The Vélodyssée from Bordeaux to Biarritz
Day 1
63 km
Bordeaux → Lacanau-Océan
Your journey begins in Bordeaux, at our Paulette bike rental agency located at 13 rue Villedieu. Here, you’re fully equipped for the adventure ahead: hybrid or electric bike, trailer, panniers—everything you need to set off with peace of mind.
Soon, you leave the urban bustle behind for the banks of the Garonne. The shimmering water mirror, cobbled historic center, and fading cityscape give way to a tranquil forest path lined with cathedral-tall pines.
An old railway line now guides your ride, shaded and serene, dotted with abandoned stations that spark the imagination. As you pedal on, glimpses of Lake Lacanau appear through the trees, and the scent of the ocean calls. You arrive in Lacanau-Océan, with its rolling waves, salty breeze, and wide-screen sunsets.
Day 2
37 km
Lacanau-Océan → Lège-Cap-Ferret
Today, you ride one of the most beautiful cycling routes along the Atlantic coast, between pine forests, golden dunes, and sandy paths. La Vélodyssée leads you south, the ocean ever-present just beyond the dunes. Occasionally, a trail veers off to a beach or a viewpoint—perfect for a break or a swim.
As the kilometers unfold, the landscape subtly shifts. You enter the Arcachon Bay, a serene, sunlit area dotted with oyster huts. Lège-Cap-Ferret welcomes you gently, where time flows slowly between oyster tastings, sunset strolls, and golden reflections on the water.
To reach Arcachon, you can take the ferry with your bike for a shortcut across the bay, or extend your journey with an extra day of cycling around it.
Day 3
43 km
Lège-Cap-Ferret → Arcachon
This morning, you leave Cap-Ferret and head south along the peninsula. The path winds between pines and oyster villages, with occasional views of the bay. At Bélisaire, hop on the ferry with your bike for a mini-cruise across to Arcachon—a refreshing pause in your journey, offering views of Bird Island and the stilted cabanes tchanquées.
Once ashore, meander through the elegant streets of Arcachon, admire the villas in the Winter Town district, or climb up to Sainte-Cécile for panoramic views. It’s a shorter stage—perfect for a terrace lunch, a swim, or a seaside ice cream.
Day 4
61 km
Arcachon → Parentis-en-born
Start your day with a unique detour: climbing the Dune du Pilat. Park your bike, put on your sneakers, and ascend this majestic sand dune shaped by the winds. At the top, a breathtaking panorama awaits—the ocean, Arguin sandbank, and endless forest.
Back on your bike, continue toward Biscarrosse. The path rolls gently through pines, lakes, and ponds. The vast aquatic landscapes of Cazaux and Sanguinet slow your pace in the best way. Picnic by the water? A nap in the shade? Go for it.
End your day in Parentis-en-Born, a quiet town nestled between lake and forest—an ideal spot for a peaceful overnight stay.
Day 5
30 km
Parentis-en-born → Mimizan
A gentler day, perfect for slowing down. Leaving Parentis, you follow winding paths alongside inland lakes, through forests, wetlands, and quiet villages. Bike touring takes on a new rhythm here, between stillness and contemplation.
Before reaching Mimizan—a sunlit Landes village—stop at a local bakery to try the Pastis landais, a soft cake with a hint of anise, a sweet emblem of the region. It’s a short ride, but the memories deepen.
Day 6
58 km
Mimizan → Vieux-Boucau
One of the most stunning days on the route. You cycle through a vast green ocean—the Landes pine forests, once planted to tame the marshes, now a serene and fragrant embrace. From time to time, the trail opens onto a beach, a clearing, or a wetland where light dances on the water. In the distance stands the Contis lighthouse, the only one along the Landes coast. It takes effort to reach, but the view over sea and forest is unforgettable.
Then come Saint-Girons, Léon, its peaceful lake… until you arrive in Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains, a village between ocean and canal. Here, bike rental reveals its true meaning: you are free, in motion, and every stop is a reward.
Day 7
63 km
Vieux-Boucau → Biarritz
The final stretch—and a memorable one. You pass through the surf towns of Seignosse, Hossegor, Capbreton: a blend of board culture and local flair, lively markets, and endless beaches. Time for a last swim, a seaside coffee, or a detour to the port for picnic provisions.
Gradually, the scenery shifts: the Basque Country is near. In Bayonne, the terrain undulates and house colors turn red and white. Then comes Anglet, with its pine groves and long, untamed beaches. Finally, Biarritz—perched on cliffs, stylish and spirited
Return your bike at our local partner, the Jules Verne hotel, and let your journey wind down gently, perhaps with a drink at sunset.