Bordeaux / Sainte-Hélène
During a stay in the city of Bordeaux, nothing could be easier than setting off early in the morning and cycling to the sea via the Bordeaux–Lacanau bike path. Very well known and popular with local cyclists—who sometimes nickname Lacanau-Océan “Bordeaux Beach”—this route presents no difficulty. So pack a towel and a swimsuit on your rack, head for the ocean, and stay there for the weekend. This slightly long and straight route has no elevation and rewards you with the Atlantic Ocean!
The Route
From Place des Quinconces, follow the Garonne before heading toward Bordeaux-Lac, then ride alongside the ring road for 3 km and continue through the urban outskirts. After 10 km, just past Eysines, the greenway begins to wind through the Landes forest, then passes through Saint-Médard-en-Jalles (a pleasant possible stop) before a long straight stretch through the forest to Saint-Hélène.
Gradients and elevation
Slope breakdown
Road types
- Cycle path
- Routes reserved for cyclists and pedestrians (greenways, cycle tracks, towpaths), separated from cars for maximum safety.
- Shared road
- Quiet minor roads with little traffic (unless otherwise stated in the stage details). Shared with cars (stay alert).
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
- Provisional
- Section on a road or cycle path awaiting better-quality facilities (see stage details).
Surface
- Smooth
- Asphalt, tarmac or smooth concrete. Optimal comfort.
- Rough
- Fine gravel, compacted stabilised surface or worn tarmac. Less comfortable, vibrations possible.
- Natural
- Dirt, grass, roots or stones. Under 5%: short sections with little impact. Higher percentage: route suited to mountain or gravel bikes only.
- Not specified
- Data unavailable or being assessed. Please refer to the detailed stage description.
Also worth discovering
Bordeaux: numerous museums, the Cité du Vin, the Bassins à Flots, the Jacques Chaban-Delmas lift bridge, Place de la Bourse, Place des Quinconces, lively riverfront quays, the water mirror…
Saint-Médard-en-Jalles: bar-restaurant at the former train station, many parks and gardens, built heritage, and the banks of the Jalle.
Find your accommodation on this stage
Trains and transport on the route
SNCF
- Bordeaux Saint-Jean station: numerous national and international connections.