In Charente-Maritime, the bicycle is king. Silent and non-polluting and suited to the forests, the marshlands, along the coast or in the interior. The speed is up to you, but either way, sport-riding or leisurely pottering, you'l see the country and get some excercise!

Hundreds of kilometers of cycle paths, signposted circuits and cycle priority routes mean there is a route for everyone whatever your age or level of fitness.

Ask for a map of the region's cycle paths in any tourist office in the area.