🚴♀️ Atlantic Coast by Bike along the Vélodyssée – Bordeaux to Biarritz, France
Explore the natural beauty, culture, and heritage of the Gironde, Landes, and Basque Country on this unforgettable cycling tour along the Vélodyssée, the longest bike route in France and Europe.
Ride along peaceful paths, discover charming villages, and enjoy the tranquility of the Atlantic coast. Your journey takes you from Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage city, to the famous seaside town of Biarritz, pedaling through lakes, pine forests, and the stunning Landes de Gascogne.
🌊 Scenic Landscapes and Local Flavors
Experience diverse landscapes: salt marshes, dunes, forests, wide sandy beaches framed by pines, and intimate lakes. Breathe in the fresh sea air and the scent of pine, mimosa, and broom flowers. The tour also offers plenty of local cuisine, with restaurants and bars serving fresh oysters, duck specialties, and other delights. After each day, relax in charming 2- or 3-star hotels and bed & breakfasts.
Optional: customized itineraries are available for multi-day exploration.
🗺️ Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux
Arrive at your hotel in Bordeaux, where your road book and bikes will be ready.
Bordeaux, originally called Burdigala, is a Roman-founded city famous for its vineyards and prestigious stone architecture. The Garonne River is the city’s heart, perfect for riverside walks or boat excursions. Known as the Wine Capital, Bordeaux is rich in history and architecture, deserving an in-depth visit.
Overnight in Bordeaux with breakfast.
Day 2: Bordeaux – Lacanau-Océan | 64 km, 60 m ascent
Cycle from Bordeaux to the seaside town of Lacanau-Océan. Follow the Green Way, a bike path along the old Bordeaux-Lacanau railway.
This easy and safe route passes through the pine forests, offering both paved paths and forest trails. Lacanau-Océan is celebrated for its long beaches, dunes, lakes, and pristine natural areas, as well as its famous surf spots and early 20th-century villas.
Day 3: Lacanau to Arcachon (8-day version) / Lacanau to Andernos (9-day version) | 45 km, 50 m ascent
Continue cycling along the Vélodyssée through dunes and forests. Discover the wild beaches of the Aquitaine coast, including the 13 km-long beach of Le Porge-Océan. Occasionally leave the bike path to explore the coastline.
End your day cycling through typical oyster villages of the Arcachon Bay and reach the seaside town of Arcachon by ferry.
Optional extra night near Andernos to fully explore Arcachon Bay and its ports.
Overnight with breakfast.
Day 4 (Option): Arcachon Bay Loop | 45 km, 20 m ascent
Cycle around Arcachon Bay along the Vélodyssée, which follows an old railway line and small roads. Explore villages, small ports, and enjoy spectacular bay views while spotting numerous bird species.
Discover historic villas, churches, and promenade paths along the bay.
Overnight with breakfast.
Day 4 / Day 5: Arcachon – Biscarrosse Plage / Bourg | 30 km, 100 m ascent
Visit the Great Dune of Pyla, a must-see for panoramic views. Then pedal through the Landes pine forest along the Vélodyssée to Biscarrosse Plage, famous for its waves, beaches, and dunes. Enjoy the local summer atmosphere with markets, street shows, and seaside activities.
Overnight with breakfast.
Day 5 / Day 6: Biscarrosse – Mimizan Plage | 52 km, 115 m ascent
Leave the coast to explore the blue lakes of Cazaux and Sanguinet, the second-largest lakes in France, surrounded by greenery and pine trees. Cycle along Biscarrosse and Parentis lakes, through lakeside harbors and the Landes forest, returning to the ocean at Mimizan Plage.
The town dates back to the Belle Époque, originally built to serve seaside visitors.
Overnight with breakfast.
Day 6 / Day 7: Mimizan Beach – Landes Countryside | 55 km, 130 m ascent
Continue along the Vélodyssée through calm pine forests. Stop at beaches like Contis Plage and St Girons Plage, as well as Lake Leon, enjoying relaxing lakeside and forest scenery.
Overnight with breakfast.
Day 7: Landes to Basque Country | 65 km, 120 m ascent
On your final cycling day, leave the Landes and follow the forested bike paths to the coastal icons of Hossegor and Cap Breton.
Enjoy wide beaches and the lively atmosphere as you approach Boucau. Pedal through the Basque Country, including its capital Bayonne, before reaching the famous seaside town of Biarritz.
Biarritz offers surfing beaches, thalassotherapy options, golf courses, restaurants, bars, and lively squares, perfect for unforgettable evenings.
Overnight with breakfast.
Day 8: Departure from Biarritz
After breakfast, check out and depart.
