RoutesBike touring routes & trailsFranceNew AquitaineRochefortLes Mathes
Côte sauvage – Conche de Gilet loop from Zoo de la Palmyre
RoutesBike touring routes & trailsFranceNew AquitaineRochefortLes Mathes
Côte sauvage – Conche de Gilet loop from Zoo de la Palmyre
Moderate
4.6
(123)
1,007
riders
Côte sauvage – Conche de Gilet loop from Zoo de la Palmyre
01:58
33.1km
200m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
Waypoints
A
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
2.66 km
Plage de la Palmyre
Beach
2
3.33 km
Les Mathes: Bonne Anse Bay
Highlight • Other
It was formed during the 19th century following the disappearance of the island of Armote. Its richness in coastal biotopes makes it one of the largest natural sites in Charente-Maritime.
Its formation is due to the confrontation between the Atlantic currents sweeping the coasts and the currents of the Gironde flowing into the ocean.
The marine current, heavily loaded with sand, slows down as it passes Pointe de la Coubre, which allows the sand to be deposited massively around and in Bonne-Anse.
The bay is thus in perpetual evolution, so much so that the site could become an inland lake.
The extent of the dune environments is remarkable.
Its formation is due to the confrontation between the Atlantic currents sweeping the coasts and the currents of the Gironde flowing into the ocean.
The marine current, heavily loaded with sand, slows down as it passes Pointe de la Coubre, which allows the sand to be deposited massively around and in Bonne-Anse.
The bay is thus in perpetual evolution, so much so that the site could become an inland lake.
The extent of the dune environments is remarkable.
Showing Translation
Tip by
4.01 km
Beach
Beach
4
5.01 km
Côte sauvage
Highlight • Other
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.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5
10.6 km
Carrelets of Saint Palais sur mer
Highlight • Other
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
🐟 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
Showing Translation
Tip by
6
10.9 km
Terre-Nègre Lighthouse
Highlight • Monument
The Terre-Nègre lighthouse is a landmark forming a cylindrical tower a little over 26 meters high.
Located on the tip of Terre-Nègre, in the town of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, in Charente-Maritime, it is intended to mark the southern pass of the Gironde estuary and to signal the presence of a bench of dangerous sand, the "English bar".
Located on the tip of Terre-Nègre, in the town of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, in Charente-Maritime, it is intended to mark the southern pass of the Gironde estuary and to signal the presence of a bench of dangerous sand, the "English bar".
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7
11.0 km
Tête Nègre Lighthouse
Highlight • Religious Site
Easily accessible place, only the last meters are prohibited for cyclists.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8
17.1 km
Conche de Gilet
Highlight • Beach
If you are looking for a quiet and shady place to relax, the Conche de Gilet is a natural gap in the rocks which offers a narrow and peaceful beach. Please note, however, that the beach is only accessible at low tide, as the sea completely covers it at high tide.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9
17.5 km
Boulevard de la Falaise
Highlight • Other
Bike trip between Pontaillac - la Palmyre - Mornac.
varied itinerary sea view forest countryside 😉👌
no difficulties. to do again.. .
varied itinerary sea view forest countryside 😉👌
no difficulties. to do again.. .
Translated by Google •
Tip by
10
22.3 km
Our Lady of the Aviators Chapel in Saint-Palais
Highlight • Other
The idea of erecting an oratory on this land was presented to Monsignor Le Camus, Bishop of Saintes and La Rochelle in 1903. The project was approved and, a year later, the building saw the light of day. Consisting of a nave in exposed stone and a narthex bell tower, the chapel can accommodate 15 to 20 people. The baptism of the Jeannette bell, the blessing of the oratory dedicated to Notre Dame as well as the first mass took place on August 25, 1904.
Having become too small to accommodate all the faithful, the chapel underwent some modifications in 1908, in particular an enlargement, and the stone nave gave way to a longer and much wider brick nave. Monsignor Augouard, Bishop of Congo-Brazzaville blesses the Chapel again for the occasion.
Following the feat of Louis Blériot crossing the English Channel in an airplane in 1909, the chapel then dedicated to Notre Dame became the chapel of the Aviators and then a little later that of the Sailors. When Joseph Odelin died in 1927, the chapel was offered to the diocese. During the Second World War and like the Royan coast, the bombings did not spare the chapel of the airmen, rebuilt in 1947.
Created in 2005, the association of Friends of Notre Dame du Platin has the mission of bringing to life and maintaining the Chapel of the Aviators. Masses are celebrated there throughout the summer and the pilgrimage at the end of August closes the summer season.
On the occasion of the guided tour of the Sentier des Douaniers, we invite you to discover the interior of the chapel and admire the models of planes it houses, offerings also called ex-voto.
Having become too small to accommodate all the faithful, the chapel underwent some modifications in 1908, in particular an enlargement, and the stone nave gave way to a longer and much wider brick nave. Monsignor Augouard, Bishop of Congo-Brazzaville blesses the Chapel again for the occasion.
Following the feat of Louis Blériot crossing the English Channel in an airplane in 1909, the chapel then dedicated to Notre Dame became the chapel of the Aviators and then a little later that of the Sailors. When Joseph Odelin died in 1927, the chapel was offered to the diocese. During the Second World War and like the Royan coast, the bombings did not spare the chapel of the airmen, rebuilt in 1947.
Created in 2005, the association of Friends of Notre Dame du Platin has the mission of bringing to life and maintaining the Chapel of the Aviators. Masses are celebrated there throughout the summer and the pilgrimage at the end of August closes the summer season.
On the occasion of the guided tour of the Sentier des Douaniers, we invite you to discover the interior of the chapel and admire the models of planes it houses, offerings also called ex-voto.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
B
33.1 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
26.7 km
2.99 km
2.58 km
533 m
320 m
Surfaces
29.0 km
2.41 km
1.27 km
414 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Saturday 11 July
41°C
23°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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