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The
Charente-Maritime coast,
Bikes For Everyone Here!
For some
years cycling has been one of the most popular activities in the
region.
Bicycles of every description are used to go to the
beach, to go shopping, for keeping fit, or for family bike
rides.
Along the coast it is fairly flat, making cycling very
easy.
This activity is an ideal combination of sport and exploring the
countryside and many improvements have been made to ensure the
safety of cyclists of all ages and reduce the risk of accidents.
Bicycle paths are numerous on the island of Oléron, the island
of Ré and around Royan, …
From
the Centre of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to the port of La Palmyre, about one
hour there and back
The cycle track from
Saint-Palais to La Palmyre, which alternates between views of the sea
and forest landscapes, is an example of a particularly successful track
layout.
In Saint-Palais, going in the direction of La Grande Côte, the cycle
track begins on the left, level with the traffic lights at the
crossroads which lead on the right-hand side to the market and on the
left towards the Pont-du-Diable.
After about a hundred metres, you reach the sea at the far end of Platin
beach.
After a short break, move up to the Chapel
of the Air Pilots and see the lighthouse of Terre-Nègre.
Then, go along the cliff top, up to the headland of La Grande Côte. The
views over the estuary, Cordouan's lighthouse, out to sea, are different
every time, depending upon the season, the time, the state of the sky,
the tide, and your mood of the moment!
From the point of La Grande Côte,
you leave the seaside to go into the maritime pine forest.
At first, the
track follows the dunes and then the route goes up and down over a
series of small hills which continue until you reach a long, straight,
flat track which goes to the far western end of the long beach of La
Grande Côte.
The track then returns towards the sea
and continues along the promenade which leads to the beach and to the
port of La Palmyre.
For the more courageous, the lighthouse
of La Coubre and the Côte Sauvage are only a little further away
from La Palmyre.
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