Extra night in Lourdes

Last October, I had the chance to get back on my bike in Italy, in the heart of a region that is particularly close to our hearts: Puglia. Although we have been offering cycling trips there for many years, our last on-the-ground inspection dated back to 2018. It was therefore time to update our routes, enrich our itineraries and, who knows, uncover a few new hidden gems to share with our cycling travelers. As always on this type of trip, the goal was not only to check the roads. I also took the opportunity to visit the accommodations along the route and meet with our local partners, who play a major role in the quality of our trips. I set off for a 9-day journey, including 7 days of solo cycling, through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy. A complete immersion among white villages, centuries-old olive trees and sea air. Cycling in northern Puglia: trulli, white villages and UNESCO heritage From Montpellier, after a train ride to Paris and a flight to Bari, I finally arrived in Puglia… under the rain. My journey began in Matera, a city that remains captivating even at night and in wet weather. Entirely white, carved into the rock and clinging to the edge of a cliff, Matera has a truly unique atmosphere. Its cobbled streets, steep staircases and especially its troglodyte neighborhoods, the famous Sassi spread across two rocky hillsides, give it a charm unlike any other. Unfortunately, I only had one evening to explore before getting back on the road the next morning. While Matera is stunning, it is not the most cyclist-friendly city. I therefore chose to officially start my route in Gioia del Colle, about forty kilometers away. That is where I picked up my bike, adjusted it carefully and sent a quick photo to the rest of the team to mark the beginning of the adventure. The first stage, relatively gentle in terms of elevation change, follows small country roads and olive groves for around forty kilometers to Alberobello. As I progressed, one of Puglia’s most iconic symbols began to appear more and more frequently: the trulli. Alberobello is their capital. Its historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to more than a hundred of these dry-stone houses with their distinctive conical roofs. Seeing so many of them clustered together is inevitably impressive. It is a centuries-old architectural tradition that sets the tone for a rich cycling journey through Puglia. This first part of the trip passes through absolutely beautiful villages and historic centers. The second stage, heading toward Ostuni, is a perfect example. I stopped for a cappuccino in Locorotondo, with its immaculate streets and laundry hanging from balconies, a postcard version of Italy. Further along, I wandered through the streets of Martina Franca before getting back on the bike. What surprised me most was meeting so many cyclists in these villages while seeing almost no one on the roads. The routes we use are generally very quiet, often winding through countryside tracks between olive trees and vineyards. The climbs leading up to these villages can be a bit more demanding, but with strong legs and a bit of determination, they are always manageable. Before leaving northern Puglia for the Salento region further south, I ended the day with an excellent dinner alongside our Italian partners. After years of exchanging emails, phone calls and video meetings, it was a real pleasure to finally meet in person. They introduced me to several local specialties, including a succession of typical antipasti: Burrata di Andria, parmesan-stuffed mussels, melanzane sott’olio. Simply delicious. Cycling in the Salento: turquoise waters, fortified villages and Mediterranean atmosphere The next morning, I loaded my bike onto a train bound for Lecce. A pleasant surprise: in Puglia, regional trains accept bicycles free of charge. Stations are even equipped with ramps to move between platforms. It is not always easy to handle when traveling alone, but it works out in the end. From Lecce, I set off again along peaceful Italian back roads toward Gallipoli, on the Ionian coast. It is only as you approach the city that the sea finally comes into view. From that moment on, everything changes: the atmosphere, the light, the scent of the air, and the constant presence of the sea. In Gallipoli, I was welcomed by Alberto, the owner of a charming guesthouse in the heart of the old town. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, with views over white rooftops on one side and endless blue on the other. The perfect way to fuel up before continuing the journey. In my opinion, the most beautiful stage of this cycling trip, and also one of the most hilly, is the stretch between Otranto and Lecce. The road winds through striking landscapes: wide valleys, almost arid land that sometimes feels desert-like, before suddenly opening up to the sea just a few kilometers later. Leuca is a lively seaside town, with beachfront restaurants and a promenade that vaguely recalls the Promenade des Anglais. Otranto, on the other hand, feels more dynamic, with a charming historic center and narrow streets reminiscent of northern Puglia. From its marina, I looked out to sea. Albania is really not that far away. I was lucky with the weather : bright sunshine all week long. The only downside was a fairly strong wind, which made cycling along the Adriatic coast a bit frustrating at times. Fortunately, the final stage more than made up for it. The route passes through Torre dell’Orso, famous for its cliffs plunging into turquoise water. Impossible to resist. I found a small sheltered cove with crystal-clear water and took advantage of an impromptu swim. A small tip for your trip to Puglia: always keep your swimsuit in your pannier, just in case. After drying off in the sun, I rode back toward Lecce. Once again, the route follows very quiet roads. I even passed through Acaya, a fortified village that was almost deserted that day, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of Lecce. Cycle paths gradually reappear as you approach the city, which is reassuring amid the traffic. Lecce is an unmissable stop on this itinerary. Its baroque architecture, numerous cathedrals and Roman ruins right in the city center are absolutely stunning. It is the perfect ending to a cycling journey through Puglia. Why choose a cycling trip in Puglia? In short, this trip was a true favorite. I could have gone on about the countless Italian specialties enjoyed along the way, pasta dishes, local cured meats, pistachio pastries, but I chose to focus on what really matters: the roads, the encounters and the towns that give Puglia all its charm. This journey also allowed us to update several routes and make sure accommodations still meet your expectations, spoiler alert, there is nothing to worry about. Like any living experience, a cycling trip is never fixed in time. It needs to be continuously refined to offer the best possible adventure. It is this combination of landscapes, flavors and atmosphere that makes cycling in Puglia such a unique experience, one that truly deserves to be discovered.

Le Vélo voyageur has a brand-new look: discover our new website!🚴‍♀️ A new chapter begins… at the pace of the bike. Some journeys begin on a saddle, others begin behind a screen. And while we’ve always believed that adventure starts with a pedal stroke, we also know it often begins… with a quick search online. For over 15 years, Le Vélo voyageur has been mapping out unique cycling routes to explore France and Europe differently: by bike, slowly, and deeply. But our website, well… it was starting to show its age. So we started fresh. Not just a facelift — a complete redesign, crafted with you, for you. And today, we’re proud (and a little emotional) to finally share it with you! What’s new on the website?🚨 Navigation reimagined — from A to Vélo No more cluttered menus or confusing filters. Now you can: Search for a trip by destination, difficulty level, trip duration, or theme Filter based on your desires: seaside, vineyards, bike & train, family trips, and more View available departures by date or region Bonus: trips are now geolocated on an interactive map to help you picture the route. An “Inspiration” section to dream before you ride Torn between Alsace and the Atlantic Coast? More of a quick getaway type or into full-blown cycling adventures? 👉 The Inspiration section is here to guide you, based on your mood, time, and travel style. Featuring: Route suggestions tailored to your profile (beginner, family, explorer, foodie…) Portraits of fellow cycling travelers Travel stories and local highlights   Clearer, smarter trip pages Each trip now includes: A quick summary (difficulty, length, price, type of accommodation) A more visual “Day-by-day itinerary” tab Direct access to available dates and prices A one-click custom quote request And best of all: bigger, more immersive photos to help you picture each moment. A smoother booking experience We’ve simplified the booking form so you can: Easily select your date, options, and extras Save your cart and come back later Add multiple travelers without a headache Naturally, everything is now fully mobile and tablet-friendly 😉 A simplified (and soon expanded) customer account From your personal space, you can now: Access all your past and upcoming bookings Download your travel documents View your digital roadbook Coming soon: a community space to share your photos, reviews, and cycling memories.   What hasn’t changed (and that’s just as important)🎯 Our DNA remains the same🧡: Human-sized, meaningful travel Carefully selected accommodations Routes tested and approved by our team Personalized, passionate customer support Our new website doesn’t replace our attention to you — it enhances it. And behind every screen, there are still people passionate about helping you plan your cycling journey. What now?🚴‍♂️ 👉 Explore the new site here: www.levelovoyageur.com Take your time, browse around, let yourself dream a little. And if you have any questions, you know where to find us. (Spoiler: we’re probably out riding, but we reply fast!) Thank you for being part of this adventure. And see you soon… somewhere between two turns. — The Vélo voyageur team  

At Le Vélo voyageur, our trips are never set in stone.Every year, we return to the field — to fine-tune our itineraries and maintain direct relationships with our local partners. We update GPS tracks, add new activities, and make sure every detail is in perfect order so that you can enjoy the best possible experience.And between us… it’s not exactly the hardest part of our job. This time, we set off along the Atlantic Coast, following La Vélodyssée between Nantes and Royan — an itinerary we know well, but one that’s always worth revisiting. Day 1: From Nantes to Pornic Our trip began in Nantes, along the banks of the Loire. A blend of port-city history and modern dynamism, it’s a place where life feels good. It’s also where writer Jules Verne was born in the early 1800s — no wonder adventure still lingers in the air. We love this city for its energy as much as for the warm welcome from our partner accommodations. Nantes is also known for its rich cuisine — full of butter and white wine — so of course, we had to stop for a little indulgence: a classic crêpe beurre-sucre. To save some time on the route, we took the car south toward La Rochelle, with a must-stop in the lovely maritime town of Pornic. Feet in the water, sun on our faces, a plate of oysters (team lemon or shallot-vinegar?) — the perfect end to our first day on the Atlantic Coast. Day 2: Les Sables-d’Olonne & La Tranche-sur-Mer — Between Dunes and Sea Spray The road continues to Les Sables-d’Olonne, a mecca for sailing and the starting point of the legendary Vendée Globe. Sea, sails, and endless horizon — everything here breathes the open ocean. The day was filled with visits to our partners — hoteliers, bike renters, and restaurateurs. This close collaboration has been part of Le Vélo voyageur’s DNA since the very beginning. These exchanges help us integrate on-the-ground feedback, improve our trips, and sometimes even discover new addresses or refine a GPS track for smoother navigation. After checking the last details, we headed for La Tranche-sur-Mer — endless beaches, golden dunes, pine forests… a true postcard setting. So peaceful that only the call of seagulls breaks the silence. As always, we left feeling recharged and ready to hop back on our bikes. Day 3: La Rochelle to Rochefort After a short ride through La Rochelle, we continued toward Royan. There’s something special about cycling along the Atlantic Coast — landscapes change with the tides, and each stage reveals a new side of western France. First stop: Rochefort, where several long-time hotel partners were waiting for us. We exchanged feedback, discussed future updates, and planned a few improvements. This town carries the weight of history — once a simple castle, it flourished under Louis XIV, who built a major naval arsenal here. It’s also where Jacques Demy filmed The Young Girls of Rochefort in 1967, giving the city its poetic aura. Before hitting the road again, we took a moment to admire the iconic Transbordeur Bridge, proudly spanning the Charente River. Day 4: La Tremblade to Royan — Our Favourite Stage Pedalling toward La Tremblade, La Vélodyssée winds through vast pine forests and canals lined with reeds. Wind in our hair, sea air in our lungs – every pedal stroke tastes like freedom. We passed colourful oyster huts, a sign that the Cité de l’Huître Museum wasn’t far. On clear days, you can even spot the silhouette of the Île d’Oléron on the horizon. People say the best comes last — and it’s hard to disagree. Each time we ride this section between La Tremblade and Royan, the light is breathtaking. The scent of pine mingles with the ocean breeze, and the views over the Gironde estuary are stunning. Even though we know this itinerary by heart, the tides change everything. That’s the magic of the Atlantic Coast — a landscape that never looks quite the same twice. The perfect ending to another field experience. Why we do these field trips These test trips are essential: they let us experience your itineraries before you do. We can spot the small details that make a big difference : the scenic detour, the perfect viewpoint, the café that serves the warmest coffee in the morning. They’re also a chance to strengthen relationships with our partners, check services, and prepare for the upcoming 2026 season: luggage transfers, bike logistics, on-site welcomes… everything is reviewed to guarantee a unique, seamless experience. Between nature, freedom, and human connections, this trip captures Le Vélo voyageur’s spirit in its purest form.