Starting from La Rochelle, discover the Vélodyssey, cycle in the Charente Maritime to islands such as the island of Ré, but also along sandy beaches, marshes, oyster basins until Royan. After crossing the Estuary, continue your bike trip in the Gironde along the Atlantic coast and the Great Lakes of Medoc to reach the salty meadows, oyster ports of the Bay of Arcachon. The cycle path then runs along the famous 110 meter high Pyla Sand dune and continues South in the Landes de Gascogne area before reaching the historical town of Bayonne and the famous seaside resort Biarritz in the Basque country.
Day 1 Arrival in La Rochelle
Arrival at your 4-star hotel in La Rochelle, where you will find the road book and bikes waiting for you. “La Rochelle” is a lively city, remarkable for its history. You can appreciate the old harbor and its towers guarding the port entrance from 13th to 15th century. You can also enjoy the city centre and its arches as well as the town hall from the 15th century. Night in a 3*** hotel with breakfast.
Day 2 Loop tour to the island of “Ré” ~30 or 60 km
Loop tour to the Ré island, passing through the villages of “Flotte en Ré” (dating from the 18th century) and its fishing boats, “Saint-Martin” with its fortifications and its fortress. You will walk along oyster beds, salt marshes and the nature reserve of the “Lilleau des Niges”. Back by “La Couarde” and “Bois plage”. Night in a 3*** hotel with breakfast.
Day 3 La Rochelle > Marennes ~ 59 or 70 km
Today’s cycling takes you along the coast and through the lively city of “Chatelaillon”. Your itinerary then continues by the nature reserve of the Yve’s Bay and takes you through “Rochefort”. This city founded in the 17th century around shipbuilding shares with you the original and unique transporter bridge “Eiffel”. The route continues on the bike paths through the marshes of “Marennes”. Possibility to cross the surprising Citadel of “Brouage”, in the hearth of the marshes, before ending your tour in “Marennes” well-knowned for its oyster’s production. Night in a 3*** hotel with breakfast.
Day 4 Marennes > Royan ~ 48 km
Your itinerary takes you on the cycling path through the pine forest of the wild coast, to “La Palmyre” where you can visit the zoo. It is easy to observe the animals. You will arrive to “Royan” by “Saint Palais”, the beaches of “Vaux sur Mer”, “Pontaillac”, and the marina. It is a stage marked by the delightful smell of maritime pines. Royan is a modern resort hiding some beautiful villas of the Belle Epoque, an original covered market and a festive and lively waterfront. Night in a 3*** hotel with breakfast.
Day 5 Royan > Montalivet ~ 35 or 45 km
From Royan come and sail with your bike on the estuary and join the Medoc coast! From the tip of the Verdon, you cycle on pleasant bike paths to the charming seaside resort of Soulac. You'll see beaches and ocean as far as the eye can see. Under the scent of the pine trees, you continue until Montalivet, a small and peaceful seaside resort between the Landes forest, ocean and marshes. Depending on the availability of accommodation, you can make a stopover at Vendayes or Hourtin. Night in a 2** hotel with breakfast.
Day 6 Montalivet > Lacanau Océan ~ 35 or 40 km
Continue your journey south towards Lacanau Ocean. Here the Velodyssée continues on a cycle path in the middle of the pines, between lakes and the ocean. In the vicinity take a break in Hourtin, at the biggest lake in France. «Lacanau-Ocean» in the Médoc Ocean region is appreciated for its long ocean beaches sheltered by dunes and forests, its lakes and its unspoilt natural areas. The seaside resort is famous for its surfing spots. Its early 20th century villas bear witness to a rich past. Night in a 3*** or 4**** hotel with breakfast.
Day 7 Lacanau Océan > Arcachon ~ 47 km
This stage of the Velodyssey continues its itinerary from « LacanauOcéan » between dunes and forests. Ride only on the 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 cycle path. Continue your cycling tour through a beautiful itinerary towards the « Cap Ferret » near the seashore. Enjoy and finish your cycling day through typical oyster villages of the « Bay of Arcachon » and rejoin by ferry (max. weight for E-bikes: 25 kg - battery must be removed) the renowned seaside town of «Arcachon ». Night in a 3*** or 4**** hotel with breakfast.
Day 8 Arcachon > Biscarrosse : ~ 30 Km
Start your itinerary in the direction of the « Great Dune of Pyla », an essential trip to its summit to appreciate the beauty of the site.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 » or Biscarrosse bourg 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. The town ambience is unique and revitalizing. Its sweet summer perfume guarantees an absolute change of scene. Sandcastles, kites, sunbathing, drinking outside, frills, night markets, waffles, street shows, casino. Night in a 3*** hotel (it may be 2** in high season), with breakfast.
Day 9 Biscarosse > Mimizan Plage : ~ 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. Continue along 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 a rich clientele. This seaside resort was built as a result of the railway which is no longer there today. Night in a 2** hotel with breakfast.
Day 10 Mimizan Plage > Landes : ~ 55 Km
Leave the attractive seaside town of « Mimizan plage » and return on the Velodyssey to follow an itinerary through the forest. It is a pleasant and quiet stage through woods, 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 Plage », « St Girons Plage » 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 a quiet pond, a relaxing place. Be seduced by the country atmosphere and the seaside town of the Landes. Night in a 3*** hotel with breakfast.
Day 11 Landes > 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 famous emblematic seaside town of « Hossegor » and « Cap Breton ». Enjoy the wide beaches and continue through more urban areas approaching « Boucau ». Welcome in a new scenery of the Atlantic coast: “The Basque Country”. Ride on a pleasant cycling path 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 golf courses are popular worldwide. You will enjoy its restaurants, bars and squares at night. Night in a 3*** or 4**** hotel with breakfast.
Day 12 Departure from Biarritz
Departure after breakfast.
