After crossing the Pont de Normandie in brutal winds, I promised myself I’d never do it again. So when I reached the Pont de l’Île de Ré — a 2.9 km bridge linking La Rochelle to France’s most bike-friendly island — I had one big question: is this one any safer… or just another white-knuckle ride with a better view?
In this video, I take you across the Pont de l’Île de Ré by bike, sharing what it’s really like to ride one of France’s most scenic bridges. You’ll see what makes it different from the Pont de Normandie, how long it takes to cross, what kind of bikes are best, and whether it’s safe for kids or casual riders.
Filmed partly with an Insta360 for immersive views, this ride captures the Atlantic breeze, sweeping sea views, and the freedom that makes cycling in France so unforgettable. From La Rochelle to the Île de Ré, this is the perfect intro to France’s Atlantic Coast cycling and the Vélodyssée route.
Next up — the island itself. Is Île de Ré really worth all the hype? Subscribe to find out.
#CyclingInFrance #IledeRe #Vélodyssée #LaRochelle #CyclingTravel
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After crossing the Pont de Normandie, I promised
myself I’d never do that again — two and a half kilometres of chaos and gusting winds.
So when I reached the Pont de l’Île de Ré, I had one big question: is this one really
safer… or just another white-knuckle ride with a better view?
[Music] The Pont de l’Île de Ré stretches
for 2.9 kilometres, climbing gently to about 40 metres above sea level.
Compared to the Pont de Normandie, it’s a different world: smooth tarmac, a fully
separated cycle lane, and solid barriers. No toll for cyclists — you roll
straight on while cars pay. At a normal pace, it takes
about 10–12 minutes to cross. The gradient is around 3% — easy enough,
but the crosswind is the real test. If you’re riding with kids or less-experienced
cyclists, I’d only attempt it on calm days. Would you take your kids
across on a breezy afternoon? Let me know in the comments — I’m curious.
The surface is smooth and around two metres wide, giving plenty of space to ride safely.
Noise from passing cars is noticeable but not overwhelming — it feels secure,
especially compared to Normandie. From the summit, the views are incredible: La
Rochelle behind you, the island stretching ahead. If you’re following the
Vélodyssée from La Rochelle, the bridge is a brilliant detour — it adds a
few kilometres, but the scenery is worth it. For bike types, anything
works: road, gravel, e-bike. And if you don’t have your own, there are rental options in La Rochelle —
perfect for a day trip to the ’Île de Ré. Once you roll down the far side,
the real adventure begins. The ’Île de Ré isn’t just a tourist island.
It’s made for cycling with quiet lanes, coastal trails, and a few surprises for
serious cyclists. And if you’re wondering, is it really worth it? You’ll have to wait
until the next video to find out. If you enjoy discovering the best cycling spots in
France, hit subscribe and join me as I ride from the bridge across the ’Île de Ré. As always,
thanks for watching. See you next time. [Music]