La Vélodyssée : Cycle tour from Bordeaux to Biarritz 

Arrival in Bordeaux

At your arrival take your time to visit Bordeaux a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Take a walk along the Garonne docks meander in the lively streets of St Pierre quarter bargain-hunt in the Chartrons quarters.

Bordeaux – Margaux | 34km

This first stage leads you across the vines toward one of the most famous vineyards in France: Château Margaux. The moment you leave Bordeaux you will be surrounded by vineyards. You won’t know where to turn for a wine tasting or winery visit as they are available at every turn.

Margaux – Lacanau | 58km

Enjoy the vineyards landscapes for some kilometres before reaching the cycle paths. This will softly lead you toward Lacanau-Océan by the pines of the greatest forest in France: the Landes forest. Reaching your hotel the a swimming pool will be waiting for you.

Lacanau – Arcachon | 47km

Follow the Ocean until Arcachon. This stage is a subtle mix of pines and fine sand dunes. Leave your bikes wherever you wish along the path and enjoy the beaches. Later on arriving at the Cap Ferret take the ferry with your bikes to reach Arcachon. The hotel will welcome you, the hotel will not be far from the beaches to have fun in the Bay waves!

Arcachon – Biscarrosse | 32km / 49km

Take advantage of this small stage to appreciate the discovery of: the Pilat Dune. You will be rewarded with the challenging incline for at the top you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Ocean and the Bay of Arcachon.

Biscarrosse – Mimizan Plage (or Contis les Bains) | 55km

The course now travels inland away from the ocean and the Vélodyssée, discover the interior of the Landes and its ponds. The more challenging and hilly route winds between the dunes and the big lakes (Biscarrosse, Parentis, Aureilhan) to arrive at the seaside resort of Mimizan-Plage, animated and charming with its Belle-Epoque villas.

Mimizan Plage (or Contis les Bains) – Vieux Boucau (or Capbreton) | 60km (or 66km)

The Vélodyssée finds a peaceful route along the coast in the heart of the pine forest. Contis les Bains is an ideal first stop. A small unusual detour for a superb view of the lighthouse of Contis with the ascent of its 183 steps. After Saint Girons Plage the route slowly departs from the ocean once more by a cycle path that alternates between forest and small roads. Leon lake invites you to swim before returning to the coast and reach Vieux Boucau with its marine lake.

Vieux Boucau (or Capbreton) – Biarritz | 61km (or 41km)

A great last stage in apotheosis with a beautiful bike path that leaves the Landes to get to where the surf is king. You'll ride along the longest sandy beach in Europe to the famous resorts of Hossegor and Capbreton. Do not miss the history soaked walk on the Estacade, a wooden pier built by Napoleon III in the 19th century.

Departure during the day

Option : Extra bike stage to Hendaye (30km) & additional night in Hendaye: Vélodyssée, the views of the ocean are wonderful and you will discover the soul of Basque country. You cross pretty villages Bidart then the old fishing port of Guétary. Saint Jean de Luz also deserves a stop. Then the route ends with the cliffside road (bike path and shared lanes) between Ciboure do not miss the Socoa Fort and Hendaye. The castle of Abbadia deserves the detour and the visit.