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Vélodyssée: from La Rochelle to Biarritz by bike

Price per person

From 1645€

Type of stay

Bicycle trip

Location

La Rochelle, Arcachon, Biarritz - France

Duration

11 to 12 days

Difficulty

Departures

Daily from April to October

Capacity

2 people minimum

Reference

Cyclo 13 - 16

Your stay

La Vélodyssée bike tour: from La Rochelle to Biarritz along the Atlantic coast.

Leaving from La Rochelle and Ile de Ré, this tour along the Atlantic coast by bike takes you on a journey of discovery through Charente Maritime, Gironde, Landes and the Basque Country.

Cycle along La Vélodyssée to discover the Ile de Ré, its long sandy beaches, marshes and oyster beds… You’ll visit the towns of La Rochelle, Rochefort, Marennes and Royan, then cross the Gironde estuary by boat to continue further south along the Côte d’Argent. The cycle path winds its way between the ocean and the great Médoc lakes. It’s an idyllic setting, with its fine sandy beaches and maritime pine forests.

Enjoy the seaside resorts of Soulac-sur-Mer, Montalivet and Lacanau, a surfer’s paradise. These are just some of the “discovery and relaxation” stops along the way, before cycling along the Atlantic coast to the Arcachon Bay, a protected nature reserve. A veritable inland sea of exceptional richness, the bay has become France’s 6th Natural Marine Park, and the reputation of its oysters is well established. Alternating natural spaces, seaside resorts and charming oyster-farming villages.

Further south, you can climb the famous Dune du Pilat. You’ll stay in the human-scale seaside resorts of Biscarrosse, Mimizan and Moliets on the Landes coast. The itinerary then alternates between coastal trails, lakes and the Landes forest to reach Bayonne, gateway to the Basque Country, steeped in culture and history. Your adventure ends in the famous seaside resort of Biarritz! Enjoy the many beaches along the rocky coastline, the many bars and restaurants, and the warm welcome of the local population.

Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the region’s typical dishes, renowned the world over for their richness and diversity. You’ll be warmly welcomed every evening in hotels, mostly 3 and 4*.

You'll enjoy :

A resolutely iodine-infused greenway
The rocky coasts near Royan and the Basque Country
The Great Lakes of the Côte d’Argent and the wild beaches of the Landes coast
Places to visit in La Rochelle, Royan, Arcachon and Bayonne
Oyster farms in Marennes and the Arcachon Bay

Back to travel

Daily program

Day 1 - Arrival in La Rochelle

Arrival at your accommodation in La Rochelle. You will be welcomed in a 3* hotel. We’ll provide you with documentation on the region and a road book indicating your route.

La Rochelle, a city remarkable for its history, is a lively tourist destination. Enjoy the old port and its towers, which guarded the entrance from the 13th to the 15th centuries, the town center and its arcades, and the 15th-century town hall. Bed and Breakfast in a 3* hotel

Day 2 (optional) - Ile de Ré loop

A looping tour of the Ile de Ré, passing through the villages of La Flotte en Ré (dating from the 18th century) and its fishing boats, and Saint-Martin with its fortifications and fort. You’ll pass oyster beds, salt marshes and the L’illeau des Niges nature reserve. Return via La Couarde and Bois plage.

Bed and Breakfast in a 3* hotel

Day 2 or 3 - From La Rochelle to Marennes

This day’s bike tour follows the coast through the lively towns of Chatelaillon and Fouras. It then branches off into the Baie d’Yves nature reserve. At Fouras, you can take the ferry across to Ile d’Aix, where you can visit the island that hosted Napoleon 1st’s last retreat. Before reaching Marennes, the route takes you through Rochefort. This town, founded in the 17th century around shipbuilding, boasts the original and unique Eiffel transporter bridge. The route continues along the cycle paths of the most beautiful coastline in western France.

Bed and Breakfast in a 3* hotel

Day 3 or 4 - Marennes to Royan

The cycle path takes you through the pine forests of the “côte sauvage”, past La Palmyre, where you can visit the zoo. It’s easy to observe the animals. You arrive in Royan via Saint Palais, the beaches of Vaux sur Mer, Pontaillac and the marina. A stopover marked by the intoxicating scent of maritime pines. Royan is a modern seaside town with a few villas from the belle époque, an original covered market and a lively, festive waterfront.

Overnight in a Bed and Breakfast*** hotel

Day 4 or 5 - Royan to Montalivet

From Royan, take your bike along the estuary to the Médoc coast! From the Pointe du Verdon, pedal along pleasant cycle paths to the charming seaside resort of Soulac. Beaches and ocean stretch as far as the eye can see. Under the scent of pine trees, you continue on to Montalivet, a peaceful little resort nestled between the Landes forest, ocean and marshes. Depending on accommodation availability, you can stop off at Vendayes or Hourtin.

Overnight in a 2* hotel in Montalivet or Hourtin, depending on availability.

Day 5 or 6 - Montalivet to Lacanau Océan

Hop on your bike and ride south to Lacanau Océan!

Here, La Vélodyssée continues on a cycle path through the pines, between lakes and oceans.

Nearby, take a break in Hourtin, home to France’s largest lake. “Lacanau-Océan, where cycling is a way of life, is appreciated for its long ocean beaches sheltered by dunes and forests, its lakes and unspoilt natural areas. The resort is also renowned for its surf spots. Villas built in the early ^20th century bear witness to a rich past.

Overnight B&B in 4* hotel

Day 6 or 7 - Lacanau Océan to Arcachon via Cap Ferret

This cycling stage continues its route from “Lacanau-Océan” between dunes and forests. You’ll cycle on your own bike path through some of the longest unspoilt beaches on the Aquitaine coast; Le Porge Océan boasts an immense 13 km of undeveloped beach. To make the most of it, leave the tracks of the cycle path every now and then. Never far from the shore, you’ll continue your cycling tour along a beautiful route towards Cap Ferret. Enjoy a pleasant end-of-stopover through the typical oyster-farming villages of the Bay of Arcachon and take the ferry to the famous seaside resort of Arcachon.

Bed and Breakfast in a 3* hotel with breakfast

Day 7 or 8 - Arcachon to Biscarrosse

Start your journey in the direction of the Dune du Pilat, an essential stopover at the summit to admire the beauty of the site. You can’t come to the “Bassin” without taking a look! Then pedal off under the pine trees of the Landes forest. Here, everything is done to ensure that this triple mix of ocean – sea – forest is the best for all human pleasures. Just after leaving the Gironde, the Vélodyssée will take you to Biscarrosse Plage, to complete your stopover in the Landes département. “Biscarrosse is famous for its waves. But the resort is also a kingdom of beaches, dunes and Landes pine forests… A whole sunny expanse to discover. The town’s atmosphere is unique and revitalizing. Its gentle summer fragrance ensures a complete change of scenery. Sand castles, kites, sunbathing, sips on the terrace, chichis, aperitifs, night markets, waffles, street shows, merry-go-rounds, casino…

Overnight stay and breakfast in a *** hotel

Day 8 or 9 - Biscarrosse to Mimizan Plage

This time, the Vélodyssée takes you inland! You’ll leave the coast behind, and find the blue of the lakes replacing that of the sea. Discover the Etang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet, the second largest lake in France (5800 ha!), a little paradise surrounded by greenery and pine trees, then follow the Etang de Biscarrosse and the Etang de Parentis. The track then takes you between lakeside harbours and intimate lakes to cross the state forest and reach the ocean at “Mimizan” Plage. This seaside resort dates back to the Belle Epoque, when sea bathing became fashionable and popular with a wealthy clientele. Mimizan owes its construction to the now-defunct railroad.

Night and breakfast in a charming ** hotel

Day 9 or 10 - Mimizan plage to the heart of Landes

Leave the attractive seaside resort of “Mimizan plage” and join La Vélodyssée for a forest trail. Here’s a pleasant, quiet and calm stage through the woods, 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 and the beaches of Lac de Léon. Finish your cycle tour in another of the Landes’ lively seaside resorts.

Footpaths and cycle paths invite you to discover the forest and peaceful ponds, an area of calm and relaxation. Let yourself be seduced by the countryside and seaside towns of the Landes.

Overnight stay and breakfast in a *** hotel

Day 10 or 11 - From the moors to the Basque country

The last stage of your cycling holiday and the final stretch of the Landes region… The trail takes you one last time into the heart of the forest, to the emblematic seaside resorts of Hossegor and Capbreton. Enjoy the great beaches and continue on more urban terrain as you approach “Boucau”. Here you are in a new setting on the Atlantic coast: the Basque Country. Pedal along a pleasant cycle path through its capital, Bayonne, to the renowned seaside resort of Biarritz.

“Biarritz is one of the most famous seaside resorts in France and Europe. Its magnificent ocean beaches, surfing, thalassotherapy cures and numerous golf courses are appreciated the world over. At nightfall, the restaurants, bars and party venues will enchant your evening.

Overnight stay and breakfast in a hotel ****

Day 12

After breakfast

rates

Price per person

	April to October	July and August
11 days – 10 nights : 12 Days – 11 nights (Tour Île de Ré) :	1645 € 1755 €	1805 € 1915 €

Price includes

10 to 11 nights in 3* and 4* hotels and 2* (2 nights) with breakfasts (in double/twin rooms)
Route book (with map and directions)
GPS smartphone app with step-by-step route
Luggage transfer at each stage
Crossing the Gironde estuary by boat
Crossing the Arcachon Bay by boat
24/7 technical assistance

Supplement

	11 days – 10 nights	12 days – 11 nights
Touring bikes (VTC) Electric bicycle (VAE) Gravel	240 € 440 € 390 €	250 € 465 € 415 €

Further information

We take care of transporting your luggage every time you change accommodation, so you can travel light and enjoy your day’s hiking.

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) + 1 carry-on.

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

On this tour, we can provide you with a choice of the following, upon reservation:

A VTC bike adapted to the ride and the route

An electric bike adapted to the route

A gravel bike adapted to the course

With equipment :

Bag 1

Handlebar bag

Repair kit

Anti-theft device

Headset

1 rear bag
1 handlebar bag
1 repair kit
1 helmet
1 anti-theft device
1 charger (for electric bike)

For younger children, depending on age and size, we can offer

Children's bikes

Bicycle follower

Trailer

Second trailer

A child’s bike
A baby seat
A trailer
A follower bike

The bike is adjusted to your size and delivered to the first accommodation.

At the end of the tour, the bike must be left at the last accommodation with its equipment. We’ll take care of collecting them.

This tour is offered in the “superior” category

Hotel categories :

Comfort: The tour features mainly 2 and 3-star hotels (or equivalent comfort level) and bed & breakfasts.
Superior: The tour features mainly 3- and 4-star hotels (or equivalent level of comfort) and charming bed & breakfasts.
Luxury: The tour features mainly 4- and 5-star hotels (or equivalent level of comfort).

For the duration of your stay, our telephone assistance service is available: