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 kilometers 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.

This day is omitted if you opt for the shorter 7 night trip.

You spend another night in Arcachon tonight so the day is yours to do as you please. You can have a day off from cycling and just head for the beach if you like or, if you do want to cycle, there is a very pleasant route around the bay. A disused railway line, now converted to a cycle path leads you to small towns and ports, through wetlands, pine forests and sand dunes. All the while you enjoy fabulous views across Arcachon Bay.

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.