Du premier moment où j'ai entendu prononcer le nom de l'Amérique, je l'ai aimée ; dès l'instant où j'ai su qu'elle combattait pour la liberté, j'ai brûlé du désir de verser mon sang pour elle ; les jours où je pourrai la servir seront comptés par moi, dans tous les temps et dans tous les lieux, parmi les plus heureux de ma vie". - LA FAYETTE Cognac country cycling tour in Poitou Charentes - an extraordinary tour! One of the many astonishing highlights of this tour is the visit of the Hermione, vessel linked to the legend of La Fayette. La Fayette came to Rochefort, whence he embarked for the New World on a newly built frigate- l’Hermione- on March 21, 1780. Landed in Boston after 38 days at sea, he joined General Washington to announce the imminent arrival of French reinforcements giving the revolutionaries the support necessary for the birth of a new nation. In 1997, a new challenge was launched in Rochefort: the reconstruction of the Hermione at the same site where the original frigate was built. Today, visit the authentic rebuilding of the Hermione in the huge worksite in Rochefort! It will give you goose bumps! This tour is also about discovering a peaceful and diversified countryside, with its rich heritage of history, architecture, and traditions. Visit Rochefort, Saintes and Angouleme mentioned as Cities of Art & History by the French Ministry of the Culture. And of course, another highlight of this tour is Cognac and its chateau. Visit the most prestigious Cognac houses: Hennessy, Otard, Courvoisier, and more.		"We returned from France last night. Everything went as planned and we had a wonderful time. We are both delighted we chose Discover France for this vacation." - Paul M "I've never had such fun on any vacation, anywhere, ever. The meals were fabulous everywhere, the routes were almost always delightful, the roads mostly quiet, and the people were completely charming. I had a total blast, and really hated for it to end." - G. Antal

Day 1: Arrival in La Rochelle- Installation at your hotel- Free time to visit La Rochelle, a city with 1000 years of history. Relax on a terrace of a café in front of the ocean before a nice dinner.

Day 2: From La Rochelle to Rochefort, city of Art & History:
Today, you ride along the Atlantic coast with the opportunity to visit the 18th century Chateau de Buzay in the middle of colza fields. Then arrive in Rochefort to discover the Hermione, the Royal Rope Manufactory, the Maritime museum, and more.

Day 3: From Rochefort to Saintes. Along your ride, visit the 15th century chateau of La Roche-Courbon with its harmonious garden. Then on the way to Saintes, visit the 15th century chateau of Crazannes, classified as Historical Monument. Arrival in Saintes and visit its rich heritage and wealth of exhibits in its archeological, regional craft and fine arts museums. Optional ride: Through the heart of the marshland, visit Brouage, ancient fortified harbor built by Louis XIII for the trade of salt. Champlain, the founder of Quebec, was born there.

Day 4: From Saintes to Cognac. Ride through the Charente landscape rich in Romanesque monuments. Visit of the 12th century abbey of Fontdouce, and before to arrive in the famous town of Cognac, visit the chateau of Merpins. Arrive in Cognac and enjoy some time for relaxing in a terrace of a café along the River.

Day 5: Cognac: Today is a rest day! Discover this famous "wine" that used to be carried to La Rochelle by barges called “Gabares”: the cognac drink. Visit the most prestigious Cognac houses: Hennessy, Otard, Courvoisier,…and visitation of the old and charming town of Cognac. Included tour of the Chateau de Cognac in your language, includes tasting.

Day 6: From Cognac to Angouleme: Ride along the banks of the Charente River with its typical white stone villages such as St. Simon, Bourg-Charente, and Fleurac with its ancient water mill. Arrive in Angouleme, a charming walled town classified as a city of Art and History.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast.

The trip includes: Take the Virtual Hotel Tour! 6 nights accommodations in charming 3 star Charm hotels, all breakfast (except on day 1), all dinners except on day 7), luggage transfers, route maps and directions, free Cognac tasting and tour, local emergency assistance. We also provide travel planning services to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers.

Bike Rentals: TBD
Hybrid - model to be determined (TBD).

Additional Night in La Rochelle or Angouleme: $TBD/person Breakfast and dinner included.

Optional Services:
Travel insurance, Paris museum & metro passes, Paris day tours, Lido shows, and other services. Cell phone rental and luggage storage services. Note: prices subject to change based upon currency fluctuations. See Booking Terms and Conditions.