The Vélodyssée, a must-see cycling destination

La Vélodyssée is the French part of EuroVelo 1. In figures, this translates into 1200 km of greenways and cycle paths between Roscoff and Hendaye. It is a must-see cycle tourism destination and is today the number one cycling destination in France, ahead of the Loire by bike.

The route is fully signposted and nearly 90% takes place on cycle paths. It is therefore an ideal destination for cycling with the family!

>> Find out more about EuroVelo 1

Cycling holidays between Brittany, Charente-Maritime, Gironde and Pays-Basque

The Nantes to Brest Canal by bike

The Vélodyssée begins in Roscoff and reaches Nantes along the Canal from Nantes to Brest. We have taken a bit of liberty here with the official route, to offer you a bike circuit that goes from Redon to Quimper. This first part is therefore an invitation to the heart of Brittany, land of legends.

From Nantes to Royan by bike: from historic Brittany to the Vendée coasts before reaching Charente-Maritime
Once in Nantes, the route runs along the Loire estuary and reaches the ocean, never to leave it - or almost - until Royan. You leave historic Brittany at Pornic and return to Vendée. At Marans you reach Charente-Maritime. The program that awaits you is varied and colorful:

• Fine sand beaches
• Wild coasts
• Marshes (including the Marais Poitevin)
• Small coastal towns with picturesque charm
• Lively and lively seaside resorts (Sables d'Olonne, Royan ...)
• La Rochelle, its historic center and its old port
• Rochefort, town of Ses Demoiselles, former garrison town with its Corderie Royale
• Many seafood and local culinary specialties
• Magnificent islands worth a visit :
  • île de Noirmoutier
  • île d'Yeu
  • île de Ré
  • île d'Aix
  • île d'Oléron

The South-West by bike: from Verdon-sur-Mer to Hendaye, between Gironde, Landes and Basque Country

In Royan, a crossing of the Gironde estuary is essential. Take the bicycle ferry to reach the Pointe de Grave, in Verdon-sur-Mer. You always pedal on beautiful cycle paths and rarely stray far from the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of things to see, do and taste on this portion of the Vélodyssée:

• Hourtin lake
• Arcachon bay
• Beautiful beaches and famous surfing spots
• The Landes and its immense pine forests
• The Basque Country and the charm of its towns and villages

The Vélodyssée in video: