J. Damase

The Gironde Estuary

Europe’s largest estuary

The Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo cycle route begins its enchanting journey from beside the resort of Royan, on the north side of Europe’s largest estuary, where the waters of the mighty Gironde reach the Atlantic. Take in grandiose views of the estuary by following the cycle route along the Gironde’s banks.

Panorama sur l'estuaire à Plassac en Haute-Gironde

The estuary in figures

  • 70km in length, from the Pointe du Bec d’Ambès above Bordeaux to the Pointe du Verdon opposite Royan
  • 12km in width at is widest point
  • Total area: 625km²
  • 309 steps to climb its iconic lighthouse, the Phare de Cordouan, located out in the midst of the mouth of the estuary, 7km from the mainland.
Piste Cyclable le long de l'estuaire de la Gironde
J. Damase

The Canal des 2 Mers à vélo, a meeting point between the Gironde River and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo portion in the département (French county) of Charente-Maritime offers you a wonderful chance to witness how the mighty Gironde Estuary and Atlantic Ocean meet.

 

The route certainly provides exceptional views onto the mouth of Europe’s largest estuary. Stop at the Pôle Nature du Parc de l'Estuaire, in the village of St-Georges-de-Didonne, to learn more about the estuary’s many facets at this special nature centre.

 

After travelling just a few kilometres, you’ll see how rural and maritime worlds merge so closely around here, creating many delightful surprises...

 

Leaving Royan, enjoy the architecture of this seaside resort. Next you come to Suzac Forest, with its quite unusual mix of types of trees, thriving where sea and river meet. 

heights of the limestone cliffs
J. Damase

Overhang the heights of the limestone cliffs

You then climb a slope to reach the top of a series of limestone cliffs. From on high, you can look across the estuary and down on creeks dug into the rock, backed by little sandy beaches.

 

Up on the clifftops, you can also appreciate the mosaic of subtly varied landscapes stretching alongside the estuary, home to fascinating fauna and flora.

 

One unmissable feature along the cliffs is the square fishing nets left suspended in the air when not in use.

J. Damase

A pleasant journey rich in biodiversity

If you wish to get closer to the natural riches around here, simply follow the route as the cliffs give way to gentler slopes covered in vines and cereal crops. Below these, the marshes are dotted with little ports either tucked down winding channels or lying directly on the estuary.

This marvellously biodiverse section goes on to Vitrezay, where you can learn more about it at the Pôle-Nature, from April to November.

Here, you can further your knowledge about the exceptional landscapes in these parts via a wide choice of activities tailored to introduce the general public to the secrets of the Gironde Estuary and its banks.

Custom route

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Royan / Talmont-sur-Gironde / Mortagne-sur-Gironde

1 Royan / Talmont-sur-Gironde / Mortagne-sur-Gironde

37 km
2 h 34 min
I cycle often
Past Royan’s port, this stage begins at Royan’s Grande Conche Beach. Head along the seafront on a lovely shaded cycle path. The cycle route then threads between tracks and quiet roads to Meschers-sur-Gironde before reaching Talmont-sur-Gironde, an astonishing look-out post onto the estuary and part of the association of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Caillaud Cliff and the square fishing nets suspended above the waters add to the atmosphere. The stage continues via quiet, sometimes steep roads and tracks to Mortagne-sur-Gironde, a port well protected from the temperamental Gironde.
Mortagne-sur-Gironde / Vitrezay

2 Mortagne-sur-Gironde / Vitrezay

25 km
1 h 40 min
I cycle often
From Mortagne-sur-Gironde to Vitrezay, the scenery is characterized by great expanses of marshes backed by hills covered with vineyards and crops. A number of little marinas along here provide access to the Gironde Estuary and offer places to pause.
Vitrezay / Blaye

3 Vitrezay / Blaye

39 km
2 h 37 min
I begin / Family
Reaching the port of Vitrezay, you leave the département (French county) of Charente-Maritime, continuing on the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo cycle route into the département of Gironde. Bypassing the electricity-producing nuclear power station of the Blayais, a beautiful greenway leads to Blaye and its citadel designed by the great 17th-century engineer Vauban. The citadel and other forts along the Gironde remind you of warring times. A small ferry crosses the estuary from Blaye to Lamarque.