Cycling the Atlantic coast from La Rochelle to Biarritz

Free time of arrival in La Rochelle, check-in at your accommodation during reception hours.

La Rochelle has kept from its past richness a very beautiful architecture in the shelter of its fortified Old Port. Today, it offers many cultural and tourist activities. Among them, the La Rochelle aquarium is not to be missed. 

Ride along the coastline and the long sandy beaches along the cycle path that passes through small seaside villages such as the village of Boucholeurs or Châtelaillon-Plage and leads you through the marshes to Rochefort. There you can admire the storks and herons flying away on your way.

Rochefort, this "new city" wanted by Louis XIV to build his naval arsenal still exudes a 17th century atmosphere. You will be able to visit the Corderie Royale, a factory where the ropes necessary for sailing ships were made and the Hermione, a three-masted ship built today with 17th century techniques.

Admire France’s last transporter bridge, classified as Historic Monument and dedicated to pedestrians and bicycles.
Continue biking along the canals then through the marshes populated by storks. Discover Brouage citadel built by the French engineer Vauban and bike along the oyster farms until the coast of Marennes beaches.
You cross over the Seudre River and end your day in La Tremblade.

You cross the forest of La Tremblade to the lighthouse of La Coubre. You go along the magnificent bay of Les Anses before arriving at La Palmyre. You continue along the coastline which gradually becomes rocky with very nice little creeks before arriving in Royan facing the Gironde estuary.

You take the ferry to cross the Gironde estuary and dock at the Pointe du Verdon on the Médoc side.

You arrive at Soulac-sur-Mer in a few strokes of the pedal and continue through the pine forest to Hourtin, stopping at your leisure in one of the natural lakes of this region.

Cycle along the coast on the Landes bicycle path. You can stop as many times as you like to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches. Cap-Ferret will offer you a stunning view at the end of the day on the Pilat dune, the largest dune in Europe. Take the ferry to Arcachon and admire the bay from a maritime perspective.

Visit the city at leisure.

Meet the oyster farmers in Gujan Mestras and taste oysters fresh from the lagoon.
The Leyre delta is a nature reserve where you can observe many species of birds at the ornithological park of Le Teich. Learn more about the local fauna and flora. You can also choose to canoe down this charming river, the Leyre.

Cycle along the Arcachon basin to reach the highest dune in Europe: the Dune of Pilat. Leave your bicycle at the bottom and climb the dune to enjoy the magical panorama over the blue waters of the ocean and the sandbanks. Take your bike to continue your journey in the heart of the Landes forest and along the beaches of the region. 

Today you continue your itinerary towards Mimizan Plage. You start your day from the top of the dunes in the forest. You then reach the beach of Magide on the lagoon of Cazaux where you can enjoy a swim.
You finish your day by reaching the beautiful lagoon of Aureilhan and the lively seaside resort of Mimizan Plage.

Enjoy a relaxing panorama on the cycle path in the shade of the pine forest. You keep on riding through the forest and along the beaches. You can enjoy a swim at the beach (Cap de l’Homy). You finish your day in the area of Léon lake.

Make a small deviation through the typical town center of Moliets-et- Maa and then continue on the bicycle path of the Vélodyssée. You will reach Vieux-Boucau and its magnificent marine lake. You are gradually entering the south of the Landes, the surfers' paradise. The end of your stage will be the port of Capbreton. Don't miss a walk on the pier to admire the setting sun before choosing a terrace for dinner on the port.

You leave the Landes country and bike on a cycle path through the pine and oaks forest before riding on shared small roads for the first time of the trip before reaching Bayonne. From the Adour river banks at the entrance of Bayonne, you enjoy a nice view on the cathedral towers. Take your time to discover this beautiful town, which is very proud of its identity. In the afternoon, you bike along the coast and its sandy beaches to arrive in Biarritz.