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Cycling in the Landes

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Hundreds of miles of cycle paths run through the Landes, bordering the Atlantic coast and the inland forest…

In the saddle for a nature adventure!

Cyclable trails for all skill levels!

In March 2018, France received the first EuroVelo prize for “the most popular cycling tourism destination in Europe,” and the Landes département, crossed by two of the longest European routes, participated fully in the development of this project.

With one of the largest national cycling networks, numerous cycle paths and greenways, the Landes, with its numerous different and often unusual landscape types, is especially well adapted to a cycling holiday. Everyone is free to choose their pace, their route and their stops – the cycle paths have been designed for all bicycle users, whether frequent or occasional riders, or sportsmen and women.

Let’s go ride a bike

In the Landes, cycling is an eco-responsible mode of travel. Abandoning your car during the holidays is a great way to signal a bit of environmental virtue, and there’s always a track or cycle path near where you’re staying, as well as all the roads suggested for cycling being safe for cyclists, especially families.

Long distance cycling enthusiasts, that we locals like to call “sacoches,”are always delighted with the condition and extent of the Landes cycle paths as they travel through the Landes on their longer journeys:

  • The Vélodyssée® route stretches 1,200 kilometres from Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye on the border of the Spanish Basque Country. It is a magnificent route, almost flat, close to the Atlantic Ocean with an easy level suitable for families
  • The new Scandibérique® route was inaugurated in the Landes on June 2, 2018, and as its name suggests, it connects northern and southern Europe along 1,700 km of plains and hills through Belgium, to Saint Jean Pied de Port in the Basque Country, the last French stage on the pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostella.
Piste cyclablePiste cyclable
©Sophie Pawlak
Piste cyclable au bord du lac de LéonPiste cyclable au bord du lac de Léon

    Safety

    The Landes is a FAMILY destination and safety is paramount, especially where children are concerned. During the summer months we welcome many holidaymakers and cyclists. Travelling by bike to reach a beach or going to the market is possible almost everywhere. All tourist offices in the Landes can advise you on suitable routes, and have lots of guides and maps on sale at low prices, usually just one or two euros.

    Piste cyclable Lo Camin de HéPiste cyclable Lo Camin de Hé
    ©Piste cyclable Lo Camin de Hé

      Almost all paths are flat

      The great advantage for cyclists in the Landes is the flatness of the terrain, and cycle paths very often follow old railway tracks, restored as paved trails and cycle paths.

      In Côte Landes Nature, the “Vignac” and “Camin de Hé” trails are disused railway lines, as is the southern part of the Vélodyssée® from Léon to Soustons. The northern part from Vielle Saint Girons to Contis Plage is closer to the coast and has some very gentle hills!

      Stopping off in the Côte Landes Nature destination

      Riders on the Vélodyssée® route will be most welcome to avail themselves of our extensive accommodations, with a high quality reception and cycling services along the way. We guarantee cyclists that we’ll find accommodation for them within 5 km of the cycle path, with all the equipment and services you need.

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