RoutesRoad cycling routesFranceNew AquitaineRochefortRoyan
Terre-Nègre Lighthouse – Promenade des Deux Phares loop from Royan
RoutesRoad cycling routesFranceNew AquitaineRochefortRoyan
Terre-Nègre Lighthouse – Promenade des Deux Phares loop from Royan
Moderate
4.5
(12)
337
riders
Terre-Nègre Lighthouse – Promenade des Deux Phares loop from Royan
01:56
43.2km
240m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 16, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 128 m for 113 m
After 11.3 km for 154 m
Waypoints
A
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
5.67 km
Bois Lo Défens
Forest
2
9.56 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
3
9.74 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
4
10.1 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
5
11.4 km
Grande Côte Beach
Highlight • Beach
The Grande Côte beach extends for more than 2.5 kilometers, between the dunes and the forest. Swimming is supervised in high season.
In low season, sand yachting and other activities are possible on Grande Côte beach.
In low season, sand yachting and other activities are possible on Grande Côte beach.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6
17.7 km
Promenade des Deux Phares
Highlight • Trail
The Promenade des Deux Phares offers a picturesque mountain bike route along the Atlantic coast, with panoramic views of the sea and beaches. Between the two lighthouses, you will cross sandy paths, coastal paths and pine forests typical of Charente-Maritime.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
18.3 km
Plage de la Palmyre
Beach
8
22.4 km
Shaded Cycle Path Along Baie de Bonne Anse
Highlight • Cycleway
Beautiful shady bike path with many picnic opportunities and a great view of Baie de Bonne Anse.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9
25.5 km
Dune Cycle Route of La Palmyre
Highlight • Cycleway
Appreciable track to follow the side and avoid the flow of cars
Translated by Google •
Tip by
10
34.5 km
Saint Palais sur mer lighthouse
Highlight • Religious Site
The Saint-Pallais church (the new one) is the parish church of the town of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer.
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it replaced the old Saint-Pallais church, which was considered too cramped at the time. It took the name of the old church, which owes it to a bishop of Saintes from the 6th century, Palladius.
This neo-Romanesque church was built between 1909 and 1911 under the leadership of Abbot Léon Gerbier and under the direction of the architect Georges Naud, in order to replace the old church located a few meters further away, which had become insufficient for worship.
The sanctuary, very simple, is in the shape of a Latin cross. It has a nave with four bays, a wide transept and a flat chevet pierced by three bays decorated with stained glass windows made by the Bordeaux master glazier Gustave-Pierre Dagrant. These stained glass windows represent Saint Peter and Saint Simon, framing the patron saint of the church, Saint Pallais, twelfth bishop of Saintes in the 6th century. Other stained glass windows of the same design adorn the transepts, while those in the nave bear the signature of master glassmaker Van-Guy.
The interior of the building is entirely timber-framed, and some sculptures adorn certain capitals.
The façade has a semicircular arched portal with six arches framed by two blind arcades, in a style reminiscent of the Saintonge Romanesque style.
The bell tower is limited to an orifice pierced at the top of the façade.
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it replaced the old Saint-Pallais church, which was considered too cramped at the time. It took the name of the old church, which owes it to a bishop of Saintes from the 6th century, Palladius.
This neo-Romanesque church was built between 1909 and 1911 under the leadership of Abbot Léon Gerbier and under the direction of the architect Georges Naud, in order to replace the old church located a few meters further away, which had become insufficient for worship.
The sanctuary, very simple, is in the shape of a Latin cross. It has a nave with four bays, a wide transept and a flat chevet pierced by three bays decorated with stained glass windows made by the Bordeaux master glazier Gustave-Pierre Dagrant. These stained glass windows represent Saint Peter and Saint Simon, framing the patron saint of the church, Saint Pallais, twelfth bishop of Saintes in the 6th century. Other stained glass windows of the same design adorn the transepts, while those in the nave bear the signature of master glassmaker Van-Guy.
The interior of the building is entirely timber-framed, and some sculptures adorn certain capitals.
The façade has a semicircular arched portal with six arches framed by two blind arcades, in a style reminiscent of the Saintonge Romanesque style.
The bell tower is limited to an orifice pierced at the top of the façade.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
B
43.2 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
32.3 km
4.03 km
3.93 km
1.85 km
748 m
386 m
Surfaces
39.3 km
1.83 km
1.49 km
280 m
270 m
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Sunday 21 June
37°C
23°C
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