Vendée Vélo Loop – Salty breezes and wooded trails

• Day 1: LES ACHARDS - LES SABLES D'OLONNE - 38 km Ready for a getaway through a patchwork of landscapes? From the Achards train station, nestled in the heart of the Vendée countryside, embark on an adventure between bocage, sea, towns and authentic villages. Along the bocage paths, let yourself be carried away by the serene atmosphere and enjoy a route where nature flourishes in complete freedom. Passing through Saint Mathurin, follow the bucolic path to L'Ile d'Olonne, and reach the salt marshes and salt workers' huts. Stop at the Gueffard mill to observe the ballet of birds that come to nest nearby. Continue, in complete tranquility, on the cycle path along the bird sanctuary to the heart of Les Sables d'Olonne. Admiring the sunset on Paracou Beach is one of the most beautiful experiences in Les Sables d'Olonne! As the sun slowly sinks towards the horizon, the orange and red hues set the sky ablaze for a stunning spectacle. Bike lanes have been set up along the route to make it easier to take breaks and enjoy the bucolic setting! This route allows you to discover different facets of the built and natural heritage of the Pays des Achards!

• Day 2: LES SABLES D'OLONNE - SAINT GILLES CROIX DE VIE - 38 km Stroll along the embankment of Les Sables d'Olonne, explore the colorful pedestrian streets of Île Penotte, then follow the cycle paths of the fishing port and Port Olona to Les Salines, where you can visit the Salt Adventure Park and sail on the salt river. Then cross the Olonne national forest, with a possible break at Sauveterre beach, before reaching the village and marshes of La Gachère. A former 2000th-century port, this picturesque hamlet charms with its narrow streets and typical little houses, bordered by the Auzance River. Before arriving in Brétignolles-sur-Mer, let yourself be charmed by a walk in the Dunes de la Gachère, a wild space where pine trees punctuate the landscape. Then, the Vélodyssée offers you a spectacular route along the beaches of Brétignolles-sur-Mer, from the Dunes beach to the Sauzaie beach, with magnificent panoramas of the ocean. Your route ends in the Sauzaie and Jaunay dune area, classified Natura XNUMX, one of the largest non-wooded dune complexes in Vendée. A final immersion in nature before reaching Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie!

Escape: LES SABLES D'OLONNE - SAINT JULIEN DES LANDES and SAINT JULIEN DES LANDES - SAINT GILLES CROIX DE VIE - 42 km and 25 km Fancy a more sporty getaway to Lac du Jaunay? Cross the Olonne forest on the Vélodyssée towards Brétignolles-sur-Mer... Continue your adventure inland, to La Chaize-Giraud, and take a short break to admire the restored village. Its 114th-century Romanesque church is well worth a visit. After a beautiful descent and crossing a wooded area, things gradually get tougher for your enjoyment with a few climbs. From the Château de la Roche-Guillaume, be careful on the last two descents: we advise you to dismount or be careful when using your brakes. After the effort, the reward! You are finally on the banks of the magnificent Lac du Jaunay. A true gem nestled in lush greenery, it offers unspoiled nature spanning XNUMX hectares. Enjoy a well-deserved break at La Baudrière, an ideal spot to recharge your batteries and admire the lake from a new perspective. A restful night awaits you in the charming village of Saint-Julien-des-Landes. The next day, it's back to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. You'll once again follow the Jaunay lake and reach the coast at Brétignolles-sur-Mer. Your route ends in the Sauzaie and Jaunay dune area, one of the largest unforested dune complexes in Vendée. One last immersion in nature before returning to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie!

Day 3: SAINT GILLES CROIX DE VIE - AIZENAY - 46 km Before hitting the road, stroll through the city's iconic neighborhoods and take a journey through time with two marked walking trails (map available free of charge at the Tourist Office). Stroll through its picturesque streets and discover the fishing port, the beating heart of the city, then stop at Escale Pêche for an immersion in the local sea fishing industry or the world of gillocrucian fishing. Your route begins gently along the Quai Garcie Ferrande, offering a last view of the La Vie River, before reaching the Jaunay marshes in Givrand, then the vast pastures towards Saint-Révérend. Don't miss a visit to the Moulin des Gourmands, where the miller shares his ancestral know-how and the workings of his windmill. Continue your journey to Lac du Gué Gorand and enjoy the rich flora and fauna along pretty, shaded trails. Following the old railway line to Aizenay, cross lush green landscapes to this charming town bordered by a 420-hectare forest. To round off the stage, follow the heritage trail and enjoy a break.

Day 4: AIZENAY - LES ACHARDS - 30 km Start the day gently with a walk through the Parc des Engoulevents on the edge of the Aizenay forest. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, llamas, peacocks, and goats! The old railway line leads you to La Genétouze, where a stop at the Jardin des 5 Sens, created by the village children, offers a sensory break (picnic area available). Continuing towards La Roche-sur-Yon, you cross the Terres Noires, a vast wooded area dedicated to outdoor activities. Featuring four ponds, Place Napoléon is the ideal place to rest and stroll. Come and discover the mechanical bestiary designed by François Delarozière of the company La Machine. You then follow the Yon River, the green lung of the city, the nourishing mother of the vegetable gardens, both private and family, that are dotted along its banks. Head to Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups, where the national forest offers a shady interlude among oak and chestnut trees. One last stop at Parc de la Chênaie to enjoy a moment of tranquility, and you're just a few turns of the wheel from your destination.