TRAVEL NOTEBOOKS

        BICYCLE WEEKEND FROM ROYAN TO BORDEAUX

Hiking and walking are among the favorite leisure activities of the Frenchpeople

and what could be more attractive than cycling along the Canal Des Deux Mers especially on the section which runs from ROYAN to BORDEAUX in the Gironde estuary in the NOUVELLE AQUITAINE region which will be an opportunity for you to discover great places enhanced by natural spaces and radiant landscapes coupled with a diverse heritage that bears witness to our history.

Crossing two territories, namely the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie regions while also being complemented by some

easily accessible natural areas and places to visit, accommodation and leisure activities, the Canal Des Deux Mers often

offers visitors surprises at every turn, which are a pleasure to discover during getaways to bicycles along its small roads

as well as its paths and other trails are well-suited and marked for cycling enthusiasts can enjoy roads along designated

cycling roads such as the 160-kilometer stretch from Royan to Bordeaux in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, crossing two departments: Charente-Maritime and Gironde , starting in Royan . A radiant seaside resort, notably incorporating some architectural heritage dating from the Art Deco period located at the entrance of Gironde estuary before connecting to the quays of Bordeaux , the majestic and world-renowned wine city . Explore and follow cycling along the banks of the

cycling along the banks of the Gironde, whether individually or with family during group outings it delights young and

old alike, it's pure marvel because, in addition to this very pleasant feeling of freedom, you can stop at any point . Take

this opportunity to admire its gently undulating banks that line its course, or to discover unique places connected to the estuary's rich history, such as the carrelets, wooden fishing huts built on stilts, which are pleasant to visit during picnics or lunch breaks and have been an integral part of the local landscape since the 19th century . You can also explore the

canal and its beautiful tributaries parallel to the facilities offered along the route by the "ACCUEIL VELO" label "that can be found in great hotels , guest rooms , rural cottages , or at bike rental shops , and the main advantage of the bike is its flexibility and mobility , and the practice of cycling , whether on roads or tracks , in these places as beautiful as they are unusual, is well suited to discovering them while being close to their nature, visible in its pure state.

Magical and Enchanting Colors

With its radiant landscapes where magical and enchanting colors appear at sunrise , the Gironde estuary also boasts a magnificently preserved architectural heritage that bears witness to our history which can be observed from its vantage

which can be observed from its vantage points as well as by visiting its majestic places like the citadel of Blaye an very

imposing architectural achievement designed by Vauban like the hanging caves carved by erosion in the limestone cliffs

limestone cliffs that can be found at MESHERS SUR GIRONDE before strolling through harmoniously flowery towns like

Talmont-sur-Gironde , adorned with typical architecture often dotted with colorful flowers vivid . The practice of local

vivid.The practice of local sports and leisure activities is a constant feature of this beautiful region, alongside a vibrant cultural life with events throughout the year. This complements the opportunity to discover local traditions, particularly wine-making traditions , which are a pleasure to experience , especially after crossing the river on the free ferry that connects the towns of Blaye and Lamarque. From there, you can explore the well-marked country roads of the Médoc vineyards, or participate in the presentation and promotion of these great traditions handcrafted products made with

tradition and expertise by local artisans and regional producers of fine local produce. Another distinctive feature that is pleasant to contemplate in these places expressing all the the diversity of our land is reflected in the richness and the

variety of its flora and fauna, allowing you to admire birds such as the Pied Avocet,the Common Tern,the Cormoran and the Osprey, as well as other species recorded and observed in previous years, including the Black-winged Stilt and the Purple Heron . Exploring the Gironde estuary is an enriching experience that allows you to discover some hidden gems

preserved in their original state , or a mix of welcoming places where it's pleasant to stop , rest stops relaxation areas

relaxation areas designed for conviviality or breaks between two hikes complemented by natural spaces that one never tires of discovering, where culture, history and the harmony of landscapes are constantly combined.

Report by: Gabriel PAGE

Photos credit: Gabriel PAGE / Getty Images