The day starts with a ferry, not a road. Royan drops behind across the Gironde, and Le Verdon marks the start of the Médoc coast. From there, the route runs south along the Atlantic side: Soulac-sur-Mer with villas, dunes and beach access, then Montalivet, Hourtin and Lacanau. The riding is mostly fast and flat: cycle paths, pine forest, sandy ground and short turns towards the ocean. After Le Porge, the peninsula narrows. Cap Ferret finishes the stage with the Bassin d’Arcachon, oyster harbours and Atlantic air.
