A homage to the Vélodyssée

The Vélodyssée

What makes these Atlantic routes so special

Cycling tours in France, especially those along the Atlantic coast, attract countless active travelers year after year. And it’s easy to see why: charming harbor towns, sparkling ocean views, and a sense of boundless freedom, with every pedal stroke, make these journeys truly unforgettable for cycling enthusiasts.

The Atlantic Coast Route EV1 runs through Norway, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, and Portugal. One of the most beautiful sections of this route is the Vélodyssée — a long-distance cycling path that stretches from northern France all the way to the Spanish border. Covering around 1,200 km (750 miles), this stunning route offers pure cycling joy and an unforgettable travel experience.

From Nantes to La Rochelle

Challenging

We begin our first route along the Atlantic coast in the beautiful city of Nantes, a vibrant hub for art and culture located 55 km (34 miles) east of the ocean. Nestled mostly north of the Loire, Nantes is celebrated for its rich cultural landmarks and scenic landscapes.

The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the last castle along the Loire before the ocean, houses the Nantes Museum, a must-see for history enthusiasts. Dating back to the 13^th century, these ancient walls once served as the residence of the Breton dukes and are now a protected historical site.

Atlantic Coast I: Nantes - La Rochelle

8 Days

1 rating

Marshlands and charming coastal villages

After the first cultural stop in Nantes, the breathtaking Atlantic route winds through marshlands and serene countryside, leading you to the charming coastal village of Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. Here, you’ll be greeted by pristine sandy beaches and a refreshing sea breeze. As you stroll along the shore, you can marvel at Serpent d'Océan, a striking sculpture of a serpent’s skeleton crafted by a Chinese artist.

c-p-beltrami-ot-les-sables-d-olonne

The Oyster Capital of the Vendée Region

The Vendée region is famous for its oyster farming, carried out in natural sea basins that were once salt marshes. Oysters are a local delicacy, and you’ll have the perfect opportunity to sample them on this cycling adventure.

After indulging in this culinary delight, you’ll continue along picturesque bike paths through dunes and forests, eventually reaching Saint-Jean-de-Monts. There, you can sink your feet into the soft, white sand and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic.

Offshore regatta and the glass bell tower

Next, we move on to the following stage, where a wealth of highlights awaits, perfect for a little break. One such gem is the French town of Les Sables d’Olonne, affectionately known as the capital of offshore regattas. This town serves as both the starting point and finishing port for the Vendée Globe, the world’s toughest solo yacht race. Cyclists will also be captivated by the town’s breathtaking stretches of beach. In Marans, which is also along our route, you'll encounter a unique bell tower made of glass and metal — truly worth a visit.

As the journey comes to a close, you'll arrive in the charming port city of La Rochelle. The historic harbor beckons for a leisurely stroll, offering a perfect end to this unforgettable cycling adventure.

La Vélodyssée, Aurelie Stapf

From La Rochelle to Bordeaux

Medium

The next route we’re excited to present takes you on an unforgettable 275 km (170 miles) journey from the coastal beauty of La Rochelle to the world-renowned city of Bordeaux—a tour that perfectly blends culinary delights with cultural gems. Your adventure begins in La Rochelle, where you’ll hop on your bike and soon leave the historic alleyways behind, pedaling through scenic salt marshes. Along the way, you’ll discover vibrant local markets and cozy cafés that invite you to take a break and soak up the atmosphere. A true highlight on this route is the beach at Châtelaillon-Plage, where a gentle sea breeze and stunning ocean views create the perfect moment of relaxation.

The route continues on to the historic town of Rochefort, where the unmistakable spirit of French joie de vivre is all around you.

Atlantic Coast II: La Rochelle - Bordeaux

8 Days

2 ratings

The Coast of Beauty

Have you ever heard of the “Coast of Beauty”? That’s the charming name locals use for the Palmyre coastline near Royan. Here, fresh seafood—especially oysters and mussels—is served with love and offers unforgettable culinary delights.

The famous Bordeaux region

With around 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, Bordeaux enjoys more sunshine than many other regions in France—making it a perfect destination for cycling enthusiasts. Its mild climate also creates ideal conditions for winemaking, which has earned the region worldwide acclaim. Bordeaux is home to the largest continuous area of quality wine production in the world, so it’s only natural to enjoy a glass of one of its fine vintages during a well-earned break. This final stop marks the end of a cycling tour filled with culinary delights and picturesque seaside towns.

LVT

From Bordeaux to Biarritz

Medium

And now we arrive at the final cycling tour along the Atlantic Coast we’d like to share with you: the journey from Bordeaux to Biarritz. Spanning 375 kilometers (233 miles), this route offers pure cycling bliss as it follows the Vélodyssée through a rich tapestry of landscapes.

In the heart of the Bordeaux wine region, you’ll encounter architectural gems such as the Place de la Bourse and the Saint-André Cathedral. A visit to one of France’s most legendary wineries, Château Margaux, is the perfect chance to savor a glass of world-class wine

Atlantic Coast III: Bordeaux - Biarritz

9 Days

4 ratings

c-david-remazeilles-gironde-tourisme

Europe’s Tallest Sand Dune and Belle Époque Villas

On the fifth day of your cycling tour, a true highlight awaits: the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune. Towering at 110 meters (360 feet) and stretching over 3 kilometers (1.9 miles), it’s an awe-inspiring natural wonder and a must-see. Each year, more than a million visitors are drawn to its breathtaking beauty. The route becomes more winding and hilly as you cycle through the dune landscape and past expansive lakes, ultimately reaching the charming seaside town of Mimizan-Plage, renowned for its Belle Époque villas. The final leg of the journey leads you to Biarritz, where this unforgettable cycling adventure comes to an end.

Daivid Remazeilles Gironde Tourisme

A Homage to the Vélodyssée