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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.
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21kg of CO2-e PP per day
(148kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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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/196ft
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/164ft
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/328ft
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. Ascent: 115m/377ft
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/426ft
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/393ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be accommodated in mainly 3 & 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with 1 night in 2 star accommodation. In peak season day 4 may also be in a 2 star hotel when one night stays are not permitted at our standard hotel. Some properties may include a swimming pool or spa facilities.
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.
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.
GRADE 2 - 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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