Bike Tour: Vélodyssée - from Bordeaux to Arcachon - 5 days

You independantly travel to Bordeaux by train, plane or car and settle in at your comfortable centrally-located hotel. Easy connections using public transport (tram or shuttle) are available. Be sure to get there early to leave time to explore Bordeaux, a very pleasant town on the banks of the River Garonne. 

This stage mostly follows the Bordeaux–Lacanau cycle path, one of the oldest “greenways” in France, built on a former railway line. The route is very accessible: fully secure, with a smooth surface and almost no elevation. Starting from Bordeaux, you first ride along the Garonne before gradually leaving the city, crossing suburban areas. Soon, the path dives into the Landes de Gascogne forest. Maritime pines, heather, and gorse line the trail, offering shade and coolness, especially in summer. This route is ideal to warm up and enjoy the forest’s silence, scented by the resinous aroma of the pines. 
Arrival in Lacanau marks the meeting with the Atlantic. You can head straight to the town center and Lake Lacanau for a peaceful swim, or continue a few more kilometers to Lacanau-Océan, with its long sandy beaches bordered by dunes.

Challenge: 67km, 696m ascent, 696m descent

This stage combines ocean views, pine forests, and oyster-farming villages, offering a quintessential Arcachon Bay experience. From Lacanau-Océan, you follow secure cycle paths along the Atlantic coast, crossing the Landes forest and enjoying viewpoints over beaches and dunes. Approaching the Cap Ferret, the route becomes more tranquil, winding through pine groves and small oyster ports where you can stop to taste fresh oysters and seafood. The paths meander across the peninsula, offering panoramic views of both the bay and the ocean. 
The final stretch leads to Arcachon, with its beaches, colorful cabins, and lively town center. The final stretch leads to Arcachon by ferry, which will be an opportunity to discover the beauty of Arcachon Bay from the sea.

Challenge: 46km, 104m ascent, 123m descent

This short ride but spectacular, starting from the center of Arcachon, along the seafront and the town’s colorful neighborhoods. Soon, you enter the pine forest bordering Arcachon Bay, offering shade and coolness along the way. The paths alternate between quiet roads and well-maintained cycle tracks. As you approach the dune, one of the highest sand dunes in Europe, the panorama gradually opens: golden sand, the ocean stretching to the horizon, and Arcachon Bay below. Once there, you can climb to the top on foot for a spectacular 360° view, a magical reward for the effort. This loop combines nature, ocean, and unique sensations, perfect for a day cycling from Arcachon. 

Challenge: 25km, 109m ascent, 109m descent

Breakfast marks the end of the trip. We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to enjoy the Bassin d’Arcachon.