This route starts in La Rochelle and travels through the Parc Naturel Régional du Marais Poitevin, a tranquil bird-filled wetland dubbed the Venise Verte (Green Venice) due to the duckweed that turns its maze of waterways emerald green each spring and summer. Covering some 800 sq km of wet and drained marsh, the marshlands are interspersed with villages and woods threaded by canals and bike paths. Within the natural park is a protected area La Réserve naturelle de Saint-Denis-du-Payré. The natural wet meadows are traditionally maintained by extensive grazing. Cows and horses work together to maintain this open area. And thanks to these natural mowers, the meadows have an incredibly rich variety of plants. Birds are also well-catered for, both in terms of nesting and feeding.
Next comes a coffee stop where you can enjoy the view of Château de Talmont Saint-Hilaire. In 1182 Richard I of England (Richard the Lionheart) became the lord of Talmont; he remained in control of the castle until his death in 1199, when it was returned to the Mauléon family.
From here you'll head to Les Sables d'Olonne, the town that makes the headlines every four years, when the world's media swoop in for the start and finish of the gruelling Vendée Globe Challenge. This is the world's toughest solo yacht race, where competitors chase each other round the world single handed, and with no assistance.
You'll cross the causeway in amongst the salt production pools at Ile d’Olonne and pass right through the middle of more salt production in Marais Breton.
Continuing to head north you'll now cross the Loire river over the impressive Pont de Saint-Nazaire and head towards the hotel in Saint Nazaire.