The Velodyssée, from La Rochelle to Arcachon

THE VÉLODYSSÉE: A CYCLING ADVENTURE ALONG THE ATLANTIC

The Vélodyssée is a cycling route of nearly 1,200 km, connecting Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye, at the gateway to Spain. As part of EuroVelo 1, it follows the Atlantic Ocean, passing through a variety of landscapes: the nostalgic charm of the Nantes-Brest Canal in Brittany, the marshlands and bocages of Vendée, the vast beaches and pine forests of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, before reaching the rolling hills of the Basque Country.

Mostly laid out on safe cycling paths or quiet country roads, it offers a smooth and pleasant journey, ideal for bike travelers. Whether you're an experienced cyclist looking for a long-distance challenge or a fan of short getaways, the Vélodyssée provides an accessible and immersive experience, blending heritage, preserved nature, and the coastal way of life.

The routes we offer are the most popular ones, as they start and end in well-connected locations by train and link two iconic places along the Vélodyssée. However, if you prefer a customized itinerary—for example, starting from where you left off on a previous trip—that’s possible too.

FROM LA ROCHELLE TO ARCACHON: A ROUTE THROUGH OCEAN, FORESTS, AND HERITAGE

The section between La Rochelle and Arcachon offers an immersion in the landscapes and heritage of the Atlantic coast. The journey begins in La Rochelle, a historic port city where you can explore the Old Port, its famous towers, and its lively historic center. Soon, you’ll follow the coastline to Châtelaillon-Plage, a Belle Époque seaside resort, before crossing the Yves Bay Nature Reserve, a haven for migratory birds.

After passing through Rochefort, a naval city founded under Louis XIV, and taking a detour to the citadel of Brouage, a former stronghold of the salt trade, the route reaches Marennes, renowned for its oysters refined in special ponds called "claires". You’ll then enter a landscape of marshes and forests on the way to Royan, a seaside resort with architecture blending Belle Époque elegance and post-war modernism.

Crossing the Gironde Estuary marks a turning point: arriving at Verdon-sur-Mer, you’ll cycle through pine forests and dunes to Soulac-sur-Mer, home to stunning 19th-century villas and the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres, a UNESCO-listed site. From there, the path winds through coastal forests, skirting the endless beaches of the wild coast, before reaching Lacanau-Océan, a major European surf destination.

Finally, the route ends at the Arcachon Bay, a unique area where oyster farming, vast sandy expanses, and pine forests blend together. Riding past the traditional oyster-farming villages of Cap-Ferret, you’ll experience a way of life shaped by the ocean and the bay before taking a boat across to Arcachon, an elegant seaside town known for its coastal architecture and its proximity to the majestic Dune of Pilat, the tallest in Europe!

If you want to climb the Dune of Pilat, plan some time the next morning, or consider staying an extra night in Arcachon.

For those who love long journeys, you can even continue all the way to Hendaye, which takes an additional 5 days!

Bon voyage!

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LA ROCHELLE

Your journey begins in La Rochelle, the pearl of the Atlantic, where every stone tells a story. Upon arrival at your accommodation, you will receive your travel documents.

A historic port city, La Rochelle captivates with its vibrant atmosphere and rich heritage. The Old Port, dominated by the imposing Saint-Nicolas and Chaîne towers, has long guarded the city’s entrance. These towers, built in the 13th century, protected against invasions and controlled the lucrative salt and wine trade across Europe.

Strolling through the city center, you’ll discover elegant medieval arcades, remnants of an era when merchants sheltered from the sun and rain while trading fabrics and spices. Don’t miss the stunning Town Hall, a Renaissance masterpiece from the 15th century.

Today, La Rochelle blends history with modern living. Enjoy its lively markets, seaside terraces, and eco-friendly initiatives—it was one of the first French cities to introduce a bike-sharing system in the 1970s!

DAY 2: LA ROCHELLE → MARENNES (59/70 km, D+ 85 m)

Today you will ride along the coast, passing through the lively seaside resort of Châtelaillon-Plage, known for its Belle Époque architecture and sandy beaches.

The route then leads to the Baie d’Yves nature reserve, a stopover for migratory birds.

Next is Rochefort, a city founded in the 17th century as a naval base by Louis XIV. Its maritime heritage shines through landmarks like the Corderie Royale, a 374-meter-long rope-making factory for the Sun King’s ships. You'll also cross the unique transporter bridge, built in 1900 and still in operation today.

Continuing through marshlands, once used for salt production and now home to egrets and herons, you may opt for a detour to the Brouage citadel, a fortress designed by Vauban.

The day ends in Marennes, the birthplace of Marennes-Oléron oysters, known for their unique flavor thanks to their refinement in "claires" basins.

DAY 3: MARENNES → ROYAN (48 km, D+ 80 m)

You will continue cycling along the "wild coast", through vast pine forests where the scent of resin lingers.

Following the shoreline, you'll pass through Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, the family-friendly beaches of Vaux-sur-Mer, and the lively district of Pontaillac, famous for its early 20th-century casino.

Arriving in Royan, a modernist seaside town rebuilt after WWII, you'll see remnants of its Belle Époque past, including elegant villas. Don't miss the unique shell-shaped Royan Market Hall, designed by Louis Simon in 1955.

DAY 4: ROYAN → MONTALIVET OR VENDAYS (35/45 km, D+ 30 m)

This morning you will board a ferry with your bike to cross the Gironde Estuary, once used by barges transporting salt and wine.

Upon arrival at Pointe du Verdon, cycle towards Soulac, a resort town that was buried under sand in the 18th century. The town is home to the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame-de-la-Fin-des-Terres Basilica, a key pilgrimage site on the route to Santiago de Compostela.

Ride along endless beaches and through pine forests until you reach Montalivet, a peaceful town known for hosting France’s first naturist center in 1950.

DAY 5: MONTALIVET → LACANAU (66 km, D+ 300 m)

Continue south on La Vélodyssée, a dedicated cycling path through pine forests and past serene lakes.

Stop at Hourtin to admire France’s largest natural lake, a paradise for sailing and swimming.

Arriving at Lacanau-Océan, you will discover a renowned surf destination with world-famous waves.

DAY 6: LACANAU → ARCACHON VIA LE CAP-FERRET (45 km, D+ 50 m)

The itinerary of today will bring you between dunes and forests, and make you pass through the untouched beaches of Le Porge Océan, a 13-km stretch of unspoiled coastline.

Leaving the Atlantic behind, enter the Arcachon Bay, a unique landscape with 84 km of beaches, pine forests, and traditional oyster-farming villages.

You'll conclude the day by taking a ferry to Arcachon, an elegant seaside town that rose to fame in the 19th century as a pioneer of seaside tourism.

DAY 7: END OF TOUR

The tour ends after a last delicious breakfast.

• You can add an extra night in Arcachon. If you’d like to visit the famous Dune of Pilat (10 km away), you can reach it by bike or bus (30 min ride, one bus per hour, no service on Sundays).
• Cycling enthusiasts can extend the journey all the way to Hendaye, requiring five additional days!

1. Duration: 7 days/6 nights, including the arrival and departure day. 5 days of cycling.


2. Possible adjustments (upon request):
   • Additional night in La Rochelle with the possibility to cycle a loop on Île de Ré.
   • Split the first 2 stages into 3 to reduce the mileage (overnight stays in Rochefort & La Tremblade).
   • Finish in Bordeaux instead of Arcachon (the last two stages will be different).
   • Start or end your trip at an intermediate stage (Rochefort, Royan...) or further along the Vélodyssée.


3. Minimum age:

   No minimum age. This route is especially well-suited for families with children: secure path, mostly traffic-free, flat terrain, and beautiful beaches. Trailers and follower bikes are available.

4. Seasonality: between April and October. The French Atlantic coast has a climate halfway between oceanic and Mediterranean, with relatively mild and wet winters and hot and dry summers (at least south of the Loire, different in Brittany!).
   • Spring: Temperatures are generally pleasant, but the sea is still quite cold, especially early in the season.
   • Summer: Sunny and warm weather, but not excessive due to the marine influence. Heatwaves are possible, but fortunately, the sea is never far to cool off. The crowd in beach resorts is also at its highest.
   • Late season: Pleasant temperatures until the end of October, with sunlight almost as good as in summer. The ocean hasn’t cooled down yet!
   Note: Weather varies significantly from year to year. The above information is just an average.


5. Arrival day: any day of the week.


6. Start and End Locations:
   • Start: La Rochelle
   • End: Arcachon
   Our tour is easily accessible by train.


7. Getting to La Rochelle:
   • BY TRAIN:
     • Direct TGV and OUIGO from Paris (2h40 to 3h15).
     • Direct INTERCITÉS from Nantes (1h45) and Bordeaux (2h20).
     • From Brussels, Lyon, Marseille, Geneva, the easiest option is to transfer via Paris.
   • BY CAR:
     • From London: 850 km (~9h40 via A16/A28).
     • From Paris: 475 km (~4h20 via A10).
     • From Brussels: 770 km (~7h via Paris).
     • From Lyon: 610 km (~6h via Clermont-Ferrand).
     • From Geneva: 705 km (~7h via Macon).
     • From Marseille: 820 km (~7h via Toulouse).


8. Return from Arcachon:
   • To La Rochelle: TER to Bordeaux (~1h), then INTERCITÉS to La Rochelle (~2h20).
   • To other destinations: TER to Bordeaux (~1h), then direct connections to Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, Marseille, Montpellier, Toulouse, Nantes...
   More information & schedules: www.sncf.com


9. Route type: linear (itinerary-based).


10. Support: self-guided (with telephone support 7 days a week).

    You will have a detailed roadbook in French and GPS tracks via an easy-to-use navigation app. Navigation works via satellite, no internet connection required.

11. Difficulty level: easy.
    • Elevation gain: The coastline and inland are mostly very flat.
    • Stage length: about 40 to 65 km per day, allowing for plenty of breaks along the way.
    • Terrain: over 90% paved, some compact gravel paths, no need for mountain bike tires.


12. Accommodation:carefully selected 3-star hotels (1 2-star hotel).

    All rooms have private bathrooms, and each accommodation has a secure place to store bikes.



13. Meals: Included: breakfasts.
    Not included: lunch and dinner. Local restaurants and supermarkets are available along the route. Half-board is not available, but restaurants are within walking distance from the accommodations.


14. Luggage transport:

    You only carry your personal items for the day’s ride. Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next and will be waiting for you at the end of each stage. Note: if you want to carry all your luggage on side panniers, you receive a discount (see booking form).

15. Travel documents:

    A detailed roadbook and GPS tracks via our navigation app. The roadbook will be available at your first hotel.

16. Bikes: We offer high-quality bike rentals, fully equipped for the terrain:
    • Smartphone holder
    • Waterproof rear saddlebag
    • Lock
    • Repair kit
    • Helmet (on request)

    You can also rent an electric bike.

    If you’re using your own bike, be sure to check the brakes, tires, gears, and chain before departure to ensure your bike is ready for several hundred kilometers.

17. Insurance: To guarantee reimbursement in case of cancellation or issues on-site, you can take out:
    • CAP Explorer - Cancellation
    • CAP Explorer - Assistance

    For more information, click here.

The price per person depends on the season and bike rental.



The base price includes:

• A detailed roadbook with color maps and tourist information.
• GPS tracks via our navigation app.
• Overnights in carefully selected 3-star hotels (1 night in 2*).
• Breakfast at each accommodation.
• Luggage transport between accommodations.
• Crossing of the Estuary at Royan.
• Crossing of Arcachon Bay from Cap-Ferret.
• Assistance hotline (7/7, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM) in case of problems on the road (except simple breakdowns: flat tire, derailment).
• Tourist taxes.
• Booking fees.

If bike rental:

• The bike and equipment (helmet, lock, puncture repair kit, 20L waterproof saddlebag, phone holder).
• Delivery of the bikes to the first hotel.
• Pick-up of the bikes from the last hotel.

Possible options:

• On-site rental of a bike with or without electric assistance.
• On-site rental of a follower bike, child seat, or trailer for your children.
• Single room supplement.
• Extra nights in La Rochelle or Arcachon.
• Optional insurance: cancellation and/or 24/7 assistance (more info).

The price does not include:

• Travel from your home to La Rochelle and return from Arcachon.
• Lunches and dinners.
• Personal expenses.
• Crossing of the Charente by the "Pont transbordeur" (2 € per person, to be paid on site).
• Entrance fees to tourist sites.
• Everything not listed in "Price includes".

Other:

• If you wish to transport your own luggage between accommodations, you will receive a discount (see the reservation form). An additional saddlebag will be provided.
• Children benefit from discounts (see table) provided the family stays in family rooms. Subject to availability.
• Groups of 6 or more people receive a 5% discount.
• A solo traveler supplement of 165 € is applied for individuals traveling alone.

    Stéphanie and Renette , 30 and 32 years old

"I recommend Cyclodyssées ! Thanks to Joseph for organizing our road trip from Arcachon to Saint Jean de Luz ! It was an unforgettable experience. The service is exceptional, with bike and luggage delivery between each hotel. The chosen hotels are very satisfactory, as well as the breakfasts. I will not hesitate to book another bike trip with Cyclodyssées."  13 august 2023

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