Welcome to Bordeaux! Known as ‘La Perle d'Aquitaine’, there is lots to visit in this elegant city, from its historic Old Town to the winding Garonne River, so make sure to allow yourself some time to wander its streets! Make sure to “fuel up” on some of the excellent local cuisine for the rides ahead and consider pairing it with one of the bottles of endless fantastic wines produced in the Bordeaux region. Tomorrow you begin riding west to the Atlantic coast and the Velodyssey cycle route!

Your first day’s riding takes you west from the capital of wine to Lacanau-Ocean. You will be riding along a bikeway that follows the former railway track which used to link Bordeaux and Lacanau together. Following the bike path through the pine forests should give you cooler, fresher temperatures in the heat of the day and the sound of changing gears will be accompanied by the local cicadas (and the lapping of waves once you reach the coast!) This is a great opening ride to get familiar with your rental bikes ahead of the week ahead (if you haven’t brought your own bike with you). Lacanau-Ocean, where you will be staying this evening, is renowned for its long beaches and dunes, and is a popular spot for surfers too.

Today’s riding along the the Velodyssey bikeway winds its way along the coast between the sand dunes and forests. Along your way feel free to head off the route to discover some of the fantastic wild beaches of the Aquitaine coast. Le Porge Océan boasts a 13km long uninterrupted beach! Continue following the bike path, passing through oyster farming villages and then riding on to the tip of the Arcachon Bay at Cap Ferret, from where you will take a short ferry ride across the bay to Arcachon, a popular seaside resort and your home for tonight.

If you would like to spend more time exploring the Arcachon Bay then it is possible to include an additional night in Anderos. You would therefore ride from Lacanau to Andernos and then the next day would ride from Anderos to Arcachon. With 84km of beaches, an array of local birds and wildlife to spot, and generally a warm, sunny climate, it is easy to see why this area of France is a popular holiday destination! Highlights of the route around the Bay include spectacular views out over it and the chance to explore the neighbouring small towns and ports.

Price is on request for this optional alternative

Your route today continues to follow the coast down towards the “Dune du Pilat”, Europe’s largest sand dune! At just over 100m tall it is certainly impressive, and a short hike up to the top is well worthwhile as you have fantastic views out onto the Atlantic! You are now entering into the Landes region of France, well-renowned for its sprawling pine forests. The sweet scent of pine trees will accompany your pedal strokes as you continue to wind your way down the Velodyssey to Biscarrosse Plage, a seaside resort with great waves, attracting surfers from far and wide, and where you will be staying this evening.

Your route today heads inland, swapping the blue of the ocean for that of two vast lakes. You will begin by riding along the southern tip of Lake Cazaux-Sanguinet, in a beautfiful setting surrounded by pine trees.. A short section will take you into the town of Biscarrosse situated at the top of the second lake of the day, Lake Biscarrosse and Parentis. Make your way around its eastern side, rejoining its banks at its southern tip. The Velodyssey continues to wind its way back towards the coast, passing by small towns and Lake Aureilhan before arriving into Mimizan Plage, your destination for today. Mimizan Plage dates back to the “belle époque” when many of France’s wealthier population used to come to bathe in the sea here for its health benefits!

Leave the attractive seaside town of « Mimizan plage» behind and continue riding through the shade of the forests along the Velodyssey path. You are never far from the coast so feel free to make a few detours down towards the water! The route is quiet and calm as you pedal your way amongst the pine trees, hopefully with a refreshing sea breeze for company too. You will pass through Contis Plage and St Girons Plage before briefly heading further inland into a natural reserve to ride around the small Léon lake. A final stretch leads you back to the ocean and the coastal town of Moliets, where you will overnight.

On your last day of cycling you will be leaving behind the Landes and entering into the Basque country! You will say goodbye to the pine forests as the route leads you back to the coast. Pedal through famous seaside towns such as Hossegor and Cap Breton and take some time to enjoy these world famous beaches! The Velodyssey will take you through Bayonne, the capital of the Basque country and then down to your final destination, Biarritz. One of the most famous seaside resorts in France and a real bucket-list destination for surfers worldwide, its restaurants and bars are a great place to celebrate the end of an epic bike voyage down the French Atlantic Coast! 

After breakfast, depart from Biarritz at the time of your choosing.