Day 9

Mileage 25 miles.  40 km Total  miles 316    (505 km)
Chatelaillion-Plage to La Flotte
Mileage 57 miles.  91km Total  miles 291    (465 km)  
Cloudy start, and some work on the route which caused us some confusion.We eventually got to La Rochelle, but then the signs went to pot and we rode around in circles until we finally found the correct route and into the centre. Tourist information gave us a good map and we headed out to the Ile de Re. Over the bridge, for free, and up to la Flotte, campsite fine , we are feeling a little dwarfed by the camper vans on each side of us, each filling its space whilst we have plenty of room. Plan to spend 2 nights here and then head north again.

Day 8

Notice the path still at construction stage

Mileage 57 miles.  91km Total  miles 291    (465 km)  La Palmyre to Chatelaillion-Plage Surprisingly after our day off, which was a scorcher, followed by an incredibly hot night, today started with a mist or sea fret and cloudy. Much cooler for cycling though. A very quick ride round the coast to the bridge, well signed route took us north towards Rochfort. We met an English group going south and they told us about the rough path ahead followed by an older but very good path to Rochfort. Along this stretch we saw numerous storks, many nesting on pylons, a range of birds of prey and possibly an eagle. We also stopped on the rougher unfinished section and chatted with a few people. One on an electric bike, one on a hybrid, one on a recumbent and us. A fair selection of bikes.  we decided to carry on to Chatelaillion-Plage, as this would give us good options for tomorrow.  Staying in the Majestic Hotel in the centre, surrounded by Egyptian artefacts. All in readiness for their Fete over the weekend.  Signage on this whole section has been excellent, even right through Rochfort.  S

Day 7

Day of rest, washing etc. scorching hot day followed by a very hot and close night.

Day 6

Mileage 20 miles
L`Amelie to La Palmyre
Another damp start but weather quickly improved and we arrived at the ferry, straight on and away. Getting hotter by the hour. Found our waythrough Royan and also found Velodessey signs, though they soon stopped!!

Lovely ride along the coast, and then we were waved down by our Thorn bike man from Africa, he was also heading north. Luckily he was in his van, complete with woodburning stove, not sure if this was his power source or just for heating. We soon separated and we stopped at a quiet site and decided to have  rest day and catch up on washing etc.

Day 5

Mileage 44 miles 70 km
Total 204 miles 326 km
Lacanu Ocean to L`Amelie
We had planned to have a rest day and enjoy the pool, but we woke to grey skies and a fine drizzle that styed with us most of the day. So onward, continue north. We quickly came upon a very narrow  concrete cycle path, 50cms wide in places, which some swedish cyclists told us went on for over 5 kms. We opted for the small road nearby. We did try the concrete path, but with the tandem so heavily laden it was very difficult, and if we came off, it would have been a major problem.


Lunch stop

Once past the concrete path we made  good progress. We saw quite a lot of cycle tourers. One german couple had done the same rout as we did last year and are planning to do the Loire next year!! Stopped at camping De L`Ocean, very quiet.

Day 4

Mileage 30 miles  48 km
Total 100 miles  258 km
Arcachon to Lacanu Ocean


Quiet cycle paths through pine forests

Lovely day, up and away, downhill to sea front and fery to Cap Ferrat. We forgot it was Sunday and there were hundreds of people getting ferries, day trips etc. On the other side we quickly found the cycle path and stayed on it until we stopped to camp. Another Yelloh site. Very big, clean, busy but with food and drink. We haven`t seen another Velodessey sign at all today. I guess they think it is easy enough, keep the ocean on your left and head north!!

Day 3

Familiar area

Mileage 33 miles. Biscarosse to Arcachon Total mileage 130 miles 208 k Sunny and warm day. This area is meant to be flat, the cycle path seems to find  all the hills. But we still decided to camp on top of the hill in Arcachon.  Hardly saw any signs for Velodessey today, the signage can vary such a lot.

Day 2

Campsites were generally quiet

Mileage 55.6  Leon to Biscarosse Total mileage :-97 miles,  155.2k Day started sunny, but we had a downpour just before we took the tent down. But then it cleared and we had good cycling weather all day. The cycling paths have been improved since last year.  Still finding signs for Velodessey. Now they have opening date - 30th June!! Found a closed cycle path today - ignored signs and went about 5 K until we found workman who said " have a beer, it will be open in an hour.  Today we have chatted to a Dutch couple who cycled from Holland, through France, did the route that finishes in Santiago in Spain and were now on their way back. We also chatted with a guy who had cycled in Africa, Mali, Namibia and plenty of other places. He stopped because he recognised our bike. He also had a Thorn. We thought he might turn put to be an English Gerhard in France, but we soon went our separate ways.  No campsites in Biscarrosse, so forced to stay in small hotel, next door to small restaurant where we had an excellent 4 course meal, wine, beer and coffee for just over £40.  Janes recommended restaurant for last night was closed, opening tonight!!!

Day 1

First signpost, a few kilometers from bus stop.

Mileage 41.4  Bayonne to Leon 26 hours on the Bike Express.  It does what it says on the tin, but it is a long trip.  We arrived in Bayonne earlier than scheduled.  The weather was sunny and  Warm. We headed straight along the river towards the coast and turned right, north. We quickly found the Voie Vert and the first sign had a Velodessey symbol .  The route officially opens in about 10 days. The signs are made in the main of a corrugated plastic, and already we have seen some defaced, torn down or turned around.  Most of our route today, after the first few miles from Bayonne, has been very smooth tarmac cycle path. Through the forest. It was still quiet like last year, but more places open, including campsites. The wind on the coast was fierce and I protected Ann from a sandblasting, which has probably removed 2 days dirt and an English summers tan.  Camping in Leon, on Janes recommendation,  and about to try her suggestion for a restaurant.

Bus stop

We woke to heavy rain, but by the time we left for the station it was bright and sunny. Carlisle-Settle line and on to Leeds. A wonderful train ride, stunning scenery and very friendly and helpful staff. We had an interesting time in Leeds station, try taking a Tandem in a lift!! The staff at Cycle Hub at the station were very helpful as to best route to Colton, our hotel and pickup point in the morning. So we are now sat in Thorpe Park Hotel having a very nice meal to bolster us up for the 24 hour bus ride.

Our Route

Our proposed route

We will leave on June 20th,  travelling by European Bike Express to Bayonne. From there we intend to travel north, mainly along the coast on Voies Vertes (Green ways) until we reach Brittany. Here we may join the Nantes-Brest Canal until we are south of Roscoff then north to the coast and the ferry. If we have time we would like to ride across to Ilfracombe on the Devon Coast to Coast route.
Our intention is to camp when we can, although we are prepared to use B&B or hotels if we have to!