and surprising to visitors. In the afternoon, pretty downhill roads will lead you to the Charente river, then a small ferry will transfer you to the opposite bank at Chaniers, a small municipality in the New Aquitaine region. Try local dishes in "la Guinguette de Chaniers" - restaurant-bar, serving brasserie-style dishes, grills and tapas with views of the river Charente.

Our finishing point for today is the town of Saintes. This Gallo-Roman city was prosperous and influential. Several  buildings survived from the Roman period, for example the Germanicus’ Arch, the Gallo-Roman amphitheater, which was built in the first century, in the reign of Tiberius. Those Gallo-Roman among us will appreciate the atmosphere in the Pld town center, while the medieval-minded can visit L’Abbaye aux Dames or the Romanesque basilica.

Saintes was known as Mediolanum Santonum which was founded around 20BC and was a thriving Roman settlement on modern territory of France.

Here it is necessary to see the unique on the west coast of France Roman Amphitheatre, built at 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Claudius.

 Leaving Saintes you will cycle on small, easy roads between villages, most of them with nice looking churches, castles and a cafe for refreshments. 

At the end of the day you will reach the region Nouvelle-Aquitaine, city of Rochefort.  Welcome to the French kings' most important naval port on the west coast in the 18th century. Most of the houses in the historical part of Rochefort are the original 17th - 19th century properties, built of white local stone and having interesting decorations. 

In Rochefort you can visit a ship replica of the frigate “L’Hermione”, docked in the harbor. Just a minute away from the frigate Hermione, discover the "Versailles of the sea", the Corderie Royale. This royal manufacture embodies the greatness and power of Louis XIV in the 17th century. La Corderie Royale factory provided ropes to the French Navy and its ships for over three centuries, nowadays turned into a museum. 

 After a few kilometers biking a small ferry takes  you  south across  the  Charente  river.  

You  will  pass  the  villages  of  Brouage  and Marennes, among marshy areas where plenty of birds live, and on to a large massif dedicated to oysters agriculture.

In the middle of the marshes between Rochefort and the peninsula of Marennes, the citadel of Brouage is a magnificent  example of preserved military architecture whose old stones have an irresistible power of attraction. It's hard to imagine that this town was once a trading port. However, this was before the ocean receded... Head for this charming village, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France".

Today's ride is dedicated to the seashore, swimming and nature. Pedaling north, along the coast, meet the Interesting village with its fountains and wash house, St. Laurent. Move father, your eye will be caught by a retro charming city with beautiful villas along its seafront, typical for Belle Epoque seaside architecture. It is a very sunny sea resort, with a huge beach where different festivals often take part. Around a large lagoon, to the south, you can discover the Yves Marsh Nature Reserve, with its remarkable biodiversity.

You will also pass several beaches, so enjoy the waves of Atlantic Ocean together with Mussel and oyster dishes, which are usually served here.

Your stay is in La Rochelle.

Today we are to explore why American celebrities, who often have vacations here, proclaim the Île de Ré as “a Mediterranean island lost in the ­Atlantic”.

Ten years ago the Île de Ré was all but unknown territory for British tourists, although the island has a fascinating past.  It truly has become one of the top cycling holidays in Europe nowadays. Everywhere you look there are people on two wheels.

There are lots of places of interest too as well as beaches all around the ireland. The capital, Saint-Martin,  is one of the world’s best-preserved fortified ports and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its 17th Century ramparts form a perfect star-shape. Many original shops, as well as bars and restaurants are located in the elegant weathered buildings of the harbor.

Be sure to visit the smaller port of La Flotte in the morning to catch the food market in a walled medieval enclosure.

All of these places are within easy cycling distance between each other.

Optionnaly you can stay some extra days in France or return home after the breakfast.