You travel independently to Saintes. Check in at your accommodation. If you have arrived early, take a stroll through this historic city of Charente-Maritime.

The evening meal is included for the first night! 

As you approach the sea the river becomes tidal and there are regular river ports along the way, great places to halt at. This stage, though, mainly takes you through countryside away from the Charente River. However, Port d’Envaux and the châteaux of Panloy and Crazannes will stop you in your tracks. Then you arrive at Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente, nestled in its meander. Take a break here and savour the charm of this village, one of the most picturesque in the county of Charente, labeled Petite Cité de Caractère. Imagine how beautifully-cut stone from the surrounding quarries was once shipped out from here to Ghent, Antwerp and even London. 

Challenge: 48.1km, 230m ascent, 230m descent

After Saintes, you start to feel the pull of the ocean !

On the way to Royan, stop at the distillery “Domaine & Distillerie Brillouet” for an interesting visit and pass in front of the “Tour de Pirelonge”, A curiosity that for a long time remained a mystery. 

Before reaching Royan, cycling through Saujon, renowned for its thermal baths, a town full of charm in the heart of the La Seudre basin. Not far from the beaches now, aspire to the calm and tranquility of the Saintonge countryside. 

Challenge: 49km, 182m ascent, 180m descent

This morning, departure by bike to discover the authentic village of Mornac-sur-Seudre, labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France!

Here cycle paths are numerous and a truly memorable part of the route takes you through the forest of Coubre as La Vélodyssée reaches La Palmyre. This part is fit for a king, with splendid sea views. Following cycle lanes throughout, it weaves through the coastal forest and past an array of pretty beaches, one of which is the charming St-Palais, along the coast road to reach the striking cliffs and sandy beaches either side of the beautiful streets of Royan. 

Challenge: 56.9km, 195m ascent, 195m descent

Past Royan’s port, this stage begins at Royan’s Grande Conche Beach. Head along the seafront on a lovely shaded cycle path. The cycle route then threads along tracks and quiet roads to Meschers-sur-Gironde before reaching Talmont-sur-Gironde (labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France), an astonishing look-out post onto the estuary. Caillaud Cliff and the square fishing nets suspended above the waters add to the atmosphere. The stage continues via quiet, sometimes steep roads and tracks to Mortagne-sur-Gironde, a port well protected from the temperamental Gironde. 

The rest of your journey will be on small country roads to Pons, located on a rocky promontory overlooking the Seugne, this medieval town, with its picturesque alleys, testifies to a rich past.

Challenge: 68km, 381m ascent, 352m descent

On the program today, the discovery of Jonzac with a circular route from Pons. Jonzac is a city where well-being, beauty and relaxation mingle. This medieval city, with a millennial history, has forged an extraordinary destiny for itself, come and discover it... 

Challenge: 55.1km, 390m ascent, 390m descent

Riding off along the town of Cognac’s quays makes for a fine start to the next stage of La Flow Vélo. Along this bucolic stretch, you’ll encounter several tributaries of the Charente River heading for the town of Saintes. Little chain-operated ferries enable you to cross the waters at Rouffiac and Chaniers in a fun way, plus there are simple riverside inns (guinguettes) to enjoy. The cycle route continues on through riverside flood meadows to Saintes, a place boasting 2,000 years of history for you to explore. Wandering around the streets on foot is the best way to take in the many sights of this deeply historic town going back to Gallo-Roman times.

Challenge: 67.6km, 193m ascent, 225m descent

After breakfast, end of your cycling trip!