View of the La Roche cliff – Côte sauvage loop from Saujon

Bike touring routes & trails

View of the La Roche cliff – Côte sauvage loop from Saujon

Hard

3.7

(3)

riders

View of the La Roche cliff – Côte sauvage loop from Saujon

09:56

162km

840m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 16, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 82.5 km for 8 m

After 82.6 km for 8 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

61.6 km

View of the La Roche cliff

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Dedicated bike trail along the sea opens up views of the white chalk cliffs ahead

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63.7 km

Boulevard du Marais offers both magnificent views of the coast and the Talmont marshes. We appreciate the contrast between the brackish meadows of the coast, the tamarisk hedges, the marshes and the salt-tolerant flora which adapts to humid environments.

Due to tidal variations, the landscape is constantly changing and is a constant source of wonder.

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80.3 km

Carrelets de Royan

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The classic to do at least once. Just avoid busy days during the peak tourist season.

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80.9 km

Plage du Chay

Beach

82.5 km

Viewpoint

84.8 km

Bois Lo Défens

Forest

88.5 km

Carrelets of Saint Palais sur mer

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The carrelets of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer are among the most emblematic elements of the Charente coastline. Their history blends traditional fishing, tourist development, and local heritage.

🐟 Origin of the carrelets

Originally, the word "carrelet" referred to a square fishing net used since the 17th century. A precise description can be found as early as 1769, in the writings of the scholar Henri-Louis Duhamel du Monceau, who mentioned this type of fishing on the Saintonge coast. 👉 At that time, these were not yet the current huts, but simply a net operated from rudimentary structures.

⚓ Artisanal fishing structures

The first local carrelets were simple wooden platforms, built by the fishermen themselves to stand above the water. They were mainly used to catch shrimp, fish, and crabs near the shore, without going out to sea. 👉 It was a family and coastal fishery, less dangerous than sea fishing.

🏖️ 19th – early 20th century: transition to a leisure activity

At the turn of the 20th century, with the rise of seaside resorts like Saint-Palais, the carrelets evolved. Holidaymakers and notable figures adopted this practice: construction of fixed jetties, appearance of huts on stilts. The carrelets then became places for relaxation as much as for fishing. 👉 They already contributed to the postcard image of the coast.

🪵 After 1945: democratization and multiplication

After the Second World War, the number of carrelets increased sharply. They became a symbol of popular leisure and conviviality. The transition was gradually made from a means of subsistence to a recreational activity.

🌊 Storms and reconstruction

The carrelets are fragile in the face of storms:
1999: massive destruction (up to 90% in some areas)
2010 (Xynthia storm): new damage
Many have been rebuilt identically, respecting tradition.

🏛️ Today: protected heritage

In Charente-Maritime, there are about 400 carrelets. They are:
integrated into the public maritime domain
allocated by administrative authorization (often renewed every 5 years)
Since 2018, they have been recognized as cultural heritage of the department.

👉 In Saint-Palais, they can be observed in particular:

at Pont du Diable
at the conche du Concié
at the Puits de l’Auture

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96.2 km

Plage de la Palmyre

Beach

121 km

Through the La Coubre state forest

Highlight (Segment) • Forest

Superb walk in the forest.

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132 km

Shaded Cycle Path Along Baie de Bonne Anse

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Beautiful shady bike path with many picnic opportunities and a great view of Baie de Bonne Anse.

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135 km

Dune Cycle Route of La Palmyre

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Appreciable track to follow the side and avoid the flow of cars

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138 km

Côte sauvage

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This forest path offers breathtaking views of the coast. Bordering the Cambots d'Ansoine forest near La Palmyre, it is a place where nature and the sea meet. From the forest paths, the views open onto the sandbanks that change with the tides.

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162 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types