Travelogue#
After a good night’s sleep, I set off again at 8 a.m. for the day’s ride. A quick breakfast at a supermarket, and then I was on my way.
The evening before, I had cleaned my bike because it was covered in dust. Turns out I could have saved myself the effort — the first 10 km were along a sandy, dusty track. By the end of it, I looked like a breaded dust pig.
After 40 km, I reached Nantes, where things were quite hectic and many cycle routes were closed due to construction work. The city itself didn’t really win me over, but the famous Les Machines de l’Île was fantastic. There, enormous mechanical animals can actually be used as a means of transport.
The route itself was rather uneventful, and it didn’t become interesting again until I reached Le Pellerin. You can really feel the proximity of the Atlantic now. I had to battle a strong headwind, but the anticipation of finally reaching the ocean kept me going. Along the way, I also met Etan, and we ended up riding a large part of the remaining distance together.
And then, in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, it finally happened — after so many kilometers, I reached the Atlantic Ocean. What an incredible feeling.
This is also where the EuroVelo 6 officially ends. From here on, I’m riding on the EuroVelo 1. The almost unbearable heat has vanished as well, replaced by a gentle, cooling sea breeze.
My destination for the day was the Camping La Madrague, where Etan eventually checked in too after discovering that his preferred campsite was already full.
I’ve got a pitch with a view of the sea, and a small path leads directly to the cliffs and down to a little beach. Absolutely breathtaking.
Pictures#
