rochefort-ocean-port-des-barques-vélo © Marine de Villartay (1).jpg

Peninsula and Marsh Loop

in Soubise
53.8 km
3h 30min
Medium
  • Set off on a bike ride to explore the varied landscapes of the Grand Site de France: the Charente Estuary and Rochefort Arsenal. Over a 55km route, discover the marshes and the estuary, home to storks, herons and other native species. Please note: mountain bikes are recommended

  • Fancy a breath of fresh sea air? Hop on your bike and set off to explore the Presqu’île et Marais loop, a 33 miles route that takes you right into the heart of the unspoilt countryside of Charente-Maritime, between Soubise and Moëze.

    From the very first pedal strokes, you’ll be enveloped by the peaceful atmosphere of the marshes, where the reeds sway to the rhythm of the wind and migratory birds provide a constant spectacle. This ride takes you through remarkable natural areas, from wet...
    Fancy a breath of fresh sea air? Hop on your bike and set off to explore the Presqu’île et Marais loop, a 33 miles route that takes you right into the heart of the unspoilt countryside of Charente-Maritime, between Soubise and Moëze.

    From the very first pedal strokes, you’ll be enveloped by the peaceful atmosphere of the marshes, where the reeds sway to the rhythm of the wind and migratory birds provide a constant spectacle. This ride takes you through remarkable natural areas, from wet meadows and former salt marshes to dykes lined with tidal creeks, all the way to the sea horizon.

    Along the way, let yourself be charmed by the villages you pass through, such as Brouage, a fortified town listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, or the typical little oyster-farming ports, where it’s lovely to stop for a break and sample some local oysters. In Moëze, don’t miss the Nature Reserve and its birdwatching centre: a must-see for nature lovers!
  • Difference in height
    120.97 m
  • Documentation
    GPX / KML files allow you to export the trail of your hike to your GPS (or other navigation tool)
Points of interest
4 Beaugeay Lock Keeper’s House
The house that once served as the lockkeeper's residence is now vacant; it was restored in 2001 as part of a rural heritage renovation program.

The Brouage marshes were drained in the 19th century on the initiative of the subprefect of Marennes, Charles Esprit Le Terme. The digging of canals, the installation of locks, and the creation of marsh management associations made it possible to drain the marshes and, above all, to better control water levels.

The Beaugeay lock and its lockkeeper’s house were built in the early 19th century. The house, which served as the lockkeeper’s residence, is now disused and was restored as part of a program to renovate traditional rural heritage.
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121 meters of difference in height
  • Start altitude : 3 m
  • End altitude : 4 m
  • Maximum altitude : 20 m
  • Minimum altitude : -1 m
  • Total positive elevation : 121 m
  • Total negative elevation : -120 m
  • Max positive elevation : 11 m
  • Min positive elevation : -7 m