Tour of the Arcachon Basin by bike in 7 days

 Around Arcachon by bike

 
It is known for its dune of Pilat, its oyster-farming villages, its beaches and its landscapes. The Arcachon bay has great discoveries for cycle tourists and cycle paths suitable for everyone. Live an authentic experience around the city of Arcachon on the Vélodyssée route.
The Arcachon bay is a unique place in France with its kilometers of pine-fringed beaches near the Bordeaux vineyards and the Landes forest.
These cycling holidays around the Arcachon basin and in the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park will allow you to discover an original and unique place at your own pace.
 
Points of interest :

• Cap Ferret and Andernos les Bains
• The dune of Pilat
• The flora and fauna of the Arcachon bay
• The ocean and the pine forests

Day 1: Arrival in Arcachon

Your journey begins in the late afternoon upon arrival at your first accommodation in the town of Arcachon. This world-famous seaside resort invites you to stroll past its superb villas and on its promenade along the basin to its port.
Night in hotel ***

Day 2: Arcachon - The dune of Pilat - 25 km

Your cycling holiday begins with the discovery of the Dune of Pilat after your breakfast. It is the largest dune in Europe at 105 meters high. Save energy to climb to the top and take in the panoramic view. The return is along the beaches on a beautiful cycle path through Pyla sur Mer and Moulleau, a very dynamic place that deserves a stop.
You can see the Byzantine-style Church of Our Lady of Passes, which was built on top of a dune.
Return to Arcachon and your hotel for the night.

Day 3: Arcachon - Biganos - Andernos - 25 to 30 km

Take the train with your bikes this morning towards Biganos. You can continue your cycle route to the port of Biganos and then to the Port des Tuiles. You then cycle to the port of Audenge and its old basins that serve as swimming pools.
Your journey around Arcachon continues along the dikes of the Graveyron estate to the castle.
You have superb views of the Arcachon basin and you can observe many species of migratory birds on the course. The route continues towards the port of Cassy along the Certes domain before arriving at Andernos les Bains, a seaside resort. Enjoy the activity of the city, its entertainment, its bars and its terraces facing the sea.
Night and breakfast in a ** hotel in Andernos.

Day 4: Andernos - Le Grand Crohot - 37 km

Today's bike tour guides you through the large forest of Cap-Ferret, from the banks of the basin to the white dunes of the Atlantic coast. You pedal accompanied by the song of the cicadas and the smell of pines through the national forest to Lège-Cap-Ferret and the oyster port of Ares. You continue your cycle route around Arcachon to reach the site of St Brice between forest, bodies of water and the natural shore of the Arcachon basin.
Night and breakfast in Andernos.

Day 5: Andernos - Cap Ferret - Arcachon - 30 km

Cap-Ferret separates the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Arcachon basin to the east, which offers a unique view of the basin’s landscapes and the immensity of the Silver Coast. Reach the hamlet of Jane de Boy then return to the basin by the cycle path to discover the famous oyster villages of Herbe and Canon. This portion of the route offers breathtaking landscapes, in particular the panorama at the exit of the villages.
Return to Arcachon by bike for the night.

Day 6: Arcachon - Le Teich - 40 km

You leave the city of Arcachon by bike to reach the port and Pointe de l'Aiguillon, its traditional district where the fishermen's huts contrast with the superb villas of the Ville d'Hiver.
You reach the oyster port of La Teste by crossing the salt meadows. Your cycling route around the Arcachon basin continues towards Gujan-Mestras, the capital of oyster farming and its 7 ports dedicated to oyster farming. Drive past the wooden cabins lined up along the channel. Continue to the Teich ornithological park and visit the Eyre estuary. Enjoy this unspoiled natural and wild space which welcomes wild birds.
Return to the Arcachon hotel by bike for your last night.

Day 7: end of the cycling holidays around the Arcachon Bay

General informations :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 2 and 3 * (local standards)
• Prices for children: contact us.

 
The dates :
 
 
Can be done every day between April and October 2024.

High season from 15/06 to 15/09. 
 
 
Included :

• Self-guided loop circuit
• Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except puncture).
• Luggage transfer at each stage
• 1 boat crossing of the Arcachon basin included
• 6 nights with breakfast in ** and *** hotels
• A travel file (the road book in French or English with color maps and tourist documentation)

 
Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses

 The options :

• VTC or VAE rental
• Extra night (s) in Arcachon
• GPS navigation with smartphone app
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• cancellation insurance

 
 
Levels:
 
 
1 2 3 4 5 6
 
 
 
Ground :
 
 
Flat terrain, which does not exclude some hills.
  
 
Weather :
 
 
Shaded, mild sun, a little wind on the coast and pleasant temperatures.
 

 Technicality: 
 
Cycling: 35 to 55 km per day or 3 to 4 hours of cycling.
Partly marked itinerary, useful roadbook and map reading.
 
 
 
Bibliography:
 
 
- The Tour of the Gironde by bike - chamina
- The Arcachon Bay by bike

 
 
Meal :
 
 
- Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch: not included
- Dinner: not included.
 
 
 
The bike :
 
 
- Rental bicycle: If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the 1st hotel. A security deposit will be requested.
At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel and notify reception. We will take care of his return.
  
 
- Personal bicycle: We do not recommend bicycles with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off.
At the end of the tour, you will have to take care of your own bicycle.
  
 
Assistance:
 
 
- Assistance in case of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).
  
 
Luggage:
 
 They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kg).
 
 
Roadbook :
 
 
We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes when you arrive at the first hotel. We will also provide you with vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as luggage tags.
 
 
 
Transport :
 
 
- By train: Station in Arcachon (see SNCF)
- By road: Arcachon is 600km from Paris A10 motorway from Paris and A62 from Toulouse.
- By plane: Bordeaux international airport.
 
 
Your car :
 
 
A parking space is available at the first hotel (for a fee).
 
 
Cancellation insurance :
 
 
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.