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A cycle through the nature, heritage and culture of the “Gironde, Landes and Basque Country”. Explore the landscapes of the Velodyssey; the longest cycling tracks in France and Europe, and enjoy the wonderful tranquillity all along the coast!
These routes will lead you from Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the famous seaside town of Biarritz. You will cycle between lakes and the ocean and through the vast forest area of the Landes de Gascogne.
Discover a variety of landscapes: salt marshes, dunes, forests, large beaches surrounded by pine trees and peaceful 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 a cycling holiday and there are many restaurants and bars abound, where the oysters and duck specialities await your arrival!
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Bordeaux
Arrive at your 3-star hotel in Bordeaux, where you will find the road book and bikes waiting for you. Bordeaux, named before “Burdigala”, is a Roman city, outstanding from its vineyards and prestigious stones architecture. The river Garonne, the heart of the city, welcomes walkers on the banks and offers boat trips. The capital of wine, Bordeaux is endowed with a rich history and architecture.
Day 2
Bordeaux ~ Lacanau (64 km)
This route starts on the Green Way, a cycle path following the former railway track from Bordeaux to Lacanau. A beautiful itinerary, easy and secured which goes through pine and forest trails. You cycle through the Médoc Ocean region, where cycling is a way of life, an area much appreciated for its long ocean beaches sheltered by dunes and forests; its lakes and unspoilt natural areas. This seaside resort is also famous for its surfing spots. Its early 20th century villas bear witness to a rich past.
Day 3
Ocean ~ Arcachon (47 km)
Continuing along the cycle path you will discover the widest beaches of the Aquitaine coast; The Porge Ocean has a vast beach stretching for an unbroken 13km. To enjoy your surroundings you leave the cycle path from time to time. Never far away from the shoreline through a beautiful itinerary towards the Cap Ferret or the Bay of Arcachon. You can finish your cycle through the typical oyster villages of the Bay of Arcachon where you can take a ferry towards the renowned seaside town of Arcachon.
Day 4
Arcachon ~ Biscarrosse (30 km)
The cycle starts at the Great Dune of Pyla and an essential trip to its summit to appreciate the beauty of this site. You can’t come to the “Bay” without taking a look! Then cycle under the pines of the Landes forest. Leaving the Bay area the Gironde takes you via Biscarrose Plage to the Landes area and Biscarrosse. Renowned for its epic waves this 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 scenery. Sand castles, kites, sunbathing, outdoor aperitivo, night markets, waffles, street shows, casino.
Day 5
Biscarrosse ~ Mimizan Plage (52 km)
La Vélodyssée leaves the coast to make a detour inland, where the blue of the vast lakes replaces that of the sea. Discover the lakes of Cazaux and Sanguinet, the second largest lake of France (55km²!), a mini paradise surrounded by greenery and pines, and then cycling alongside the lake of Biscarrosse and Parentis. The cycle path takes you between small ports and tranquil 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 plage ~ Landes (55 km)
Leave the attractive seaside town of Mimizan plage and return on the greenway through the forest. A pleasant stage; quiet and calm through woods and embellished by the scent of the pines. Let yourself be carried by the sea air and leave the cycle path from time to time to enjoy the nearby ocean beaches such as Contis Plage & St Girons Plage as well as the beaches of Leon lake. The cycle ends in yet another attractive seaside town of the Landes where once again you will be seduced by the atmosphere!
Day 7
Landes ~ Basque Country (65 km)
The cycle path takes you from the heart of the forest to discover the famous seaside town of Hossegor and Cap Breton. Enjoy the wide beaches and continue through more urban areas as it approaches Boucau and the scenery of the Atlantic coast: “The Basque Country”. Cycle on a pleasant route going through the Basque capital, Bayonne, to rejoin the seaside town of Biarritz, one of the most famous seaside resorts of Europe. Its magnificent ocean beaches and surfing are popular worldwide and at night, its restaurants, bars and squares won't let you down!
- 7 nights 3* & 4* hotel accommodation with breakfast and 1 charming 2* hotel
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Route notes and maps
- 1 river boat crossing
- Service hotline from 7.30am - 20.00pm
Bike rental is not included in the tour price. This is an additional:
€150.00 Touring bike
€270.00 E-road bike
Not included:
- GPS App for smartphone with vocal guiding: €7
- Transfer to and from tour start/finish
- Entrance fees for visits and wine tasting
- Lunch, dinner & drinks and personal purchasing
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We had a great holiday. Bikes, Accommodation, and all arrangements were excellent. We look forward to our next cycling trip.
Anne & Sean Casey ( Bordeaux to Biarritz 2019 )
Thanks again for another incredible bike tour. This was my fourth tour with Cycling Safaris and I already know it will not be my last. We are already looking at the choices for our next one!
Nancy Burns (Bordeaux to Toulouse, 2017)
2024 Self Guided tour price
€1150 per person sharing (April, May, June, September, October)
€1575 for single room supplement occupancy (if traveling with others)
€1715 for solo traveler supplement (if you are traveling alone)
€1215 per person sharing (July/August)
€1715 for single room supplement occupancy
€1855 for solo traveler supplement
Self Guided Tour Information
Arrival daily from 1 April to 31 October
We recommend that you fly into Bordeaux and fly out of Biarritz
Both Airports are well serviced by international flights