Cycle from Bordeaux to Biarritz along the Atlantic coast via the Velodyssee. 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 all along the coast! These six steps bike 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 a variety of landscapes: salt marshes, dunes, forests, large beaches surrounded by pine trees and intimate lakes along your trip. 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. There are many restaurants and bars abound where the oysters and duck specialties await you.
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, originally named Burdigala, is a Roman city, inseparable from its vineyards and prestigious stone architecture. The river Garonne, heart of the city, welcomes walkers on the banks and offers boat trip. The quays attract onlookers, hoping to witness the stop of a cruise ship, "amazing show" of a giant of the seas in the city centre.
As the Capital of French wine (or so the locals insist), Bordeaux is endowed with a rich history, rich culture, and a very rich local cuisine.
Day 2: From Bordeaux to Lacanau (64 Km)
The first stage of your holiday in Aquitaine takes you from Bordeaux, capital of wine to Lacanau-Ocean by the seaside.
Take the Green Way, a cycle path that follows a former railway track to Bordeaux-Lacanau. It is a beautiful journey, easy and secured that goes through the pine forest where you can listen to the songs of the cicadas. You will be riding on a cycle path but also sometimes on small paths or forest trails.
Lacanau-Ocean in the Médoc Ocean region, where cycling is a way of life, is much appreciated for its long ocean beaches sheltered by dunes and forests, its lakes and its unspoilt natural areas. The seaside resort is also famous for its surfing spots. Its early 20th century villas bear witness to a rich past.
Day 3: From the Ocean to Arcachon (47 Km)
This stage of the Velodyssey continues its itinerary from Lacanau-Océan between dunes and forests.
Riding only on cycle path and discover the widest wild beaches of the Aquitaine coast; The Porge Ocean has a wide beach of 13 km without any building. To enjoy it leave from time to time the track of the cycle path.
Never far away from the shore line, continue your cycling tour through a beautiful itinerary towards the Cap Ferret or the Bay of Arcachon. Enjoy and finish your day through typical oyster villages of the Bay and rejoin by ferry the renowned seaside town of Arcachon.
Day 4: From Arcachon to Biscarrosse (30 Km) OPTION - Around the Bay of Arcachon 37km
Start your days ridein the direction of the Great Dune of Pyla , an essential trip 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 – ocean – sea – forest - is the best for all the pleasures of men. The velodyssey, juste 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 forest - all a sunny expanse to discover. The town ambience is unique and revitalizing. Its sweet summer perfume guarantees a change of scene. Sand castles, kites, sunbathing, dining outside, night markets and street shows.
Day 5: From Biscarrosse to Mimizan beach (52 Km)
La Vélodyssée leaves the coast to make a wide detour inland where the blue of the vast lakes replaces that of the sea. Discover the lake of Cazaux and Sanguinet, the second largest lake of France (5800 ha !), a little paradise surrounded by greenery and pines then go alongside the lake of Biscarrosse and Parentis.
Further on, 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 a rich clientele.
This seaside resort was built as a result of the railway which is no longer there today.
Day 6: Mimizan beach to the heart of the Landes (55 Km)
Leave the attractive seaside town of Mimizan beach and return on the Velodyssey to follow an itinerary through the forest. It is a pleasant stage, quiet and calm through woods and embellished by the scent of the pine forest. Let yourself be carried by the sea air and enjoy the nearby ocean beaches leaving from time to time the track.
Then discover Contis beach, St Girons beach as well as the beaches of Leon lake. End your cycling day in another attractive seaside town of the Landes. Cycling tracks 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.
Day 7: From the Landes to the Basque country (65 Km)
Last stage of your cycling holiday before you leave the "Landes".
The cycle path takes you a last time in the heart of the forest to discover the emblematic famous seaside town of Hossegor and Cap Breton. Enjoy the wide beaches and continue through more urban areas as it approaches Boucau. Welcome in a new scenery of the Atlantic coast: "The Basque Country".
Ride on a pleasant cycling path and go through its capital, Bayonne, to rejoin the renowned seaside town of Biarritz. Biarritz is one of the most famous seaside resorts of France and Europe. Its magnificent ocean beaches and surfing, its thalassotherapy and many golf courses are popular worldwide. At night, its restaurants, bars and squares are a delight.
Day 8: Departure or extend your stay
Departure after breakfast.
Ride out to meet man, nature, heritage and culture of the “Gironde, Landes and Basque Country”! Explore landscapes through the Velodyssey, the longest cycling tracks in France and Europe, and enjoy the wonderful tranquility all along the coast! These six steps will lead you from Bordeaux a UNESCO World heritage site to the famous seaside town of Biarritz.
Total distance cycled: 320 km
Route Map (For guidance only)
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Bordeaux
We recommend flying to Bordeaux airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
If arriving by train - from the train station take the Tram Line C towards Parc des expositions/ Cracovie/Gare de Blanquefort and stop at Quinconces, the hotel is just in front the tram station.
From the airport you can take the shuttle bus “ 30’Direct” (8 €) or bus line 1 + and stop at the station “Gare Saint Jean”, and go on with the tram line C.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Voyages SNCF for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0800 755 5385 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Bordeaux to Biarritz cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.
You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.
Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.
E-Bike Upgrades:
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on +44 (0) 800 7555385.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on +44 (0) 800 7555385 for more information.
Please note that the hotel list is subject to change and should be used as a guide only.
We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.
Bordeaux to Biarritz (Veloodyssey) | Sample Hotel List |
Bordeaux | Hotel Normandie |
Lacanau Ocean | Hotel du Golf |
Arcachon | Hotel de la Plage |
Biscarrosse | Hotel La Forestiere |
Mimizan Plage | Hotel Emeraude des Bois |
Moliets-et-Maa | Hotel Grill Ocean |
Biarritz | Hotel Georges VI |
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0800 755 5385 to speak to one of the team.
You can now book this cycling holiday online using our secure booking engine. Book online here >>
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 01.04. - 30.06.2020 | 01.09. - 31.10.2020 | Daily |
Season 2: | 01.07. - 31.08.2020 | Daily |
Season | Prices per person including bike hire |
Season 1: | £1039 |
Season 2: | £1139 |
E-Bike Upgrade: | £89 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 3* and 4* Hotels |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
01 April 2020 | 31 October 2020 |