With its varied landscapes and relatively flat terrain, Royan Atlantique is the perfect place for family bike rides. There's nothing nicer than leaving the car behind and heading out on two wheels. We crisscross the marked routes for an outdoor getaway to discover the natural and cultural treasures of the area.
The bike rides Family outings offer great moments of relaxation and much more. They allow you to reconnect with nature, while taking the time to explore the landscapes at a peaceful pace. It is also an opportunity to share a friendly activity, accessible to all, promoting complicity between young and old.
Where to go cycling with the family around Royan?
Our 5 favorite walks
The selected cycle routes are all suitable for a family audience with children from 10/12 years old (depending on the practice) and are marked. The greenways of the Vélodyssée® and Canal des 2 Mers by bike® are ideal for walking with young children, even on a tricycle, but rather out of season to benefit from the peace and space.
01
The Vélodyssée®: between Ronce-les-Bains and La Palmyre – from 5 to 24 km
From Ronce-les-Bains to La Palmyre, the Vélodyssée® gives pride of place to nature. It crosses the forest of La Coubre and runs alongside the Côte Sauvage on a tarmac cycle path. With young children, you can cycle on small sections: from Ronce-les-Bains to the beach of l'Embellie for example (6 km) or from the port of La Palmyre to the lighthouse of La Coubre (5 km). We also advise you to be careful in season because this path is very busy.
02
The Canal des 2 Mers by bike®: from Royan to Saint-Georges-de-Didonne – 6 km
We leave from the port of Royan for a family bike ride full of salt! This part of the Canal des 2 Mers follows a cycle path along the coast, from the large cove of Royan to the large beach of Saint-Georges. On one side, we have the sea in our sights. On the other, we admire the architectural heritage with the beautiful XNUMXth century residences. We meet a lot of people on this route in summer, so we prefer spring or autumn.
03
Saujon and the tip of the Éguille – 16.5 km
From the port of Saujon, we take a path that runs along the Seudre before it becomes an estuary. In the hamlet of Breuil, time seems to have stopped. We contemplate the fishing huts and the cows grazing in the meadows. A shared path takes us to the port of L'Éguille and then to the point where the claires have replaced the salt marshes. At high tide, the reflections of light on this labyrinth of channels are striking.
04
The Chaillevette mountain bike circuit – 17 km
From Chatressac, we pass through the village of Chaillevette before crossing landscapes of fields and vineyards. The hill of Beauregard offers a panorama of the surrounding nature and the Seudre, which we reach via the oyster marshes. The mountain bike route mainly takes dirt roads, which are difficult to use in rainy weather. We therefore prefer the ride from spring to autumn to enjoy the vegetation.
05
The Mathes mountain bike trail – 23.5 km
Starting from Les Mathes, this mountain bike loop takes us in the shade of the pines at the edge of the Combots forest. We discover preserved environments up to the gentle marshes of Saint-Augustin. It is then a completely different atmosphere that we encounter with a varied fauna and flora. The route does not present any particular difficulty but we plan on good mountain bikes to set off to attack the paths. A real playground suitable for everyone!
Some tips before going cycling with the family
- Check the weather forecast before you leave and pack light rain gear to slip into your backpack, sunglasses and sunscreen on sunny days.
- Drink enough water and a refueling because there are few places to eat on our bike trails in the great outdoors
- Equip yourself with a bike that fits you, is adapted to your practice (hybrid bike, mountain bike, electric bike) and is in good condition. We think about having it checked by a bike rental company
- Wear a well-fitting helmet. Helmets are mandatory for children under 12 but strongly recommended in all cases.
- Equip children with gloves, which are very useful in the event of falls.
- Rather than a baby seat, opt for a trailer or a tag-along bike for toddlers. From the age of 6/7, children will be more comfortable on their own bike.
- Adjust the number of kilometers depending on the age of the children and the physical condition of each one
- Take multiple breaks, add visits or swims to the walk
- With the children, allow 30 minutes extra time compared to the durations mentioned on the routes
- Bring a basic repair kit including a puncture repair spray and a suitable pump. If necessary, you can go to our tourist information offices, bike rental companies and certified accommodation providers Home Bike®. Free inflation areas also exist near the circuits.
Bicycle rental companies
Bike stations
Pump tracks: fun bike routes for children
What is the pump track?
A pump track is a loop track made up of bumps and steep turns. Its name comes from the fact that it is possible to go around it without pedaling but by giving impulses with your body. Initially dedicated to BMX, the pump track is now accessible by mountain bike, scooter, skateboard or roller skates. As fun as it is sporty, the pump track can be practiced from the age of 5.
In the territory, the municipalities ofInherited, Maths and Royan have set up pump tracks with free access, under the responsibility of parents.
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