Tour of the Arcachon Basin by bike in 7 days

 Around Arcachon by bike

 
The Arcachon Basin, a natural jewel on the Atlantic coast, is an ideal destination for a cycling break. Cycling along the Vélodyssée route, you'll discover a varied landscape of pine forests, fine sandy beaches and authentic little oyster ports. Take a break to admire the emblematic Dune du Pilat, the highest in Europe, offering a breathtaking panorama of the ocean and the basin. This route, accessible to all, promises a unique immersion in unspoilt nature and unforgettable moments of relaxation.
 
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 adventure begins in the late afternoon with your first accommodation in the charming town of Arcachon. This internationally renowned seaside resort invites you to discover its sumptuous villas and stroll along the basin to its lively port. Stroll through the narrow streets of the winter town.

Overnight in Arcachon

Day 2: Loop tour to the dune du Pilat - 25 km

Your cycling holiday begins with the discovery of the Dune du Pilat after your breakfast. It is the largest dune in Europe at 105 meters high. Save energy to climb to the top and admire 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 "Notre Dame des Passes", which was built on top of a dune.
Overnight in Arcachon

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

Start your day by taking the train with your bikes to Biganos. From here, cycle to the port of Biganos, then on to the Port des Tuiles. Your route then takes you to the port of Audenge, famous for its old basins that have been transformed into natural swimming pools.

Continue along the dykes of the Graveyron estate to the castle, where magnificent views of the Arcachon Basin await you. Along the way, observe the many species of migratory birds that inhabit the region. The route then follows the Certes estate to the port of Cassy, before arriving in Andernos-les-Bains, a charming seaside resort. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, bars and terraces offering uninterrupted views of the sea.

Overnight in Andernos.

Day 4: Loop tour to Le Grand Crohot - 37 km

Today's cycle route takes you through the heart of the vast Cap-Ferret forest, from the shores of the Arcachon Basin to the majestic white dunes of the Atlantic. You'll pedal through the pines, lulled by the song of the cicadas and the woody scents of the national forest, towards Lège-Cap-Ferret and the oyster-farming port of Arès. The adventure continues around Arcachon to the enchanting site of Saint-Brice, a place where forest, lakes and the natural shores of the basin meet in harmony.

Overnight 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.
Overnight in Arcachon

Day 6:  Loop tour to 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 with its 7 ports dedicated to oyster farming. Cycle 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.
Overnight in Arcachon

Day 7: Arcachon

General information :

• 7 and 6 nights
• Standard category accommodation : 2 and 3*
• Comfort category accomodation : 3 and 4*
• Prices for children: contact us.

 
The dates 2025 :
 
Every day departure between April and October.

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

• 6 nights with breakfast
• Tourist taxes
• Luggage transfer at each stage
• A boat crossing of the Arcachon Basin
• Access to a GPS app with points of interest
• Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except puncture).

 
Not included :

• Train ticket from Andernos to Biganos
• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than the ones included

 The options :

• Standard bike or ebike rental
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• cancellation insurance

 
Level:
 
1 2 3 4 5 6
 
 
Ground :
 
Flat terrain.
  
 
Weather :
 
Shaded, mild sun, a little wind on the coast and pleasant temperatures.
 

Technicality: 
 
Cycling: 25 to 40 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

 
 
Meals :
 
- Breakfasts: buffet
- Lunches: not included
- Dinners: 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. 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 a roadbook with vouchers for hotels as well as luggage tags and access to the app.
 
 
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.
 
 
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.