La Vélodyssée: from Bordeaux to Biarritz (or Hendaye)

Day 1 Arrival in Bordeaux

Take your time to visit Bordeaux, 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, have fun on the reflecting water’s mirror of water …

Day 2 Bordeaux – Margaux | 36 km

On this first, leave Bordeaux following the secured cycling paths then proceed to reach the vineyards of Margaux, one of the most famous vineyards in France. As you approach Margaux, you will be surrounded by vineyards. You won’t know where to turn for a wine tasting or winery visit.

Day 3 Margaux – Lacanau Océan | 57 km

Enjoy the vineyards landscapes for some kilometers before reaching the cycle paths. This will softly lead you, toward Lacanau-Océan, by the pines of the greatest France forest: the Landes forest. Then reach directly your hotel where a swimming pool is waiting for you.

Day 4 Lacanau Océan – Arcachon | 43 km

Follow the Ocean until Arcachon. This stage is a subtle mix of pines and fines sands’ dunes. Leave your bikes, wherever you wish, to enjoy the beaches. Arriving at the Cap Ferret, take the ferry, with your bikes, to reach Arcachon. The hotel will welcome you, not far from the beaches, to have fun in the Bay waves!

Day 5 Arcachon – Biscarrosse | 31 km or 49 km

Take advantage of this small stage to appreciate the discovery of a must: the Pilat Dune. You will be rewarded with the ascent: at the top, enjoy a panoramic view, impregnable on the Ocean and the Bay of Arcachon.

Day 6 Biscarrosse – Mimizan Plage (or Contis les Bains) | 58 km (or 56 km)

The course now distances itself from the ocean and “La Vélodyssée” makes you discover the interior of the Landes and its ponds. The more sinuous and more 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.

Day 7 Mimizan Plage (or Contis les Bains) – Vieux Boucau (or Capbreton) | 60km (or 65 km)

“La 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 point of view? the visit of the lighthouse of Contis with the ascent of its 183 steps. After Saint Girons Plage, the route slowly departs from the ocean 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, original with its marine lake.

Day 8 Vieux Boucau (or Capbreton) – Biarritz | 60 km (or 41 km)

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

Day 9 Departure during the day

Option
Extra bike stage to Hendaye (35 km) + extra night in Hendaye

For an integral Vélodyssée, this last stage more sportive will fill you. The views of the ocean are wonderful and you discover the soul of the Basque country. You cross pretty villages and old fishing ports such as Guétary and Saint Jean de Luz. Then the route ends with the cliffside road between Ciboure (do not miss the Socoa Fort) and Hendaye.