The weather was cooler than the previous few days when I left Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, and it would remain relatively cool throughout the day. After the preceding heat it wasn’t unpleasant to encounter cloud cover and also the first light rain of the trip, during the morning. Looking at the time and distance given by the navigation apps I was hoping to reach a campsite near La Rochelle later the same day, but the windy conditions would mean it would take longer.

The route involved cycling along some beautiful coastal paths and the town of Bretignolles-sur-Mer felt particularly unspoilt. The resort town of Les Sables-d’Olonne had an impressive seafront and a long beachfront promenade.

I decided to have lunch in the port town of Bourgenay, overlooking the harbour. On the way there was a surreal holiday village with a accommodation, a lake and a golf course, and at one point I was cycling behind a golf buggy transporting members of staff around the resort.

When it became clear that it wasn’t going to be possible to reach a campsite near La Rochelle before it’s reception closed, I found one on the outskirts of La Tranche-sur-Mer with a dedicated section and price for cyclists. I walked in to the centre of the town later in the evening which was very pleasant.

Distance: 57 miles

Maximum temperature: 25 degrees C

Seafront at Les Sables-d’Olonne

La Tranche-sur-Mer

The port of Bourgenay

Bretignolles-sur-Mer