The Velodyssée, from Arcachon
to the Basque Country by Bike
- From 839 € / pers.
- 6 days (5 nights)
- From April to October
- Level: easy
- Average: 51 km/day
- Electric bicycles (optional)
- Luggage transfer included
Highlights
- The most wild part of the Vélodyssée
- The long sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and lazing around
- The impressive Dune of Pilat, which, at 110 m, is the highest in Europe
- Bayonne and its maze of narrow streets and typical Basque architecture
- A pleasant route: flat, in the shade of the pine forests and mostly on greenways
- The holiday atmosphere in the seaside towns
- Charming hotels
- The delicious gastronomy of the south-west
- The possibility of renting bike trailers or a Follow-me for your kids
Highlights :
- The wildest part of the Vélodyssée
- The long sandy beaches, ideal for swimming and lazing around
- The impressive Dune of Pilat, which, at 110 m, is the highest in Europe
- Bayonne and its maze of narrow streets and typical Basque architecture
- A pleasant route: flat, in the shade of the pine forests and mostly on greenways
- The holiday atmosphere in the seaside towns
- Charming hotels
- The delicious gastronomy of the south-west of France
- The possibility of renting a trailer or a follow-me bike for your kids
From 839 € / pers.
- 6 days (5 nights)
- From April to October
- Level: Rather easy
- Average: 51 km/day
- Electric bicycles (optional)
- Luggage transfer included
THE VÉLODYSSÉE
The Vélodyssée is a cycling route of nearly 1,200 km, linking Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye, on the doorstep of Spain. Part of the EuroVelo 1, it follows the Atlantic Ocean, passing through a mosaic of landscapes: the Canal de Nantes à Brest with its century-old locks, the marshes and hedgerows of Vendée, the vast beaches of Nouvelle-Aquitaine lined by the largest maritime pine forest in Europe, before reaching the slopes of the Basque Country where the Atlantic becomes wilder.
With 80% of the route on safe cycle paths or quiet minor roads, it allows smooth and secure travel, even for families or casual cyclists. You will pass oyster-farming villages where you can taste oysters and white wines with your feet in the sand, follow the Atlantic Wall bunkers, admire iconic lighthouses, and travel between Belle Époque seaside resorts and colourful fishing villages.
The suggested itineraries are the most popular, as they start and finish at locations well-served by rail, connecting two iconic points of the Vélodyssée. However, if you want a tailor-made route, for example starting where you left off on a previous trip, this is of course possible as well.
THE VÉLODYSSÉE FROM ARCACHON TO BAYONNE
This cycling journey along The Vélodyssée between Arcachon and Bayonne will take you past the Atlantic Ocean, large lakes, giant dunes, endless beaches, and charming seaside towns. This southern section is undoubtedly the wildest part of the Vélodyssée.
This perfectly flat route passes through the largest pine forest in Europe and follows over 100 km of uninterrupted beaches. The route offers regular swimming stops: from the Atlantic’s lively beaches to the tranquil ponds of Cazaux, Biscarrosse, Parentis, and Léon.
Your journey begins in Arcachon, where you can explore its Winter Town with its magnificent villas and the Dune of Pilat, standing 110 metres tall (the highest in Europe!).
As you leave Arcachon, you enter the calming Landes Forest, a green tunnel filled with the delightful scent of pine. This complete immersion in nature, where the only sounds are the waves and wind rustling through the needles, is truly serene. You will pass through the towns of Biscarrosse, Mimizan, and Moliets with their holiday atmosphere, then follow the legendary surf spots of Hossegor and the lively marina of Capbreton, marking your entry into the Basque Country.
You conclude your Atlantic odyssey in Bayonne, whose medieval quarter with Basque architecture and colourful winding streets guarantees a vibrant end to your trip! Be sure to sample the typical dishes of Aquitaine and the Basque Country, renowned worldwide for their richness and variety.
Enjoy your journey!
💡GOOD TO KNOW
- If you want to extend the adventure, adding a day allows you to continue to the elegant seaside town of Biarritz, the typically Basque port of St-Jean-de-Luz, or even to the very end of the Vélodyssée at Hendaye on the Spanish border, before returning to Bayonne by train. This last section is hillier, but the landscapes are spectacular and very different from the Landes. Plus, your legs will already be strengthened by a few days of cycling…
- For a more family-friendly route, note that it can be difficult to shorten some stages on the Vélodyssée due to limited accommodation options. However, we have designed a Vélodyssée itinerary specially adapted for families as a loop from La Rochelle.
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Arcachon
Arrival at your accommodation in Arcachon and collection of your documentation and detailed route guide.
An internationally renowned seaside resort, Arcachon was developed in the 19th century by pioneering visionaries who capitalised on the sea-bathing trend. Explore the town, its Winter Town with sumptuous Second Empire villas, churches, the promenade along the Basin, and the port.
Day 2: Arcachon to Biscarrosse
34 km | 
+100 m
First, head to the Dune of Pilat, where a climb to the top is essential to admire the site’s beauty. You cannot visit the Basin without seeing it! Then cycle under the pines of the Landes Forest. Here, everything combines perfectly: ocean, lake, and forest. The Vélodyssée, after leaving Gironde, takes you to Biscarrosse in the Landes department. The seaside resort is known for its waves, but also for its beaches, dunes, and pine forests… The town’s atmosphere is unique and invigorating. Its gentle summer scent ensures total escape: sandcastles, kites, sunbathing, terrace drinks, aperitifs, night markets, waffles, street performances, fairgrounds, casino…
Day 3: Biscarrosse to Mimizan
59 km | +115 m
This time, the Vélodyssée takes you inland! You leave the coast to discover lakes replacing the sea. Explore Cazaux and Sanguinet Lake, France’s second largest lake (5,800 ha!), a little paradise surrounded by greenery and pines, then follow Biscarrosse and Parentis Lake. The route continues through lakeside ports and intimate lakes to cross the state forest and return to the ocean at Mimizan Plage. This seaside resort dates back to the Belle Époque when sea bathing became fashionable and highly popular among wealthy visitors. Mimizan was developed thanks to the now-disappeared railway.
Day 4: Mimizan to Moliets
55 km | +130 m
You leave the attractive seaside resort of Mimizan and return to the Vélodyssée for a magical ride through the majestic Landes Forest. Breathe in the iodised sea air and enjoy the nearby Atlantic beaches as you occasionally veer off the cycle path.
Discover the jewels of the Landes coast: Contis Plage with its wild atmosphere, Saint-Girons Plage with its preserved dunes, and the beaches of Lake Léon, a true haven of peace.
You finish the stage in another lively Landes seaside resort: Moliets, popular with surfers for its beautiful waves.
Day 5: Moliets to Bayonne
55 km | +70 m
The last Landes section… The route takes you one final time through the forest to the iconic seaside resorts such as Hossegor, world-renowned surf haven, or Capbreton, the only port in the Landes. Enjoy the wide sandy beaches and continue through more urban areas approaching Boucau.
You now enter a new part of the Atlantic coast: the Basque Country. Cycling along a pleasant path beside the Adour, you reach its capital, Bayonne.
A true jewel of the Basque Country, Bayonne welcomes you with its remarkable architectural heritage: the majestic Saint-Marie Cathedral, fortified ramparts, and colourful half-timbered houses lining the Nive and Adour rivers. Stroll through the authentic and lively Petit Bayonne district, where pintxo bars showcase endless creativity.
Day 6: End of stay or one-day extension
End of your Atlantic odyssey after breakfast.
🚲 One-day extension (15 / 30 / 49 km | Elevation: variable)
💡 Why not extend the fun and cycle further along the Vélodyssée to Biarritz (15 km), St-Jean-de-Luz (30 km), or even Hendaye (49 km) on the Spanish border? This extra stage will take you through elegant, typically Basque seaside towns. The coast is more rugged here and there’s a bit of climbing, but your legs will already be strong. And above all, you will be rewarded with stunning views from Biarritz.
Whatever your final destination, there’s a train station allowing you to return to Bayonne at your convenience: trains are frequent, and the return journey takes a maximum of 38 minutes.
ACCOMMODATION
We favour authentic, human-scale accommodation offering comfort, friendliness and well-being. We also ensure they are well located: easily accessible by bike and, as far as possible, close to local amenities.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVEL(S)
3 ★ hotels
A selection of addresses combining modern comfort and authenticity.
Photo shown as an example to illustrate the type of accommodation in this category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Restaurant(s) within walking distance
- Well-located accommodation
💡 Overnight stays are mainly in 3 ★ hotels, with also one night in a charming 2 ★ hotel. In peak season, there may be 2 nights in 2 ★ hotels.
BIKE OPTIONS
Whether you choose a rental bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike suited both to the route and to your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer good-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all essential accessories. Equipment for children is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under 12, as some stages exceed 50 km.
Trekking bikes
Bikes from the Arcade brand, Escape model (or similar). With 21 gears and an aluminium frame, they are well suited to tackling the few small hills without much effort. The men’s model has a high frame.
Electric bikes (e-bikes)
BREEZER Powertrip Evo 3.2+ S bikes or similar, equipped with a battery of at least 500 Wh. You can expect a range of at least 70 kilometres with a high level of comfort.
Child trailers
The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we also offer for hire. These can accommodate up to 2 young children.
Children’s bikes
For children who are not yet adult-sized, it is possible to rent children’s bikes. Various sizes are available.
Tag-along bikes
If your children are not yet used to long rides, the best solution is to opt for a tag-along bike, which can be attached to an adult bike at any time. The attachment system (photo below) is included.
Photos for illustrative purposes. Bikes subject to availability.
Included accessories:
- Smartphone holder
- Waterproof rear pannier (1 per bike)
- Small handlebar bag (1 per bike)
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, carefully check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, gears, derailleur, chain...
You may be far from assistance in case of a mechanical issue!
Suitable bike types:
- Trekking bike
- Mountain bike
- Gravel bike
- E-bike
- City bike (except if choosing the extension)
- Road bike
💡 As the route includes some compact gravel sections, avoid tyres that are too thin or too smooth. Mountain bike tyres are not necessary, however.
LEVEL: RATHER EASY
➡️ The stages are moderately long (around 3 to 4 hours of cycling per day – max. 5)
This pace suits most people: it balances the pleasure of cycling with opportunities to explore along the way.
➡️ The coast as well as the inland areas are very flat..
If you choose the one-day extension in the Basque Country at the end of the trip, there is slightly more elevation.
DAILY DISTANCES:
ELEVATION:
TYPE OF ROUTE
Over 95% of the route is on cycle paths.
On sections running alongside roads with some traffic, you will always be on a dedicated cycle path.
The vast majority of the route is paved. The remainder consists of well-maintained compact gravel paths.
No technical difficulty to note.
💡 Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over performance. We aim to adjust stage lengths according to terrain, route type, and points of interest, so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable and open to spontaneity.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
6 days and 5 nights, including arrival and departure days. 4 days of cycling.
💡It is possible to extend the tour by one day to bike to Biarritz, St-Jean-de-Luz and/or Hendaye.
📅 AVAILABLE DEPARTURE DAYS
Every day from April to October.
🗺️ TYPE OF ROUTE
Linear.
📍 START AND END POINTS
Start of the trip: Arcachon
End of the trip: Bayonne
🌦️ WHEN TO GO?
Weather conditions are generally favourable from April to October.
In spring, temperatures are usually pleasant, but bear in mind that the sea is still quite cool, especially at the beginning of the season.
In summer, the weather is generally sunny and warm, but not excessive thanks to the maritime influence. Heatwaves are still possible, although the route is fortunately well shaded overall, and you are never far from a swimming spot. Seaside resorts are also at their busiest during this period.
The region also enjoys a lovely late season. And the ocean has not yet had time to cool down significantly!
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are not included.
During the day, you can eat in local restaurants (you will find recommendations in your roadbook) or have a picnic by buying supplies from local shops.
For dinner, there will always be several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless your hotel already has one!
🧳 LUGGAGE TRANSFER
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by one of our service providers. You only carry your essentials for the day during cycling stages. A pannier bag is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage in panniers, you will benefit from a discount.
🚩 GETTING THERE
BY TRAIN
Arcachon is located just under one hour from Bordeaux by TER regional train.
BY CAR
There is a paid (covered) car park next to the station. This is the easiest and safest option for leaving your car for the week. It is also more convenient if you return to Arcachon by train with your luggage (especially if you have your own bikes). Alternatively, you can park in more outlying residential areas free of charge.
🔁 RETURNING TO THE START POINT
The easiest option is to return by train.
Take a TER train towards Bordeaux to Facture Biganos, then change for Arcachon. Allow approximately 2h15 to 2h30 travel time.
💡 If you are travelling with your own bikes, they can be taken on TER trains between Bayonne and Arcachon without being dismantled, but a bike reservation is required (allow €5 to €10 per bike). We recommend booking your bike tickets well in advance, especially if travelling at weekends, as the number of bike spaces per train is limited.
On request, we can also arrange a return transfer by private shuttle.
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To ensure you make the most of your trip, we provide several practical and easy-to-use materials:
A printed roadbook (A5 booklet), including:
- Practical information
- Route description
- Detailed maps
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant recommendations
- Places to buy supplies
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- Easy-to-use app (a short tutorial will be provided if needed)
- Satellite navigation (works in flight mode)
- Custom routes between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE AND SUPPORT
You travel independently (self-guided), with 7-day-a-week telephone assistance in case of any issue.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To ensure reimbursement of costs in case of cancellation or issues during your trip, you can take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about cancellation and assistance insurance.
Optional as well for those renting a bike: theft & damage insurance.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone holder and waterproof rear pannier are the basic equipment. If you have rented a bike, these are included (helmet on request only).
For added comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Waterproof overtrousers
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes and mud. Some models include gaiters that also cover your shoes.
Power bank
Useful for recharging your phone during lunch breaks: navigation uses a lot of battery, even in flight mode. Recommended unless your battery is very strong.
Approx. €10–20.
Padded cycling shorts or gel saddle cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on longer rides. Alternatively, opt for a padded saddle cover.
Water bottle
More practical and sustainable than disposable bottles. Some models keep drinks cool for several hours thanks to insulated double walls.
Buff / neck warmer / beanie
Outside summer, mornings can be cool and you will be glad to have them!
PRICES 2026
The price is based on two people sharing a double/twin room. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the selected room type.| Package | Low season | High season |
|---|---|---|
| Double/twin room | €839 | €899 |
| Single room supplement | + €290 | + €360 |
|
Child discounts (* in the same room as 2 people paying the full price) |
0–3 years: -80% | 4–11 years: -25% | 12–17 years: -25% | |
| Group discount | 6–11 people: -5% | 12+ people: -10% | |
| Extra nights (optional) |
Low season | High season | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcachon | Double/twin room | €90 | €110 |
| Single room | €155 | €190 | |
| Bayonne | Double/twin room | €80 | €95 |
| Single room | €145 | €175 | |
💡 SEASONS
- Low season: 01/04 – 30/06 & 01/09 – 31/10
- High season: 01/07 – 31/08
|
BIKE RENTAL - equipment, delivery and collection included - |
|
|---|---|
| Electric bike | €235 |
| Trekking bike | €135 |
| Children’s bike (-12 years) | €115 |
| Child trailer | €100 |
| Tag-along bike | €95 |
THE BASIC PRICE INCLUDES
- Accommodation in carefully selected hotels (see “Accommodation” tab)
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook with colour maps and tourist information
- GPS tracks via our navigation app
- Luggage labels
- 7-day telephone assistance
- Tourist taxes
- Booking fees
OPTIONS
- Bike rental
- Single room supplement
- Extra night(s) in Arcachon and/or Bayonne
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
- Theft and damage insurance for rental bikes
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel to Arcachon and return from Bayonne
- Lunches and dinners
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “THE BASIC PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount applies (see booking form). An additional pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travellers: an additional logistics supplement applies on top of the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Etienne and Marie-Noëlle, 64 and 58 years old"Very well organised. Very responsive to requests, very reassuring. High-quality hotels, support and suggestions. A wonderful holiday thanks to Cyclodyssées." May 2025
Stéphanie and Renette, 30 and 32 years old
"I highly recommend Cyclodyssées! Thanks to Joseph for organising our road trip from Arcachon to Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It was an unforgettable experience. The service is outstanding, with bike delivery and luggage transfer between each hotel. The hotels selected were excellent, as were the breakfasts. I would not hesitate to book another BIKE TRIP with Cyclodyssées." 13 August 2023
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