Atlantic Coast Part One: Dunes, Pines and Crashing Surf (1-9 June, 2015)

We left the gîte in Ruch with much anticipation of reaching the Atlantic Coast!  We would pass to the south of Bordeaux, arrive at the coast just south of Arcachon, and turn north to follow the Vélodyssée, a cycling route that follows the entire coastline.  We would follow this almost all the way to Brittany...

Katy with our gracious hosts in Ruch, Alain and David.

The town hall of Rauzan in the wine region of Entre-Deux-Mers.

Vineyards vineyards everywhere.  Unfortunately in the end it is quite a monoculture around Bordeaux.

;

A vineyard tractor ploughing between rows.

We joined the Voie Roger Lapébie for a spell, a cycling track that connects Sauvegarde with Bordeaux.

You can see that Bo was pretty psyched about things.

We were hosted by Evelyne for a night near Le Tourne.  She stopped us from her car while we were cycling past and invited us home, the first time this has happened to us in France.

Bordeaux  wine culture spreads everywhere in this area...

The kitsch even extends to this barrel-shaped bus stop.

Gatsby-like wine empire!

In Cabanac-et-Villagrains we crossed paths with this group of cyclists, aged 84, 82, 82, 80 and 80.  Astounding and inspiring à la fois; the massive dog named Yeti bounded after us out of town!

Jeff riding through seemingly endless conifer plantations.

Our campsite about one day's ride from the coast.

Sunset from our campsite.

Katy and Bodhi dozing at dawn.

Before we hit the coast, we had a few hills and ancient dunes to traverse...

At this place we joined the EuroVelo1 (Vélodyssée), one of France's classic long-distance routes along the Atlantic Coast.

Jeff and Bo climbing the famed Dune du Pilat.

Views over the Banc d'Arguin nature reserve.

The three of us with endless pine forests stretching eastward behind us.

Bo dug the sand...

... as did Katy.

Remarkable architecture in Arcachon.

The harbor east of Arcachon centre.

Beach sculptures jamming seaside.

Bo runs the dock...

... just before hopping the boat to Cap Ferret with a load of cyclists.

Here's the little man at Cap Ferret in warm shallow water.

Katy and Bo having a blast in the water.

Jeff heads for the lighthouse at Cap Ferret.

From Cap Ferret we hit a great stretch of bike trails heading north...

Jeff and Bo and early evening on the beach.

Under the stars, camping between Le Porge and Lacanau!

Dunes and pine forests is the norm in these parts.

Bo and Katy kite-flying at Montalivet.

In Soulac-sur-Mer we ran into an old-fashioned festival where we saw a typically-French wine auction.

Bo studies the route north.

At the beach at Soulac.

The views of the coast from World War two bunkers near Soulac.

Katy on a great cycle path heading north from Soulac...

At Pointe de Grave we took this ferry boat...

...and arrived in Royan, department of Charente Maritime.

Crossing the Seudre River near L'Equille, we saw lots of oyster farming activities...

Countryside pasttime.

A giant toad leaps on Bo's helmet!

Our camp near Tonnay-Charente.

The town of Tonnay on the banks of the Charente River.

Katy before the impressive gare of Rochefort...

... and traversing fields of barley.

When the tide is out here it is really out!  And its a long wait till its back.

Bo fooling around in puddles on Châtelaillon Plage.

The coast near Angoulins-sur-Mer.

Sunset from Angoulins.

Nearing La Rochelle with constant coastal views and cycle paths.

Port de Plaisanciers at La Rochelle.  We've never seen so many yachts and sailboats gathered in one place, anywhere, as we have here.

This image combines two of Bo's premier passions: boats and tractors!

The fabolous entrance to La Rochelle, framed by three 13th-14th century towers.

Friendly cyclist greetings in La Rochelle, riding a recumbent tricycle.

 From La Rochelle we would head to the nearby Ile de Ré before continuing up the coast...