Why the Vélodyssée is a unique cycle route
The Vélodyssée is part of the EuroVelo 1 network, a European cycle route along the Atlantic seaboard. In France, it crosses Brittany, Pays de la Loire and Nouvelle-Aquitaine on more than 1300 km of cycle paths.
There are several reasons for its success.
Firstly, a large part of the route is on dedicated cycle paths, often away from cars. Secondly, the landscapes are constantly changing: Breton cliffs, Vendée marshes, the long beaches of the Atlantic coast or vast pine forests.
But above all, La Vélodyssée lends itself perfectly to bicycle travel. You'll cycle past villages, markets, harbours and pauses in front of the ocean. It's an accessible itinerary, which can be completed in several weeks... or simply in a few selected stages.
And some sections stand out from the crowd.
The Landes section, often considered the most beautiful
**[For many cyclists, the most beautiful part of the Vélodyssée is in the Landes.
](https://www.lokki.rent/location/biscarrosse/velo)****Between Biscarrosse, Mimizan, Hossegor and Capbreton**, the cycle path passes through the largest pine forest in Europe. For miles on end, you pedal along a perfectly landscaped path, surrounded by dunes and pine forests.
From time to time, a path opens out towards the ocean. You leave the track for a few minutes and discover an immense wild beach, typical of the Côte d'Argent.
Several stages are particularly memorable:
- Biscarrosse - Mimizan, between lakes and ocean
- Mimizan - Léon, with the famous Contis lighthouse
- Hossegor - Capbreton, in the heart of the Landes surfing atmosphere
What makes this section unique is the feeling of freedom. The trail winds through the forest, the air smells of resin and the ocean is never far away.
The Bassin d'Arcachon, a spectacular stage of the Vélodyssée
Heading north, the Vélodyssée reaches one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Atlantic coast: the Bassin d'Arcachon.
Here, the scenery changes completely. We leave the straight line of forest tracks to enter a more maritime territory, punctuated by tides and oyster-farming villages.
Between Lacanau, Cap Ferret and Arcachon, the landscapes become very varied:
- large ocean beaches
- traditional oyster ports
- cycle paths under the pines
- open views over the Bassin
One of the most memorable moments of the route is the finish opposite the Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in Europe.
To explore the region at their leisure, many travelers choose a bike rental in Arcachon or a bike rental in Lège-Cap-Ferret to ride the trails of the Bassin without constraint.
It's a section that perfectly blends nature, villages and maritime culture.
The Basque coast, an impressive finale
The last major spectacular section of the Vélodyssée is at Pays basque, between Bayonne and Hendaye.
Here, the relief gradually changes. The dunes disappear and the coast becomes steeper. Cycle paths alternate with small roads overlooking the ocean.
(source : tourisme64.com)
The route passes through several emblematic towns:
- Biarritz, a legendary seaside resort
- Guéthary, a charming little port
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz, famous for its bay
This is a sportier section, but also one of the most beautiful. Panoramic views over the Atlantic and the Basque cliffs offer a spectacular finale to the itinerary.
The finish at Hendaye, facing Spain, gives a real sense of adventure accomplished.
Which section should you choose to discover the Vélodyssée?
If you only have a few days, some sections allow you to fully experience the Vélodyssée.
For an immersion in nature, the Landes remain an ideal choice. The trails are long, rolling and perfectly suited to cycling.
For a diversity of landscapes, crossing the Bassin d'Arcachon offers a unique blend of ocean, oyster-farming villages and forest trails.
Finally, for spectacular panoramas and a more sporting atmosphere, the côte basque is an unforgettable finale.
Whatever section you choose, the spirit remains the same: pedal gently, take the time to stop and let the ocean guide your journey.
