The stage starts by crossing Rochefort’s transporter bridge (or its cycle-friendly alternative at the foot of the structure), then follows the south bank of the Charente before turning toward the coast. The route alternates between dedicated cycle paths and quiet secondary roads, typical of this stretch of the Charente-Maritime coastline.
The final part of the stage follows the “côte de beauté,” a string of seaside resorts (Saint-Nazaire-sur-Charente, an optional detour to Marennes, then Saint-Georges-de-Didonne) before reaching Royan. It’s a pleasant stage for mixing up the pace: you can stop at the beaches along the way without straying far from the main route.
Royan, rebuilt after the war in a distinctive Art Deco/modernist style, makes a good overnight base with a wide choice of accommodation, ahead of crossing the Gironde estuary the next day.