All types of routes
La Vélodyssée, the Atlantic Cycling Route
Official route
Drone Win Air - Photographe Aurélie Stapf 
STAPF Aurélie - Vélodyssée 
Aurélie Stapf 
La Vélodyssée ® A.Lamoureux 
Roscoff
Hendaye
Whether you’re looking for a challenge or a leisurely cycle ride, La Vélodyssée has something for everyone. Get on your bike and experience the wild beauty of a cycle route covering more than 1,200 kilometres from Brittany down the Atlantic coast to the border with Spain. The sea is never very far away as you discover the best each region has to offer along France’s longest waymarked cycle trail. With our interactive maps and recommendations of the most suitable places for cyclists to stay, you can plan your very own La Vélodyssée in advance or just take off on the spur of the moment. You’ll find special offers, our pick of the best attractions to visit and reviews by those who’ve done the route. A voyage of discovery awaits you!
Signposting of the itinerary
The Vélodyssée / EuroVelo 1 is entirely marked with road signs on both sides from North to South. The Vélodyssée logo is accompanied with its EuroVelo 1 ID.
Itinerary mainly developped on securised lanes. Some difficulties can be faced on the end of the itinerary between Bayonne and Hendaye (roads sections, some ups and downs).
Climate
The itinerary can be ridden in good conditions form spring to autumn. The towpath alongside the Nantes to Brest canal can be a little trickier in case of important rain. West wind often present.
Gradients and elevation
Ascents: 3459m
Descents: 3389m
Lowest point: 0m
Highest point: 228m
Road types
309km (24%) By road
973km (76%) Cycle path
14km (1%) Provisional itinerary
Surface
789km (62%) Smooth
16km (1%) Unknown
421km (33%) Rough
56km (4%) Unpaved
Trains et transport sur La Vélodyssée, the Atlantic Cycling Route
The itinerary is well served with trains, although you need to be careful during peak periods when bicycle transports can become complicated in TER.
- TER between Nantes et Roscoff
- Intercité between Nantes et Bordeux
- TER between Bordeaux and Le Verdon-sur-mer
- TER between Bordeaux > Arcachon > Biarritz > Hendaye
- Ferry crossing between Royan and Le Verdon
Suggested cycling routes
Crossing the Gironde Estuary
Between Royan and Le Verdon, you will need to take the ferry; fares range from €3 [13–25 years] to €5 per adult plus €2 per bike. Please check the timetable during public holidays. Buy your ticket online.
Not to be missed on this route
Guerlédan's Lake
Plus grand lac de Bretagne avec une superficie de 400 hectares et 12 km de longueur, le lac de Guerlédan se niche au cœur du massif forestier de Quénécan, entre Mûr-de-Bretagne et l’Abbaye de Bon Repos. Un véritable océan d'eau douce lové dans une vallée encaissée qui donne des allures de petite montagne !
"Accueil Vélo" accommodation on La Vélodyssée, the Atlantic Cycling Route
502 Accueil Vélo accommodations await you on La Vélodyssée, the Atlantic Cycling Route!
View accommodations on the map
All-inclusive cycling holidays
Set off with peace of mind on this route with the organised cycling holidays offered by our partner agencies.
N’oubliez rien !
Check-list du voyageur
The 38 stages of La Vélodyssée, the Atlantic Cycling Route
1 Roscoff > Morlaix
After leaving the old port enjoy a stage filled with scents from the fields of early fruits and vegetables in the Pays Léonard. A great variety of views can be enjoyed as you pass along the little lanes and managed trails, which take La Vélodyssée as far as Morlaix.
2 Morlaix > Carhaix
The seaside atmosphere slips into the background once the greenway reaches the upper part of town. From here on, this stage of La Vélodyssée moves into a dense forest setting, typical of the Monts d’Arrée.The greenway is still the common thread of this very nature orientated stage, giving the feeling that you have been plunged into the green depths of Brittany. The impressive natural setting of Huelgoat is well worth a detour, but is usually the preserve of more advanced cyclists.
3 Carhaix-Plouguer / Rostrenen
La Vélodyssée goes up past the Kergaden Lock on the Nantes to Brest Canal. The large wooded cutting at Glomel conjures up images of the bad old days of history when the Canal was dug out by prisoners.
4 Rostrenen / Mûr-de-Bretagne
At the heart of the Guerlédan-Argoat Country is a steep sided valley where the Blavet winds through the woods until it reaches Gouarec. The Coat Natous double lock in the middle of this stage of La Vélodyssée provides an ideal resting point.Two of the highlights of this stage are the beautiful Cistercian Abbey of Bon-Repos and Brittany’s largest lake, the magnificent Lac de Guerlédan: the perfect place to stop for a swim and sunbathe! This varied leg of the trail follows a towpath, a short stretch of coastal route and the greenway.
5 Mûr-de-Bretagne / Pontivy
Designated track and very steep descent into the Guerlédan dam towards Pontivy. Here the Blavet is no longer navigable. The steep-sided valley, imposing lock keepers’ buildings and lush vegetation, give this stage of La Vélodyssée an enchanting feel.
6 Pontivy / Josselin
A section of La Vélodyssée with a dedicated cycle path and one rich in waterway heritage: 54 locks and the Rigole d’Hilvern, which epitomises the huge hydraulic complexity of the work required when constructing the canal. Of particular interest are the numerous tree species which, between them, provide very welcome shade from the sun. At the heart of the Rohan Country, this is a very pleasant stage on La Vélodyssée with designated lanes. Shortly after Rohan, don’t miss out on the essential detour past Timadeuc Abbey. The impressive fortress, moored to its rocky platform, comes into view as we head towards Josselin.
7 Josselin / Peillac
There is a medieval feel to this stage of La Vélodyssée, both in Malestroit and in Josselin with their timber-framed houses and narrow streets. Called “the Pearl of the Oust”, Malestroit readily opens up its treasures to curious pedestrians.
A pretty stage on a designated track of La Vélodyssée through a sinuous valley of the Oust with the foothills of the Landes and Lanvaux as a backdrop. After passing the confluence with the Claie, St Congard and the Guélin Lock provide very welcome breaks.
A pretty stage on a designated track of La Vélodyssée through a sinuous valley of the Oust with the foothills of the Landes and Lanvaux as a backdrop. After passing the confluence with the Claie, St Congard and the Guélin Lock provide very welcome breaks.
8 Peillac / Redon
The area of Île-aux-Pies, with its almost Mediterranean feel – pine trees and rocky peaks – brings a chic ambience to this section of La Vélodyssée. In Redon, at the crossroads called La Croix-des-Marins, the Oust entwines with the Vilaine; take care not to get lost…
9 Redon / Blain
Staying close to the Brière and the confluence of the Isac and the Vilaine, this stage of La Vélodyssée follows the river at water level. Keep your ears and eyes open for the host of different animal species which populate the surrounding marshes.A magnificent section which alternately twists and turns, with hedgerows, hillsides and copses to each side - sometimes even little pine forests - before reaching Barel Lock. Following cycle paths right to the heart of Blain.
10 Blain / Nort-sur-Erdre
This is the last, very easy going and enjoyable stage of La Vélodyssée along the Nantes to Brest canal. The Bout-de-Bois Pond or the Chevallerais woods make two very timely stops for weary cyclists.
11 Nort-sur-Erdre / Nantes
Quiheix’s second lock marks the end of the Nantes to Brest canal towpath. Gradually you return to the hustle and bustle of urban life during this stage of La Vélodyssée, alternating rural routes with sections of the greenway and the charming Sucé-sur-Erdre crossing - a very comfortable stopping point.
12 Nantes / Le Pellerin
An exhibition of contemporary art is displayed all the way down the estuary on this shared stage of La Vélodyssée and La Loire à Vélo. Some surprising changes of scenery are guaranteed to brighten up your departure from the bustling city of Nantes.
13 Le Pellerin / St-Brevin-les-Pins
A stretch of water between the Loire, marshes and hedged farmland, the Martinière canal is your ‘Ariadne’s thread’ helping you to track your course along this shared stage of La Vélodyssée and La Loire à Vélo. Enjoy the narrow, tranquil routes whilst soaking up the pastoral atmosphere, typical of the Loire Estuary. Final stage for the La Loire à Vélo and another starting point along the sea for La Vélodyssée, cycling to the rhythmic comings and goings of the tide. Your arrival at the estuary really immerses you in a new, really seaside atmosphere.
14 St-Brevin-les-Pins / Pornic
This stage of La Vélodyssée starts by crossing St-Brevin between the sea, dunes, pine trees and villas. It continues into the countryside of the Pays de Retz towards St-Michel-Chef-Chef and the charming tourist seaside resort of Pornic.
15 Pornic / Bouin
La Vélodyssée route continues its tour of the Bay of Bourgneuf, brushing past the Breton Marshes in the search for out-of-the-ordinary landscapes in an area rich in birds local to the region. Human activity makes itself felt in the form of the fisheries and the small working ports which dot the coastline. One last gourmet stage on the Loire-Atlantique, La Vélodyssée route continues its tour of the Bay of Bourgneuf. We find ourselves in oyster country, encountering numerous little oyster ports and pits used to cultivate the oysters.
16 Bouin / La Barre de Monts - Fromentine
The last stage of La Vélodyssée in the Bay of Bourgneuf-en-Retz (your pedals keeping time with the sweeping circles of its wind turbines!) before arriving at the very lively Port-du-Bec in Epoids. The highlight of the day will be crossing the famous Gois causeway to the Island of Noirmoutier, tides permitting!
17 La Barre de Monts - Fromentine / St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
This stage of La Vélodyssée focuses entirely on the sea, the beach, the forest and the dunes. There are 18 kms of cycle paths winding through the national forest of Pays de Monts, after which you come to the very lively seaside resort of St-Jean-de-Monts. Before reaching the Vendéenne Cove and its famous boulders at Sion-sur-l’Océan, La Vélodyssée heads towards an old fishing village in the commune of St-Hilaire-de-Riez, adjoining St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. A superb stage.
18 St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie / Les Sables d'Olonne
St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, working port, well-known seaside resort, significantly located on a river whose name means ‘life’… all this and the Grande Plage… altogether an unmissable location on La Vélodyssée! Take time to stroll around before continuing on the route which gets closer to the coast towards Brétignolles-sur-Mer and Brem-sur-Mer.The route stretches along the coast and snakes through the Avocettes road between the Olonne forest and the ancient salt marshes which extend between Brem, the Isle of Olonne, Olonne-sur-Mer and Les Sables-d’Olonne.
19 Les Sables d'Olonne / La Tranche-sur-Mer
In this fairytale setting are both Les Sables (world capital of yacht racing) and La Rochelle, (the ‘broken rebel’ capital of Aunis) centre stage. The Vendéenne coast brings the cycle routes back to the Poitevin Marshes. Once past the Sèvre Niortaise River, we find ourselves at Charente-Maritime and the Marans canal which leads straight to the Old Port. After St-Vincent, La Vélodyssée winds its way into the large national forest of Longeville, drawing close to the sea on two occasions from where beautiful beaches can easily be accessed, such as Les Conches. A quick dip is a must on this stage!
20 La Tranche-sur-Mer / Marans
La Belle-Henriette Lagoon, separated from the sea by a narrow band of sand, and then your arrival into La Faute-sur-Mer which stretches endlessly towards the point of Arçay, mark this stage of La Vélodyssée. The route then heads into St-Michel-en-l’Herm through the dried marshes of Marais Poitevin a great expanse of marshes and cultivated land dotted with farms and sheds. The crossing of the Pont du Brault takes us into Charente-Maritime in the ancient district of Aunis. Marans, the capital of the dried Marais marshes, was once a very important look-out point.
21 Marans / La Rochelle
Nature takes centre stage during this leg of the journey, as you cycle past the water that flows through the charming canals which join the Poitevin marshes. We pass Marans, the ancient watchtower on the estuary of the Niort Sèvre which looks out over the marshes, and follow the canal that leads us to La Rochelle and onto the ocean.
22 La Rochelle / Rochefort
As the famous towers which defend the port of La Rochelle hove into view, a cycle path section takes us to the Port of Minimes, then onto the Cove of Godechaud, right next to the sea. The delightful Bay of Châtelaillon now comes into sight and offers weary cyclists a very pleasant stopping point. After the Bay of Châtelaillon comes a pretty seaside section before heading back inland towards the ‘royal city’ of Rochefort. While the middle section of this route might appear somewhat commonplace, the remarkable town of Rochefort is well worth exploring.
23 Rochefort / Marennes
It’s with great regret that we leave behind Rochefort and its gardens on the banks of the Charente. We take the former steam-train tracks – now the greenway – and La Vélodyssée meets the marshes, criss-crossed with little channels, before heading onto the oyster centre of Marennes (some sections under construction).
24 Marennes / Royan
The Marennes Country, home to the leading oyster farms in Europe, spreads over salt marshes and the Seudre estuary. Here cycle paths are numerous and a truly memorable part of the route takes you through the forest of Coubre as La Vélodyssée reaches La Palmyre.This part is fit for a king, with splendid sea views. Following cycle lanes throughout, it weaves through the coastal forest and array of pretty beaches, one of which is the charming St-Palais, along the coast road to reach the striking cliffs and sandy beaches either side of the beautiful streets of Royan. All you have to do is to catch the boat!
25 Royan / Montalivet-les-Bains
Upon entering the Gironde, a new world reveals itself to travellers on La Vélodyssée. La pointe de Grave also marks the end of the Médoc, a landscape of great variety, depending on whether you cross the west coast or the estuary and the vineyards. Pleasant cycle lanes wind their way from Verdon to the charming Soulac-sur-Mer with its lively streets and pretty seaside villas, we take the trail towards Montalivet. To the north of this stage, the sea entices you in for a cooling dip; to the south there is a more forested area which is most pleasant in fine weather.
26 Montalivet-les-Bains / Hourtin-Plage
From Montalivet to Naujac (apart from a large chicane and a gentle bend) you can ride on autopilot on this part of La Vélodyssée as you breathe in the scent of the pine trees – there is very little chance of getting lost here: head directly south through the Flamand national forest. The Côte d’Argent truly is the kingdom of cycle lanes. La Vélodyssée follows the central path to meet Hourtin via the forest. The surrounding area offers numerous choices of where you can stop for a refreshing splash in one of the vast lakes, one of which is Hourtin - the largest in France!
27 Hourtin-Plage / Lacanau-Océan
Still in the forest and still on cycle paths. The natural reserves encountered throughout the route demonstrate that these large spaces are populated, rich in wildlife and a lot more diverse that we may first think…
28 Lacanau-Océan / Lège-Cap-Ferret
A pleasant stage of La Vélodyssée on designated lanes between dunes and the forest. Take time out to stray off the cycle lane and appreciate one of the handful of connections to the sea and enjoy the fantastic ocean views. Take care on the Atlantic beaches! You’re constantly discovering new horizons in the direction of Bassin d’Arcachon Bay. A hugely different atmosphere with a return to the land of oysters. Here we can take a splendid alternative route down the tracks leading to Cap Ferret
29 Lège-Cap-Ferret / Arcachon
Those nostalgic for the trains of yesteryear, welcome! Except for a shared section with traffic between Lège and Arès, La Vélodyssée now follows the former steam-train tracks. We pass stations and you’ll need to “go off the rails” to truly enjoy Arcachon Bay and surrounding villages.The forests of Gironde disappear, to be replaced by urban landscapes during this stage around the Bassin d’Arcachon. A little way after Lanton, we find ourselves in the Regional National Park of the Landes de Gascogne, which is fragrant with the iodised and authentic air of Aquitaine.
30 Arcachon / Biscarrosse-plage
After an essential trip to the top of the Dune of Pilat to appreciate the beauty of the area and the views, we once again set off on a long crossing through the Landes Forest. Just before the Biscarrosse-Plage, La Vélodyssée takes you seamlessly from La Gironde into the Landes.
31 Biscarrosse-plage / Parentis-en-Born
From Gironde to the Landes nothing really changes, apart from the section of military land which forces La Vélodyssée away from the seafront to make a long detour inland, where the blues of the vast ponds replace that of the sea. You may try out the hydroplanes, common to this part of Biscarrosse!
32 Parentis-en-Born / Mimizan-Plage
After the Biscarrosse and Parentis Lakes, the trail follows secondary roads and takes us to the more secluded northern lake of Aureilhan. Several access paths later, the trail brings us onto the western bank, for a moment of relaxation and a swim on the beach.
33 Mimizan-Plage / Léon
Having soaked up the atmosphere of the Mimizan-Plage seaside resort, it’s back on the saddle to once more find the inner calm of the forest: its silence and delicate fragrances, with the deep sense of tranquility, and being master of this happy space, far away from the hustle and bustle of the world. La Vélodyssée encourages meditation…The woodland trail bringing a feeling of peace, reinforced by the fragrant pine trees. You have to leave the trail to enjoy the seaside beaches near Contis-Plage or St-Girons-Plage, or those of the Léon Lake beaches that you come to.
34 Léon / Capbreton
La Vélodyssée now heading north, advances to a few hundred yards from the Côte d’Argent, gradually getting closer to Moliets-et-Mâa and Messanges. The route finally meets the powerful ocean at Vieux-Boucau, the former port (until the river Adour was re-routed to Bayonne in 1578) and today a very pleasant stopping point. Here La Vélodyssée sails past the iconic seaside, surfing and health resorts of Hossegor and Capbreton. These two towns are separated by the Boudigau - the redirected former Adour River – but their names are linked by their proximity and their huge popularity with tourists in the central areas of the Landes.
35 Capbreton / Bayonne
This stage between the Landes and the Basque Country lets us enjoy forest and large beaches as we make our way along beautiful cycle lanes. As we approach Boucau, La Vélodyssée enters more urbanised surroundings. After all, sometimes we must share the highways!
36 Bayonne / Biarritz
La Vélodyssée now heading north, advances to a few hundred yards from the Côte d’Argent, gradually getting closer to Moliets-et-Mâa and Messanges. The route finally meets the powerful ocean at Vieux-Boucau, the former port (until the river Adour was re-routed to Bayonne in 1578) and today a very pleasant stopping point.
37 Biarritz / Saint-Jean-de-Luz
This stage of La Vélodyssée is punctuated with vantage points enjoying exceptional ocean views but it is sometimes challenging and the route is shared with cars. Don’t think twice about parking your bike occasionally and enjoying the picnic areas, tables and discovery trails on hand throughout this section.
38 Saint-Jean-de-Luz / Hendaye-Plage
Final stage of La Vélodyssée before reaching the Spanish border and the rhythm of the Bolero. After St-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure, comes a glorious end to the course with a route over the Corniche de Socoa cliffs, which from the Fort to the Pointe Ste-Anne promontory offers panoramic views stretching over the Golfe de Gascogne.
