From € 1296

SHORT DESCRIPTION

You will ride the Atlantic edge of Southwest France, following the Vélodyssée from the elegant stone streets of Bordeaux to the surf‑washed promenades of Biarritz. Day by day, you will slip between ocean and lake, dune and pine forest—salt marshes, wide wild beaches, and intimate waters hidden behind the dunes. Along the way, you will breathe sea air mixed with pine, mimosa, and broom, and you will find the coast’s easy conviviality in oyster villages, lively bars, and welcoming hotels at the end of each stage.

TOUR PROGRAM

Day 1: Welcome to Bordeaux You will arrive at your hotel in Bordeaux, where the road book and bikes will be waiting for you. Bordeaux—once “Burdigala”—is a Roman city, inseparable from vineyards and prestigious stone architecture. The Garonne River offers walks along the banks and the possibility of a boat trip. Overnight with breakfast in a 4* or 3* hotel. Day 2: Bordeaux to Lacanau (64 km; +60 m) You will ride from Bordeaux to Lacanau-Ocean via the Green Way on a former railway track (Bordeaux–Lacanau). The route is described as easy and secured, through pine forest (cycle path with some small paths or forest trails). Lacanau-Ocean is known for long ocean beaches sheltered by dunes and forests, lakes, unspoilt natural areas, surfing spots, and early 20th‑century villas. Overnight with breakfast in a 4* hotel. Day 3: Lacanau to Arcachon (45 km; +50 m) You will continue the Vélodyssée between dunes and forests, riding on cycle paths. You will discover wide wild beaches along the Aquitaine coast (including The Porge Ocean beach, 13 km without buildings). You will continue toward Cap Ferret or the Arcachon Bay. You will finish through typical oyster villages of the Arcachon Bay and reach Arcachon by ferry. Overnight with breakfast in Arcachon in a 3* Sup or 4* hotel. Day 4: Arcachon to Biscarrosse Plage / Bourg (30–40 km; +100 m)** You will start toward the Great Dune of Pilat (a trip to its summit is described as essential), then cycle under the pines of the Landes Forest. You will finish in Biscarrosse Plage or Biscarrosse Ville. Biscarrosse is described as renowned for waves, and also for beaches, dunes and pine forest; the document lists summer activities such as sandcastles, kites, night markets, street shows, and casino. Overnight with breakfast in a 3* hotel (could be 2* or 3* hotel in very high season). Day 5: Biscarrosse to Mimizan Plage (52 km; +115 m) You will leave the coast for an inland detour where vast lakes replace the sea, discovering the lake of Cazaux and Sanguinet (noted as the second largest lake of France, 5800 ha) and the lake of Biscarrosse and Parentis. You will ride between little lake ports and intimate lakes through the Landes Forest, reaching the ocean in Mimizan Plage. Overnight with breakfast in a 2* hotel. Day 6: Mimizan Plage to Moliets surroundings (55 km; +130 m) You will ride back on the Vélodyssée through the forest on a quiet stage, with the scent of pine forest, and enjoy nearby ocean beaches by leaving the track from time to time. You will discover Contis Plage, St Girons Plage, and the beaches of Lake Leon. Overnight with breakfast in a 3* hotel. Day 7: Landes to Biarritz (69 km; +120 m) You will ride one last time through the forest to discover Hossegor and Cap Breton, continue through more urban areas as you approach Boucau, and enter the Basque Country. You will pass through Bayonne to reach Biarritz. Biarritz is described as a famous seaside resort with ocean beaches and surfing, thalassotherapy and golf courses, and lively restaurants, bars and squares at night. Overnight with breakfast in a 3* Sup hotel. Day 8: Departure from Biarritz After breakfast, the tour ends. Possibility of additional days in Biarritz or Bordeaux.

Author

LIFEONABIKE

Evazio