Day 1 : LA ROCHELLE - SAINT-MARS-DES-PRES (90 on 326 km)
In a city where the magic of the history of water and the sail boats merges with an exceptional quality of life you will find the Hôtel de la Monnaie, a peaceful XVIIth century home in the vicinity of the port.
When leaving La Rochelle you will travel in the vicinity of the bridge-viaduct which links the island of Ré to the continent. A bicycle paradise, « the while island », with its spotless houses and blue shutters is particularly pleasant to visit at the end of spring.
You will travel along the coastal road, the Aiguillon cove which harbours an ornithological reserve where the breeding of des mussels and oysters has been carried out since the XVth century.
Through the circuit at the far end of the Poitevin marsh, the village of Esnandes is remarkable for its Roman church, the fortifications of which tower above the fishermen’ lime-whitened traditional houses. A great number of canals sinking in the soils and which irrigate the marshes can be seen from the the Brault Bridge.
Traveling along the Vienne canal you will drive in the direction of Luçon. Notre-Dame cathedral and its fine spire of chiselled stone, was the see of the cathedral town where Richelieu and Colbert followed each other.
You will enter into the heart of Mareuil vineyard the fruit of the monks’ labour from the Middle Ages.
Travelling along a scenic road you will drive along the superb water stretches of Marillet, before entering into the forest of la Chaize.
In the late afternoon you will reach Saint-Mars-des-Prés village, the end of the journey.
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