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A coastal cycling holiday following the Vélodyssée cycle path down the Atlantic Coast of France from historic Bordeaux to the surfing town of Biarritz. Leisurely cycling on scenic, cycle paths through shady pine forests and past glorious beaches. Explore the charming villages around Arcachon Bay, swim in warm, freshwater lakes and stop to watch the surfers riding the Atlantic rollers.
This really is a beach-lovers cycling holiday and each day you’ll want to ensure your swimwear is in your pannier. The cycle path rarely strays far from the coast and when it does it is to lead you to picturesque freshwater lakes that are perfect for a refreshing dip
Arcachon Bay
You’ll love exploring the charming fishing villages of Arcachon Bay, perhaps stopping at a shabby-chic Oyster Shack for a maritime delicacy, and a little further south you’ll also have the opportunity to climb Europe’s largest sand dune and enjoy incredible views from its summit.
The scent of pine forests and salty sea air accompanies you throughout this trip as do fabulous sea-views and mile after mile of gorgeous beach. Biarritz, one of the country’s most famous seaside resorts with its surf beaches and historic buildings makes a fitting finale to your cycling holiday.
The route is mostly level and any hills are rare and not that steep. It’s nearly all cycle paths with the odd section on quiet lanes or tracks.
Make your way from Bordeaux airport to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this interesting port city with Roman origins. Take a stroll through the atmospheric old town and don’t miss the charming public gardens on the banks of the Garonne River. Our tip is to invest in the 229 step climb to the Pey Berland bell tower adjacent to Saint-Andre’s cathedral – the view is definitely worth the effort.
Your cycling holiday starts in earnest today with a beautiful, easy ride along a dedicated cycle path that leads you through pine forests out towards the Atlantic Coast. Your destination today is Lacanau, a seaside town surrounded by a gorgeous beach pine forests and sand dunes. Cycling is hugely popular here and there are many kilometres of cycle paths, both north and south of the town, that will deliver you to idyllic, deserted beaches or inland to the pretty Lacanau Lake.
Today you start heading south along the Atlantic Coast. You’ll be following cycle paths and forest trails through pine forests with the Ocean your constant companion to your right. This is a sparsely populated stretch of coast where nature still holds sway. Stop for a dip in the surf at the seemingly endless sandy beach and take a breather in the shade of pine trees. Towards the end of the ride you reach the charming fishing villages of Le Canon and L’Herbe at Cap Ferret on Arcachon Bay. We recommend stopping to sample the fresh seafood at one of the shabby-but-chic fisher-men’s huts. A short ferry ride takes you across the bay to the bustling town of Arcachon where you stay for the night.
A relatively short section today but this means there is time to climb the Dune de Pyla which will come into view shortly after leaving Arcachon. Europe’s largest sand dune measures 2.7 km in length and is currently 110 meters high – the views from the top across to Cap Ferret are quite stunning. Afterwards continue south on a lovely cycle path through the Landes forest. Once again, you are never far from a beautiful deserted beach so be sure to pack your swim-wear in your pannier. Your destination today is Biscarosse Plage, a surf town with glorious sandy beaches. It’s a bustling little place with many outdoor cafes and restaurants as well as a night market.
Today the route leaves the coast for a detour inland. A pleasant cycle path leads you to the shores of Lake Cazaux, a large freshwater lake perfect for a refreshing dip. Follow the cycle path along the shoreline and then south to the neighbouring and equally pretty Lake Biscarosse. From here the cycle path leads you gently back towards the coast through the ever-present pine forests. You will spend the night in Mimizan, a small ocean-side town that was created during the Belle Epoque when sea bathing first became fashionable amongst the rich.
Leave Mimizan Plage and continue your journey south. It’s a very pleasant stage today on a quiet cycle path through the pine forest. Of course, as you have come to expect on this tour, you are never far from a glorious beach so stop for a dip as and when the mood grabs you. The route takes a slight detour inland to Leon Lake before finishing in anyone of a small number of pleasant towns in the heart of Landes.
Your final day in the saddle leads you through the Landes forest to the famous surfing town of Hossegor. To surfers this town has a reputation for being one of the best beach breaks in the world and if the waves are pumping it’s exhilarating to sit and watch from the safety of the beach. From here it’s a pleasant ride on cycle paths into Basque Country and the pretty town of Bayonne. Take time to expore the old town before following the Adour River out to the coast. Finally you arrive in Biarritz, one of the most famous resort towns in France. Magnificent beaches, grand old buildings, narrow streets and a dizzying choice of bars and restaurants make this a fitting finale to your cycling adventure
After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.
On this tour you can choose between a regular bike, a gravel bike or an E-bike.
Regular bikes: Is an alloy framed touring model with 21 speeds and a comfortable, relaxed riding position, perfect for a leisure cycling holiday. The minimum height for a male specific bike is 160cm and for a female 150cm. Bikes come equipped with a pannier, lock and repair kit and handlebar bag.
E-Bikes: These unisex/step through electric bikes are a popular option on this route and ensure riders can enjoy the scenery along the way, whilst not working too hard at the climbs. Minimum height is 150cm. Bikes come equipped with a pannier, lock and repair kit and handlebar bag.
Gravel bikes: The rugged, hi-spec, 20 speed male specific bikes have a lightweight frame and drop handlebars which offers a more dynamic riding position and the wider tyres are capable of handling both asphalt and gravel trails. The minimum height for a gravel bike is 155 cm (Frame 48 cm). Bikes come equipped with a rear seat-post, lock and repair kit.
Helmets are not provided, so you will need to bring your own.
Below you will find examples of the accommodations typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Comfort: Comfortable hotels or guesthouses.
Bordeaux: Hotel de Normandie
Lacanau: Hotel & Spa Vitalparc
Arcachon: Hotel de la Plage
Biscarrosse: Hotel La Forestiere
Mimizan: Hotel Emeraude des Bois
Landes: Hotel Grill Ocean
Biarritz: Hotel Georges VI
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night
Fly in and out of Bordeaux Airport, returning to Bordeaux by train from Biarritz, or alternatively fly home from Biarritz Airport.
Research trains in France here.
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