“Discover the landscapes of La Velodyssee”
9 Day Self-Guided Bike Tour on the Velodyssee From Bordeaux to Biarritz in France
Hôtel de Normandie, Bordeaux, France
Self-Guided Cycling Holiday in France
Enjoy the wonderful leisurely of the Atlantic coast as you cycle on this section of the longest cycling track in Europe, from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bordeaux and the chateaux to the glittering seaside town of Biarritz. Cyclists travel through vast forested areas and bustling seaside towns. The cycle route begins in the French wine capital of Bordeaux, also noted for its fine architecture. Then follows the rocky Atlantic coastline into a stunning part of the Basque country wedged between the lakes and the ocean before continuing through the vast, forested Landes de Gascogne Natural Park.
Key information
- Trip type: Self-guided
- Lodging: Point to Point
- Terrain: Some cycle paths, forest trails and urban terrain
- Starts in Bordeaux
- Ends in Biarritz
- Total Distance: 355 kilometers / 221 miles
- Type of bike: Touring bike or e-bike or gravel bike (not included)
- E-bike: Available to rent / 300 EUR per week
Highlights
- 7 cycling days
- Ride to the superb cities of Bordeaux, Arcachon, Bayonne, and Biarritz
- Route map, general information, and GPS smartphone for a smooth trip
- Luggage transfer at each stage and 24/7 technical assistance
- A “summer holidays” atmosphere all along the route!
- Swimming spots all along the route and for all tastes
- 8 nights accommodation in ideal locations
- Daily breakfast
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
7 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: French
Group size: Minimum of 2 participants
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
17:00
Check-out Time:
10:00
During the tour, you will stay in the following places:
- Hôtel De Normandie - Bordeaux
- Hôtel Vital Parc - Lacanau
- Hotel L'océana - Lanton
- Hôtel Le Nautic - Arcachon
- Hôtel La Forestière - Biscarrosse
- Hôtel L'emeraude Des Bois - Mimizan
- Hôtel De L'océan - Moliets
- Hôtel Port vieux - Biarritz
Program
Ride out to meet man, nature, heritage, and culture of the Gironde, Landes, and Basque Country! Explore landscapes through the Velodyssee, the longest cycling tracks in France and Europe, and enjoy the wonderful tranquility!
This Velodyssee biking tour will lead you from Bordeaux a UNESCO World Heritage site to the famous seaside town of Biarritz. You will cycle between lake and ocean going through the vast forested area of the Landes de Gascogne. Discover landscapes: salt marshes, dunes, forests, large beaches surrounded by pine trees, and intimate lakes. Breathe the sea air, the perfume of the pine trees, mimosa, and brooms. Conviviality is surely one of the main features of this cycling holiday. Many restaurants and bars abound where the oysters and duck specialties await you. Along your bicycle tour, you won’t be starving or thirsty! There are many places for people to meet, chat and discover new lifestyles.
After each day’s cycle, you will be warmly welcomed in the best hotels (3 or 4 stars) and charming bed and breakfast in the area. To be more comfortable during your cycling tours, you can bike hire or choose an E-bike as you prefer!
Daily program
Day 1: Welcome to Bordeaux
Arrive at your 3-star hotel in Bordeaux, where you will find the road book and bikes waiting for you.
Bordeaux, the ancient Roman “Burdigala”, is a Roman city, inseparable from its vineyards and prestigious stone architecture. The river Garonne, the heart of the city, welcomes walkers on the left bank and offers boat trips. The quays suit everyone, hoping to witness the stop of a cruise ship, an “amazing show” of a giant of the seas in the city center. Capital of wine, Bordeaux is endowed with a rich history and architecture. Take a guided tour of the city to have more information.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
Day 2: From Bordeaux to Lacanau (64 kilometers - 60 m elevation)
Your bicycle tours in Aquitaine take you from Bordeaux to Lacanau-Ocean, a seaside town. You'll cycle along the Voie Verte, a cycle path that follows a former railway track Bordeaux-Lacanau. It is a beautiful route, easy and secure that goes through the pine forest where you can listen to the songs of the cicadas. Most of it is on cycle paths but there are also stretches of forest tracks and paths.
Lacanau-Ocean in the Médoc Ocean region, where cycling is a way of life, is much appreciated for its long sandy beaches sheltered by dunes and forests, its lakes, and its unspoiled natural areas. The seaside resort is also famous for its surfing spots. Its early 20th-century villas bear witness to a rich past.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
- Distance: 64 kilometers / 40 miles
- Elevation: 60 meters / 197 feet
- Terrain: Cycle paths, forest tracks and paths
Day 3: From Lacanau to Andernos
This stage of the Velodyssey continues its route from Lacanau-Océan between dunes and forests. You'll ride only on cycling routes and discover the widest wild beaches of the Aquitaine coast. "The Porge Ocean" has a beach of 13 km (8 mi) without any buildings. To make the most of it, leave the tracks of the cycle path every now and then. Never far from the shoreline, you can continue your cycling tour along a beautiful route towards the Cap Ferret or the Bay of Arcachon.
Since the middle of the last century, the “Bassin d’Arcachon” has been the kingdom of the oyster, and its 84 km (52 mi) of beaches surrounded by pine trees make it an original and privileged location, unique on the French coast. Surrounded to the west by the wild ocean, to the north and east by the Bordeaux vineyards, and to the south by the immense moorland forest, the Bay enjoys a mild climate where the invigorating scents of the sea air and pine resin mingle.
Spend a night around Andernos to take full advantage of the Bassin d'Arcachon and its typical harbors and continue your cycling tour the next day around the Bay to the iconic city of Arcachon.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
- Distance: 45 kilometers / 28 miles
- Elevation: 50 meters / 164 feet
- Terrain: Cycle paths
Day 4: Andernos to Arcachon
A pleasant stage awaits you as you cycle around the basin. You'll be following the Velodyssee, which runs along an old railway line, and little roads to explore the Arcachon Bay. Discover the surrounding towns, small ports and enjoy the splendid views over the bay and observe the numerous species of birds.
A seaside resort of international renown, Arcachon was born in the 19th century from the imagination of daring pioneers who banked on the sea-bathing craze. Discover the city, the winter town with its sumptuous Second Empire villas, its churches, its promenade along the Bassin and its port. Arcachon will no longer be a secret for you!
Overnight stay and breakfast in a 3-star hotel.
- Distance: 40 kilometers / 25 miles
- Elevation: 20 meters / 66 feet
Day 5: From Arcachon to Biscarrosse
Start your itinerary in the direction of the Great Dune du Pilat, an essential stopover to its summit to appreciate the beauty of the site. You can’t come to the “Bay” without taking a look! Then cycle under the pines of the Landes forest. Here everything is respected so this triple mix of ocean – sea – forest is the best for all the pleasures of men. The Velodyssee just after leaving the Gironde, takes you to Biscarrose Plage to end your day in the Landes area.
Biscarrosse is renowned for its waves. But the seaside resort is also the kingdom of beaches, dunes, and the pine forests. A whole sunny expanse to discover. The town ambiance is unique and revitalizing. Its sweet summer perfume guarantees an absolute change of scenery. Sandcastles, kites, sunbathing, drinking outside, frills, night markets, waffles, street shows, casino, etc.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
- Distance: 30 kilometers / 19 miles
- Elevation: 100 meters / 328 feet
- Terrain: Forest
Day 6: From Biscarrosse to Mimizan Plage
La Vélodyssée leaves the coast to make a wide detour in the countryside, where the blue of the vast lakes replaces that of the sea. Discover the lake of Cazaux and Sanguinet, the second largest lake in France (5800 ha), a little paradise surrounded by greenery and pines, then go alongside the lake of Biscarrosse and Parentis. Further, the cycle path takes you between little lake ports and intimate lakes to go through the Landes forest and rejoin the ocean in Mimizan Plage.
Mimizan dates back to the “Belle Epoque” when sea bathing became fashionable and was very much prized by rich clientele. This seaside resort was built as a result of the railway which is no longer there today, one of the most Romanesque parts of your cycle tour.
Overnight in a charming bed and breakfast or charming 2-star hotel with breakfast included.
- Distance: 52 kilometers / 32 miles
- Elevation: 115 meters / 377 feet
- Terrain: Cycle paths, countryside, and forest
Day 7: Mimizan Plage to the heart of the Landes
Leave the attractive seaside town of Mimizan Plage and return to the Velodyssee to follow a trail through the forest and valleys. It is a pleasant stage, quiet and calm through woods and embellished by the scents of the pine forest. Let yourself be carried away by the sea air and enjoy the nearby ocean beaches, occasionally leaving the track. Discover Contis Plage, St Girons Plage, as well as the beaches of Leon Lake. End your cycling day in another attractive seaside town of the Landes.
Footpaths and cycle paths allow you to discover the forest and quiet pond, a relaxing place. Be seduced by the country atmosphere and the seaside town of the Landes. It offers you a perfect view trip!
Overnight in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
- Distance: 55 kilometers / 34 miles
- Elevation: 130 meters / 427 feet
- Terrain: Trails through forest and valleys
Day 8: From the Landes to Biarritz in Basque country
Last stage of your cycling holiday before you leave the “Landes.” The trail takes you one last time into the heart of the forest to discover the emblematic famous seaside towns of Hossegor and Cap Breton. Enjoy the wide beaches and continue through more urban areas as it approaches Boucau. Welcome to the new scenery of the Atlantic coast: the Basque Country. On your two wheels ride through its capital, Bayonne, to rejoin the renowned seaside town of Biarritz.
Biarritz is one of the most famous seaside resorts in France and Europe and one of the highlights of the cycle tour. Its magnificent ocean beaches, surfing, its thalassotherapy, and many golf courses are popular worldwide. At night, its restaurants, bars, and squares will delight your evening.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
- Distance: 69 kilometers / 43 miles
- Elevation: 120 meters / 394 feet
- Terrain: Forest trails and more urban terrain
Day 9: Departure from Biarritz
After breakfast, you will return home.
Trip grade
2 out of 5
Bikes
On this circuit, Evazio can provide you with a choice of the following, upon reservation:
- A hybrid bike adapted to the ride and the route (165 EUR)
- An electric bike adapted to the route (300 EUR)
- A gravel bike adapted to the route (275 EUR)
With its equipment:
- 1 rear bag
- 1 handlebar bag
- 1 repair kit
- 1 helmet (on request)
- 1 anti-theft device
- 1 charger (for the electric bike)
For younger children, depending on age and size, Evazio can offer:
- A child’s bike
- A baby seat
- A trailer
- A follow-up bike
The bike is delivered to the first accommodation and is adjusted to your size. Send an inquiry if you need more information about the bike rental.
At the end of the tour, the bike must be left at the last accommodation with its equipment. Evazio will take care of collecting them.
Luggage
Evazio takes care of transporting your luggage every time you change accommodation, so you can travel light and enjoy your day’s cycling.
Leave your luggage at the reception desk of your accommodation before departure.
At the end of the afternoon, you’ll meet them at the reception desk of your new accommodation or directly in your room.
Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (maximum 23 kg) and 1 carry-on.
Documents
Your travel file corresponds to the documents or files you receive prior to your trip (generally one month before) and/or on arrival at your first accommodation.
It includes :
- A welcome letter with key practical information:
- Baggage transport times
- Details of delivery and collection of rental bikes if required
- Your local contact and emergency telephone number(s)
- Any additional information
- Travel logbook including map with route (at the appropriate scale) and directional, tourist and practical information
- Any necessary vouchers to be given to the service provider(s)
On request and depending on the tour:
- Download the “Evazio” application onto your smartphone for GPS navigation with visual (reading the route on your smartphone screen) and/or spoken guidance. The application also contains practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no Internet connection is required.
- Loan of a GPS device with pre-recorded tracks
- Send GPX tracks of each stage for use with your own navigation device
Support
For the duration of your stay, the telephone assistance service is available:
- 7 days a week
- from 07:30 to 20:30
Difficulty level
- Easy: Cyclist doesn't need to have a certain level of fitness, mostly flat terrain though occasionally they will ride in unpaved or hills, 10-30 miles (16-19 kilometers) per day
- Moderate: Cyclist needs to have a good level of fitness, terrain is mostly hilly or unpaved but they will ride on flat terrain sometimes, 31-45 miles (50-72 kilometers) per day
Location
This self-guided cycling tour will take you to Bordeaux, Arcachon, and Biarritz among others.
Food
Daily breakfast included in the price.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- 8 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 to 4-star hotels (in double / twin room)
- Route notes and maps, regional information
- 1 GPS application for smartphone
- Luggage transfer hotel-to-hotel
- Emergency phone call support 7/7
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Bike rental
- Other meals
- Personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
BOD
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport
11 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD). Airport transfer is not provided. Upon arrival at Bordeaux Airport, there is a tramway that goes directly to Bordeaux city center or a shuttle that goes to the train station. Please send an inquiry for more information.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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