Cycle Bordeaux to Biarritz

Name: Cycle Bordeaux to Biarritz
Brand: UTracks
SKU: BBZ
Rating: 4.75 (8 reviews)

Scenes from the cycle trail in Biarritz

Self guided cycle way from Bordeaux to Biarritz

Cycle way on the Velodyssey, the Atlantic Coast cycle route

Scenes from the cycle trail in Biarritz

Self guided cycle way from Bordeaux to Biarritz

Cycle way on the Velodyssey, the Atlantic Coast cycle route

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights in a combination of charming B&Bs and 2-3 star hotels

Meals

7 Breakfasts

Price

$1890USD

Overview

Trip Code: BBZ

Trip highlights

Exploring the natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the region
Cycling along the Atlantic coastline of Aquitaine
Discovering the salt marshes, sand dunes, pine forests and large beaches en route
Enjoying the bars and restaurants along the way
Being warmly welcomed each evening at your charming hotel or B&B

Explore the splendid natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage along the southern section of the Vélodyssée, Europe's longest cycling track, on this exquisite ride between Bordeaux and the trendy seaside town of Biarritz. The cycle route begins in the French wine capital of Bordeaux, also noted for its fine architecture, and then follows the rocky Atlantic coastline into a stunning part of the Basque country wedged between the lakes and the ocean before continuing through the vast, forested Landes de Gascogne Natural Park. During the ride you will discover a variety of landscapes: salt marshes, sand dunes, forests, large beaches surrounded by pine trees and intimate lakes. Every sense will come to life as you breathe in the aromas of the sea air and distinct perfume of the Pine, Mimosa and Brooms trees, and as you refuel for the cycling ahead at the many bars and restaurants where the local oyster and duck specialities await you. After each day's cycle, you will be warmly welcomed in atmospheric hotels and B&Bs.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Share trip:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Email

Traveller Rating

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive in Bordeaux, renowned for wine and architecture

Make your own arrival to Bordeaux, then make your way to your hotel where you'll receive your information packs and bikes. Known as ‘Burdigala’ in ancient Rome, Bordeaux is inseparable from its renowned vineyards and has beautiful architecture made from local stone. The Garonne River, at the the heart of the city, welcomes walkers along its banks and offers boat excursions. Capital of wine, Bordeaux is endowed with a rich history and architecture.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle along the Green Way to Lacanau (64km/40mi)

Your cycling holiday in Aquitaine takes you from Bordeaux, the capital of wine, to the seaside town of Lacanau-Ocean. Take the Green Way, a cycle path that follows a former railway track. It's a beautiful ride, easy and safe - mostly on cycle paths and occasionally on small paths or forest trails - passing along pine forest where you'll hear the song of cicadas. Lacanau-Ocean, in the middle of the Medoc-Ocean region, is known for its long ocean beaches sheltered by dunes and forests, its lakes and its unspoiled natural areas. It is also known for its surfing spots. The town's early 20th century villas bear witness to a rich past. Ascent: 60m

Meals: B

Day 3
Along the wild, wide beaches of the Aquitaine coast to Arcachon (47km/29mi)

Join the Velodyssee from Lacanau-Ocean, cycling between dunes and forests. The cycle path leads you to discover the widest wild beaches of the Aquitaine coast including the 13km long Porge Ocean beach. To fully enjoy the scenery, you should leave the cycle path from time to time. You'll never be far from the shore as you cycle through beautiful scenery to the Bay of Arcachon. Enjoy and finish your day cycling through typical oyster villages then take the ferry to the seaside town of Arcachon. Ascent: 50m

Meals: B

Day 4
Cycle under the pines of the Landes Forest to Biscarrosse (30-40km/18.5-25mi)

Today you cycle towards the 'Great Dune of Pyla', the highest in Europe, where you really must reach the summit (on foot!) to appreciate the surrounding beauty. Continue under the pines of the Landes forest, which offers a heady mix of ocean, lakes and forest. The Velodyssey takes you to Biscarrosse, to end your day in the Landes area. Known for its waves and relaxed seaside feel, Biscarrosse beach has a lovely revitalising ambience. Ascent: 100m

Meals: B

Day 5
Detour inland via lakes and forests, return to the ocean at Mimizan beach (52km/32.5mi)

The Velodyssee leaves the coast today, making a wide detour inland, where the blue of the vast lakes replaces that of the sea. Discover Lake Cazaux and Sanguinet, the second largest lake in France covering 5800 hectares: it is a little paradise and is surrounded by greenery and pines. Continue alongside Lake Biscarrosse and Parentis before the path takes you between small lake ports and intimate lakes through the forest to rejoin the ocean at Mimizan beach. Mimizan was developed during the Belle Epoque, when sea bathing became fashionable with the wealthy, along the railway line which is no longer there. Overnight in a charming 2 star hotel. Ascent: 115m

Meals: B

Day 6
Cycle through pine forest and past beaches to the heart of the Landes (55km/34mi)

Leave the lovely seaside town of Mimizan beach and return to the Velodyssee. This is a very pleasant stage, it's quiet and calm as you cycle through pine-scented forests. Enjoy the nearby ocean beaches by leaving the track from time to time. Discover 'Contis' and 'St Girons' ocean beaches and the beaches on Lake Leon. Finish your cycling day in either Moliets or Messanges, attractive seaside towns in the Landes department. Ascent: 130m

Meals: B

Day 7
To Basque country and the seaside resort of Biarritz (69km/43mi)

The last stage of your cycling holiday sees you leaving the Landes. The cycle path leads you once more into the heart of the forest before you reach the seaside towns of Hossegor and Cap Breton. Enjoy the wide beaches before cycling through more urban areas as you approach Boucau. This is Basque country. Follow the cycle path through its capital, Bayonne and continue to the renowned seaside town of Biarritz. With beautiful ocean beaches, surfing, thalassotherapy and golf courses by day, and great restaurants, bars and nightlife, Biarritz is famous worldwide. Ascent: 120m

Meals: B

Day 8
Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices.
7 nights in a combination of mainly 3-4 star hotels (1 or nights 2 star) on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Rental bike equipped with helmet, lock, repair kit and handlebar bag (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg + 1 small daypack, supplement applies for excess
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked plus smartphone GPS Application
Arcachon bay crossing by boat
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Bordeaux and from Biarritz
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
E-bike hire, supplement applies
Bike theft insurance, contact for details
Guide - this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess luggage
Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route easier using the app
Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 gear, VTC Hybrid Bike. You will receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a repair kit, lock, helmet and a handlebar bag. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a proper puncture repair kit, which will enable you to solve the problem.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. E-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities.

Grading

introductory to moderate

The cycling is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily cycling distances from 30 to 69km/18.5 to 43mi over relatively flat terrain. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. The journey alternates between flat roads alongside streams and vineyards and following bicycle paths along the coast and through forests. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be worn.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 23 Oct

Notes

High Season

Note:

High season is from 24 Jun to 31 Aug - supplement applies.

Note:

An additional night stay at Arcachon Bay is available, enabling you to explore the area's ports and sumptuous villas dating from the Second Empire - supplement applies. See trip notes for further details. Must be requested at time of booking.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1890USD

Options & Supplements*

Optional bike insurance - standard bikeUSD$20
Optional bike insurance - e-bikeUSD$40
E-BIke SupplementUSD$160
Single Supplement - Low SeasonUSD$620
Single Supplement - High SeasonUSD$730
Single Traveller Supplement - Low SeasonUSD$820
Single Traveller Supplement - High SeasonUSD$930

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.