by cycle - Tourisme Aquitaine

Conception graphique : www.poaplume.com - crédit photo © CRTA - L. Reiz, J.J. Brochard, B. Bloch, J. Damase, Alain Bèguerie
© Jean-Philippe Lamotte / Dominique Guilhamassé / OT de Bordeaux - T. Sanson
e.com
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DEUX-SÈVRES
cycle
A Q U I TA I N E
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Ang
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4 place Jean Jaurès - CS 31759
33074 Bordeaux Cedex
Tél. : + 33 5 56 01 70 00 - Fax : +33 5 56 01 70 07
[email protected]
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Comité Régional
de Tourisme d’Aquitaine
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HAUTEVIENNE
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Carcans-Plage
Carcans
Étang
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Étang Lacanau
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Lacanau
Ste-Hélène
Castelnaude-Médoc
Le PianMédoc
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BORDEAUX
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HAUTES-PYRÉNÉES
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We can suggest ideas for circuits and cycling holidays, most of which come as a
Salat
complete package to enjoy with family and
friends.We offer a range of wonderful
bike rides on the slopes, forest paths, towpaths and greenways of Aquitaine,
not forgetting the great national itineraries like the véloroute de la Vallée
z
du Lot, the véloroute des Deux Mers, ethe
Velodyssey (open since
09
2012) and the véloroute des Pélerins.The latter is currently
ARIÈGE
under construction and will connect Trondheim in Norway
with Galicia in neSpain, via the Landes de Gascogne.
You can board a train with your bike at many stations
in Aquitaine (www.sncf.com), and can also take
your bike on the local buses (www.citram.fr).
Have a good trip!
Little lexicon
three definitions to help you ride freely!
The cycle routes are medium
or long-distance cycle routes
that run uninterrupted through
town and countryside, and are
adapted to bicycle traffic (safety
measures, signage).They connect
different regions together on a
departmental, regional, national
and European scale.The cycle
routes run along all types of
secure roads, including the
greenways. Some parts of them
are shared by cars.
A cycle path is a lane for
cyclists which is physically
separated from the road. On
the Aquitaine coast, these paths
are also used by pedestrians. In
Aquitaine, the cycle path network
is very well developed.
Ga
r o nn
8
9
PARC NATIONAL DES PYRÉNÉES
Le Somport
Col du
Tunnel
du Somport
9
14
21
G av e d e
Bedous
Accous
Ga
5
12
LestelleBetharram
Izeste
Bilhères
Arettela-PierreSt-Martin
Toulouse
Bielle
LourdiosIchère
Lescun
Arudy
3
10
Pontacq
u
Escot
3
61
Aquitaine is a dream destination for cyclists, with a4 network of cycle paths starting at Pointe de
6
A
31 at Hendaye
Graves in north Aquitaine andHAUTE-GARONNE
finishing
in the south, as well as nearlyHe2rs 500 km
of signposted mountain bike trails. From the pine forests of the Landes to the vineyards of the
Bordeaux area, from the peaks of the Pyrenees to the gentle hills of the Gascony vineyards,
from sea to mountain, Aquitaine
offers an exceptional variety of landscapes, regions and
A 64
A 64explore.
routes to
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NayBourdettes
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P
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25
13
Ari èg e
Lasseube
SP
Bains-de e d
St-Christau 'Ossa
Aramits
Sarrance
Issarbe
Col de la Pierre
Saint-Martin
Gelos Assat
St-Faust
Ga
OloronSte-Marie
Pau
P
Montaner
by
12
L
ron
Morlaàs
1
2
G aron
O lo
4
Lescar
Billère
Jurançon
cycle
A Q U I TA I N E
Lembeye
F
Sav
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Adour
Monein
Aren
Lanne-
www.tourisme64.com
2
7
Thèze
E ch e z
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4
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Arièg
Navarrenx
en-Baretous
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12
4
Garlin
ArzacqArraziguet
5 Mourenx
TardetsSorholus
The Nive greenway, a 13 km path between Bayonne and Ustarritz, is a safe way
to explore Pays Basque with your family. Starting from the centre of Bayonne, it offers
a wonderful flat route in the heart of the countryside.You can start your trip in front of
the Aviron Bayonnais, the famous rugby club, on the river’s left bank, and then ride past the
cornfields and Basque farms.You can also access the “barthes”, humid areas on the Ansot plain,
by crossing a bridge.Take a picnic, as there are tables and benches along the first part of the
route for a well-deserved break!
The greenways are special
paths where motor vehicles are
not allowed, created along disused
railway lines, towpaths, forest
roads and in urban parks.They
are designed for pedestrians,
cyclists, rollerbladers, people with
reduced mobility and, in some
cases, horse riders.They are
secured and have special signage.
3
2
i
GERS
Geaune
Mid
Ad
Bourgaber
Lagor
Sai
s
Larrau
18
20
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al d
de-Béarn
Laàs
Iraty
Luy
Arthez-
Trois-Villes
Urepel
Astaffort
Moncrabeau
A
82
TARN-ET-GARONNE
Toulouse
Can
de-Béarn
Pied-de-Port
Morlanne
5
Sauveterre-
MauléonLicharre
Estérençuby
Aire-
s-l'Adour
St-Loubouer
Samadet
Ga
A family bike ride
between Nive and the
ocean in Pays Basque
Hagetmau
Brassempouy
Orthez
Saint-Jean-
Arnéguy
Mézin
Layrac
Lamonjoie
Created on the Garonne Canal towpath, this 104 km greenway crosses the Lot-et-Garonne
department between Meilhan-sur-Garonne and Saint-Jean-de-Thurac, continuing into Gironde,
from Hure to Castets-en-Dorthe.The gradient is accessible to all cyclists. Cycling beneath
century-old plane trees and riverside poplars, this path will take you across the lush Garonne
plain, with its orchards, cornfields and sunflowers. From Castets to Agen through the Buzet
vineyard, 32
there are many great opportunities along the way for fine dining, learning and fun.
s-l’Adour
Eugénieles-Bains
Laplume
In Gascony,
along the Garonne Canal
Grenade-
Bellocq
St-Jean-le-Vieux
Bike station,
mountain bike centre,
mountain bike base
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23
Arthezd’Armagnac
Saint-Sever
Nérac
Moirax
www.tourisme-lotetgaronne.com
Lacarre
les Aldudes
Ideas for stays
Gabarret
3
Adour
e
Urdos
Lavardac
Ideas for tours
Bon Encontre St-Maurin
St-Jean-de-Thurac
Puymirol
Labastide-
de-Marsan
Amou
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PYRÉNÉESATLANTIQUES
OstabatAsme
P
d’Armagnac
e
ranc
Iholdy
Banca
2
Villeneuve- Midou
P
St-Pierredu-Mont
Ga v
Bidarray
Agen
Le Passage
30
City
on bike
Beauville
La Sauvetatde-Savères
A 62
Estibeaux
Saliesde-Béarn
SaintPalais
Hélette
de-Baïgorry
Puydesseaux
Mont-de-Marsan
e
Mugron
Habas
LuxeSumberraute
Garris
les-Bains
St-Etienne-
ouz
Montfort-enChalosse
Luy d
e Fr
anc
e
Bidache
Ainhoa
G
Dax
Gave de Pau
Cambo-
Itxassou
les-Bains
on
Sare
St-Pée
Espelette
St-Justin
Luy
Ascain
St-Vincentde-Paul
Peyrehorade
La BastideClairence
LaroqueTimbaut
Prayssas
Francescas
Poudenas
Bascons
Préchac- Laurède
r
AdouHinx
Tercisles-Bains
Urt
TournonPenne- d’Agenais
d’Agenais
Le Temple-s-Lot
Bruch
Barbaste
Ste-Livrade sur-Lot
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LOT-ET-GARONNE
Vianne
Roquefort
Tartas
Pontonx-
Pouillon
Hastingues
L ot
Cycle track
Vélodyssey
The Lot Valley cycle route
Green route
Route of passes
Original ideas
L ot
SP
Aiguillon
PortSte-Marie
SP
Brocas
éarn
eB
Biriatou
Damazan
s-l’Adour
Saubusse
Hasparren
C
Buglose
ouze
Bid
Behobia
n
Herm
Castelmoron
Casteljaloux
Captieux
4
Villeneuve-
Tonneins Laparade
18
Fumel
Monclar
Casseneuil
Le Masd’Agenais
Château
de Bonaguil
Labrit
Mi d
lès-Dax SP
ve
Ni
Ustaritz
Hendaye
Bazas
Durance
Castets
St-Paul-
3
St-Pastour
Houeillès
Villenave
r
Socoa
Ciboure
Urrugne
SP
5
Clairac
GASCOGNE
40
Morcenx
LANDES
Arjuzanx
Étg
d’Orx
Saint-Pierred'Irube
s-Garonne
Key bikes
Bonaguil
Monflanquin
Tombebœuf
Villefranchedu-Périgord
Biron
Lacapelle-Biron
Gavaudin
Cancon
Marmande
C ir o
Saint-Jean Guéthary
de-Luz
Arcangues
Auros
Motorway
Main road
46
Local road
River
Montferranddu-Périgord
Villeréal
Seyches
Ste-Bazeille
Sabres
Solférino
Linxe
Saint-Martinde-Seignanx
SP
Miramontde-Guyenne
Meilhan-
Key
Domme
St-Avit-Senieur Belvès
Nojalset-Clottes
Lauzun
St-Colombde-Lauzun
s-Dropt
Luxey
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Marquèze
Léon
Moliets et Maa
Messanges
Bayonne Adou
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Carlux
CarsacAillac
Castillonnès
Allemans-
Sarbazan
Saint-Vincentde-Tyrosse
2
4
Pe
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r
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Mézos
St-Julienen-Born
a l latéra l à la a
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Vitrac Veyrignac
La RoqueGageac
Cadouin Siorac-
11
SalignacEyvignes
Monpazier
Sore
DES
re
Labouheyre
c ou
ce
Tarnos
Langon
Issigeac
SP
Beynacet-Cazenac
Vézac
en-Périgord
Beaumont
Eymet
La Réole
Bouglon
Le y
tite
Lüe
Soustons
Boucau
an
Molières
1
St-Cyprien
Le Buisson
6
Saint-Crépinet-Carlucet
Les Eyziesde-Tayac
Sireuil
Badefolss-Dordogne
Duras
Monségur
Dropt
Grignols
St-Girons
Étg
Le Penon
Blanc
Seignosse
SoortsHossegor
Hossegor
Labenne
Ondres
Liposthey
3
Étg de
Soustons Magescq
Capbreton
SP
Uzeste
St-Symphorien
NATUREL
Moustey
RÉGIONAL
Pissos
Mimizan
Étg de
Courant Léon
d’Huchet
Vieux-Boucaules-Bains
Hostens
BelinBéliet
Ychoux
Étang
d’Aureilhan
St-Félixde-Foncaude
en-Dorthe
PARC
les-Bains
www.labastide-armagnac.fr
Gornac
Ste-Croixdu-Mont
Verdelais
St-Macaire Castets-
Parentisen-Born
Ste-Eulalieen-Born
Moliets-Plage
Cadillac
Villandraut
Lac de Biscarrosse
et de Parentis
St-Girons-Plage
Sauveterre-
Lalinde
Couzeet-St-Front
St-Géniès
Sergeac
Lespinasse
Limeuil
Trémolat
Dordogne
2
Grotte de
s-Vézère
le Moustier
Le Bugue
Creysse
1
Sigoulès
Pellegrue
Condat- la-Villedieu
s-Vézère
St-Léon- Lascaux
24
DORDOGNE
Monbazillac
Saussignac
Blasimon
Rions
Cérons
SP
Gensac
Rauzan
Bergerac
Ste-Foyla-Grande
Pujols
Targon
Langoiran
Podensac
Le Barp
Biscarrosse
Lit-et-Mixe
Daignac
la Sauve
La Force
Terrasson-
Rouffignac
Vergt
Pradelles
Montcaret
20
7
ClermontFerrand
Beauregardde-Terrasson
Thenon
Montignac
Ste-Alvère
CastillonSt-Etienne- la-Bataille de-Montaigne
de-Lisse
Vélines
17
A
Auriacdu-Périgord
Villefranchede Lonchat
èr e
Hautefort
Ajat
St-Pierrede-Chignac
St-Michel-
1
Facture
Sanguinet
Biscarrosse
Plage
Es
Boulazac
Montanceix
Villamblard
St-Emilion
re
zè
Trélissac
Grignols
Petit-Palaiset-Cornemps
Créon
Sauternes
Étang de
Cazaux et de
Sanguinet
s-l’Isle
Montagne
SP
I sl e
Mussidan
MontponMénestérol
St-Seurin-
de-Guizières
de-Guyenne
Le Teich
Cazaux
Contis-
Portets
La Brède
de-Buch
Aureilhan
Marsac
Coulounieix- P
Chamiers
St-Astier
Neuvic
Branne
de-Bordeaux
Gar
o
St-Médard-
Libourne Lussac
Fronsac
Floirac Lignan-
Talence
Cestas
Léognan
2
Lanton
Audenge
Pilat
-Plage
MimizanPlage
1
e
nn
Bassin
d’Arcachon
Arcachon
Cross the Landes countryside
and forest between Marsan
and Armagnac
Dordogn
e
Bègles Bouliac
VillenaveGradignan
d’Ornon Sadirac
les-Bains
s-Mer
de-Cubzac
Ambarèset-Lagrave
Pessac
Arès
Pyla-
Périgueux
4
e
z èr
Auv é
Tourtoirac
Savignacles-Églises
3
TocaneSt-Apre
La Roche-Chalais
Coutras
St-Denisde-Pile
Isle
St-André-
Ambès
Blanquefort
Bruges
Bassens
St-Loubès
Le Taillan-M.
St-MédardCarbon-Blanc
en-Jalles Eysines
ArtiguesLe Bouscat
Martignasprès-Bx
Lormont
Mérignac
s-Jalle
Cenon
Le Porge-Océan
Cap-Ferret
Guîtres
Margaux
33
GIRONDE
2
St-Savin
Montuzet
Bayon-s-Gironde
Cap-Ferret
This 16 km greenway at the heart of the Landes offers a lovely ride
beneath the pines and oaks of the famous Landes de Gascogne
forest, then across the wide open spaces of the cornfields.This shady,
pleasant, comfortable route connects the centre of Mont-de-Marsan
to Villeneuve-de-Marsan, gateway to Bas-Armagnac. Keen cyclists can
carry on towards Gabarret and stop by Notre-Dame-des-Cyclistes at
Labastide d’Armagnac, a medieval fortified town on the edge of the
Landes on which the famous Place des Vosges in Paris was modelled.
Blaye
Plassac
vé
SavignacLédrier
Pique
LacanauOcéan
Montagrier
St-VincentJalmoutiers
4
14
Excideuil
Sorges
Bourg
Andernos-
Bidart
SP
CussacFort-Médoc
Lamarque
Thiviers
Champagnacde-Bélair
Brantôme
Bourdeilles
Ribérac
Maubuisson
www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com
la Tour Blanche
St-Ciers
St-LaurentMédoc
Au
Nanthiat Lanouaille
Verteillac
St-Aulaye
Lège-
Anglet
Biarritz
Paris
Pauillac
Hourtin
St-Jeande-Côle
Vendoire
Dronn e
Étang
d’HourtinCarcans
Saint-Emilion Tourist Office has several bike rides in the Jurisdiction of the same
name, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Classified Premiers Crus route, the
Remarkable Architecture Route, the Family Properties Route and the Vines and
the Dordogne route.These routes are 10 to 21 km long and last 1h15 to 2
hours, with varying levels of difficulty from “easy” to “medium”.They are a great
way to see the castles dotted along the itinerary, as well as other curiosities
like the Pierrefitte menhir or the Ferrand caves, which are open to all.You can
download detailed information sheets about these 4 trails on the tourist office
website.You can hire bikes there (12€ for a half-day -15€ for a day).
Take advantage of your stay to try a few good wines or share a meal at one
of the town’s welcoming restaurants, from simple bistros to “Michelin” starred
establishments!
Mareuil
Is l e
Bike rides in the vineyards
of Saint-Emilion
13
Jumilhacle-Grand
St-Pardouxla-Rivière
la Rochebeaucourt
et Argentine
www.parc-naturel-perigord-limousin.fr
www.pays-thiberien.fr/La-Maison-du-Foie-Gras.html
13
St-Germaind’Esteuil
St-Estèphe
SP
Nontron
le Contaut
Hourtin-Plage
PÉRIGORD LIMOUSIN
Villars
Dronn
e
S
PARC NATUREL RÉGIONAL
68
G
St-Viviende-Médoc
15
Teyjat
A 10
E
PiégutPluviers
Véz
l’Amélie
Varaignes
di a
s-Mer
8
BussièreBadil
nte
After seeing the Foie Gras Museum in Thiviers and tasting this South-West
speciality,
you can set off for Green Périgord, heading towards Saint-Pardoux-la20
Rivière, on this old 19th-century railway line which has been converted into a
greenway. Enjoy the countryside on a peaceful bike ride. Allow 1h to complete
the route.
Soulac-
W
re
a
Le Verdon
N
3
17 km departing from Thiviers,
“the foie gras capital”
S e ugn e
1
Ch
Ba
n
22
Seu
dre
SUISSE
Berne
The towns
of Aquitaine
by bike
Big
Ideas
itinerary
for circuits
holidays
3
1
This greenway of 34 kilometres runs along an old railway line, from
the Saint-Sever quarter to Hinx, 7 km from Dax. It will take you
around Chalosse, an area in the south of the Landes, between the
Adour and the Gaves (mountain streams). It lies at the heart of
Gascony, a hedged farmland area that has managed to preserve
its long-standing traditions, including rugby, Course Landaise (a type
of bloodless bullfighting) and gastronomy. There is plenty of shade
along the route. A few cleared passages offer extensive views of the
landscapes of Chalosse, hills, winding valleys, woods, prairies, cultivated
areas and traditional villages.
Take the opportunity to relax at the Borda spa complex. It
has indoor and outdoor pools, Californian baths, waterfalls and
Jacuzzis.
Weave your way around the
Monbazillac vineyard
A peaceful cycle route of 22 km (return trip) connecting Monbazillac to
the small town of Bouniagues. Since the 11th century, Monbazillac has
been known for its famous sweet white wine of the same name, one
of the appellations of the Bergerac vineyard, as well as the castle that
towers majestically over the Dordogne Valley and the town of Bergerac.
Make your way among the rows of Muscadelle, Sémillon and Sauvignon
vines, the three main varieties used to make the fabulous nectar, as you
travel along a hilly trail, the last part of which is more forest than winegrowing area. As you approach Colombier, be sure to admire the remains
of a beautiful windmill as well as the superb Romanesque church in the
centre of the village. Away from the marked path, you can see superb
panoramic views from the crest of the hillside vineyards. Take advantage
to pay a visit to the wine-growers on the Wine Route, who are always
happy to share their passion with you.
Bordeaux and its 18th-century heritage
The quays of Bordeaux have a 5 km greenway running along the
Garonne, between the right and left banks - an ideal way to discover
the beautiful curve of the ‘’Port de la Lune’’ and enjoy exceptional
views of the 18th-century quays’ façades. Here you can see some
of the most beautiful sites in the regional capital, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, such as the Place de la Bourse and the water mirror,
the Pey-Berland tower, the Church of Saint-Michel, the various gates
at the entrance to Bordeaux… You can also take part in a guided
tour of the city by bike, most of which takes place on cycle paths. It
departs from the quays and is also a great chance to discover the
rest of Bordeaux’s heritage.
To make life easier for you, there are bicycle hire companies all over
the city, as well as the card-based bike loan network, “Vcub” (you pick
up the bikes at special stations using a bank card to pay). This way,
you can hop on a bike at one station and drop it off at another.
...............................................................................................................................................................
Unmissable sites along the way
• The Museum of Chalosse in Montfort-en-Chalosse
• In Saint-Sever, an historic town famous for its poultry, the
Benedictine abbey (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Jacobins
convent
• In Dax, France’s biggest spa town, visit the hot fountain and the
Borda Museum
281 € / person
For a double room in low
season
• 2*hotel accommodation,
half-board
• Technical assistance
• Topo-guide
• From 1 April to 31 October
• Optional equipment and
transfers
A great getaway in the Dordogne Valley
Get away from it all for a weekend on a free cycle tour, discovering the landscapes of
Périgord and the exceptional heritage of the Dordogne: its majestic meanders (such as
the Cingle de Montfort), hillside villages (La Roque-Gageac, Beynac), medieval fortresses
and famous castles, such as Castelnaud or Les Milandes.
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
Bayonne, the Basque town
The town has 14.5 km of dedicated cycling tracks, 18.3 km of cycle
lanes, and over 4 km of two-way cyclable streets. It has 120 bikes
located at 11 strategic points, and you can borrow them free of
charge by the day.
...............................................................................................................................................................
www.velodyssey.com
www.bayonne-tourisme.com/fr/cote-pratique/se-deplacer/velos-gratuits.php
Ta ke on the Pyrenees
on the Road to the Passes
3
Take a tour of Arcachon Bay
85 km of river banks running along the edge of the Landes de
Gascogne forest, surrounding a real inland sea which has helped
encourage the growth of oyster-farming. There are many cycling
opportunities, as all the seaside resorts are connected by a network
of cycle paths. On the itinerary you can see exceptional sites as the
natural environment changes with the tides. Climb 104 metres up
the Great Dune of Pyla and cast an admiring eye over the Bay, its
channels, the Bay of Arguin, the Ile aux Oiseaux (Bird Island) and the
Conch of Mimbeau. You can also cross the Bay on a boat (bikes are
allowed on board).
Take the opportunity to hop aboard with an oyster farmer or
fisherman at Arcachon Bay and collect nets full of cuttlefish, soles and
eels, or go oyster-gathering.
Unmissable sites along the way
• The fortified towns of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Vianne
• The villages of Pujols, Casseneuil, Penne d’Agenais
• Lustrac windmill
• Bonaguil castle
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Unmissable sites along the way
Périgueux, capital of the Dordogne
Discover the riches of the town on a 2 km bike ride in the town centre. If
you want to take things further, this track joins up with the Berges de l’Isle
greenway, 24 km between Marsac and Trélissac.
...............................................................................................................................................................
6 days - 5 nights
www.bateliers-arcachon.com
www.bassin-arcachon.com/embarquez-a-la-maree-bassin-arcachon.html
4
Take a tour of Pau at your own pace with IDEcycle, Pau’s self-service
bike system: there are 200 bikes available 24/7 at 20 stations in Pau.
Just choose the type of membership you want (24h, 7 days or 1 year)
and off you go!
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5
Lovers of great open spaces who like a challenge should try the
Pyrenean mountain passes. From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean,
this road has 34 passes. Over one or more days, set off and discover
the Pyrenean landscapes, in the beautiful and wild mountains. You
can tailor your route to suit your level of ability, from easily accessible
roads to high mountain passes. Follow in the footsteps of the Tour
de France champions and take on legendary passes such as Le
Tourmalet, the Col d’Aubisque, La Pierre-Saint-Martin… Make this
break your own and discover not just a mountain but a whole culture:
sheep’s cheese, the flocks migrating with their shepherds, life in the
mountain villages, farm products and more…
...............................................................................................................................................................
www.laroutedescols.com
www.ossau-iraty.fr
Equipped with a roadmap and an all terrain bike, you will cross the Bordeaux vineyards
starting from the Entre deux Mers and the Sauternais, then the Landes de Gascogne
Regional Nature Park, all the way to Arcachon Bay and the Ocean. This freewheeling
route runs along cycle paths and small roads which have low traffic levels and are
generally flat.
...............................................................................................................................................................
Share the Way
of St James by bike
Most of the Pilgrims of yore travelled by foot because they had no
other way of reaching Santiago de Compostela. Nowadays, tourists
travelling by bike can also deviate from the itinerary to visit some
interesting sites. This loop ride on the Way of St James starts from
Salies-de-Béarn, an 11th-century town famous for producing salt. This
ride will take you to the heart of the Béarn countryside, with wooded
hillsides and wide valleys, at the edge of Pays Basque. You will pass
through medieval fortified towns, which have kept many traces of
their eventful past.
You can also enjoy the relaxing effects of the salty thermal waters at
the Salies leisure spa.
Unmissable sites along the way
• In Salies-de-Béarn, the salt museum and spa quarter
• Navarrenx, medieval fortified town
• Laàs castle and its gardens
• Sauveterre-de-Béarn
...............................................................................................................................................................
www.tourisme-bearn-gaves.com
Dicover Béarn and Pays Basque
by cycle
You will be based in Navarrenx, a bastioned town on the Way of St. James, where you can
find all the services and shops you need for your stay.You can visit the only cigar factory
in Europe.The Gave d’Oloron river runs through the valley, where you can go fishing and
rafting. The suggested itineraries are ideal for discovering Béarn in total freedom - the
Gaves (mountain streams) and the Jurançon, an area famous for its vineyards - as well
as inland Pays Basque. Highlights include the Soule Valley, one of the Basque provinces,
and the Way of St. James.
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
www.tourisme-bearndesgaves.com
www.evazio.com
3
Moutain biking sites
2 days – 1 night
• 30 km per day
• Easy - all levels
• All year round
From nature to farmland on the
Landes Velodyssey
Travel from Mimizan to Vieux-Boucau, deep in the Landes forest, and discover nature in
all its splendour.You can stay at establishments displaying the “Accueil Vélo” label (which
you will need to book yourself), located near the cycle route at Lit-et-Mixe, Vielle-SaintGirons and Mimizan. Leave the track to enjoy the nearby ocean beaches at Contis-Plage
or Saint-Girons-Plage. Leave your bike behind to travel down the beautiful, wild Huchet
river in a canoe-kayak, enjoy a hike in the forest, or visit a traditional farm
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
www.velodyssey.com
...............................................................................................................................................................
www.agglo-perigueux.fr/Sortir-Se-divertir/Chemins-de-randonnee
Pau, a town at the foot of the Pyrenees
www.latour-marliac.com
www.tourisme-lotetgaronne.com
• The Prés salés d’Arès nature reserve
• The Domaine de Certes in Audenge
• Le Teich ornithological park
• The Maison de l’Huître (oyster centre) in Gujan-Mestras, a small
town with 7 harbours
• Arcachon and the Great Dune of Pyla
• Staying in a 2* Logis de
France hotel, half-board
• 40 to 70 km per
day, but stages can be
shortened
• All year round
735 € / person
From Bordeaux vineyards to the ocean
2
From
7 days – 6 nights
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The Lot Valley cycle route runs along the river for 86 km, following
carefully signposted roads with only a slight incline. Running along the
riverside, from the confluence with the Garonne to Bonaguil castle
fort through Villeneuve-sur-Lot, it offers verdant landscapes full of
orchards, farms, fortified towns (some of the most beautiful in France)
and lovely villages overlooking the valley. This cycle route is part of the
great cycle tourism itineraries and carries on beyond Lot-et-Garonne,
into the department of Lot, for 80 km as far as Cahors. When
finished, it will go as far as the source of the Lot in Lozère, for a total
of 500 km.
Visit the Gardens of Latour Marliac, the oldest nursery in the world,
which specialises in conserving and creating water lilies. Monet came
here to choose the flowers that inspired his Water Lilies.
5
From
• 30 to 50 km per day
• All levels
• Charming B&B and hotel
accommodation
• 4 local speciality dinners
and packed lunches
• Luggage transfer and
technical assistance
• Optional equipment
• From 1 April to 31
October
From castle forts to fortified
towns, explore the Lot Valley
www.reservation-lotetgaronne.com
2
www.tourismelandes.com
4
Cycle past hillsides, orchards, vineyards and hillocks in this beautiful area, which has a
river of the same name running through it. Starting from Duras, a major site in Aquitaine
(14th and 17th centuries) famous for its vineyard and castle, you will travel along small
roads connecting pretty villages steeped in medieval history, riding through the A.O.C
Côtes de Duras wine region. Drop in on local producers, who are always ready to share
their passion with you, or visit the Maison des Vins de Duras for an introductory tour or
wine-tasting lesson.
...............................................................................................................................................................
415 € / person
www.bergerac-tourisme.com
2
• Stages of varying lengths
available (the loop has a
total length of 100 km)
• Stay at a Logis de France
hotel with a 3 “chimneys”
rating, half-board
• 2 dinners, 2 lunches
• Bike hire
• Tourist literature
• From 1 April to 31 October
www.perigord-reservation.com
• In Bergerac, the Les Récollets cloister and the Maison des Vins
(House of Wines),Tobacco Museum and Museum of River Transport
• Monbazillac castle: guided tour with or without a tasting
• The cave cooperative (in Monbazillac, located in the town, 2km from
Monbazillac castle
The Velodyssey belongs to the network of fifteen EuroVéloroutes, the
biggest cycling routes in Europe. It provides a new connection between
Northern Europe and Spain, and continues into Devon (south-west
England) and the Iberian Peninsula.
The French part of the Velodyssey starts in Roscoff and ends in
Hendaye. After crossing Brittany, Vendée, Charente-Maritime and the
Gironde estuary, the biggest in Europe, the cycle route goes down in
a straight line along the Aquitaine coast. You can reach the Pointe du
Grave from Royan by taking your bike on the ferry.
From Médoc, an area famous for its wines and seaside resorts, you
can ride to Arcachon Bay below the Great Dune of Pyla, and then
the Landes beaches and the towns and resorts on the Basque coast:
Biarritz, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and, finally, Hendaye. Marked
with its own special signage, the Velodyssey is ideal for travelling long
distances or enjoying a family outing. There is a dedicated cycle lane
for most of the way, especially in Gironde and the Landes, and the
route is secure and accessible to all.
All along the itinerary, you’ll find services that cater to tourists travelling
by bike - accommodation, visitor attractions, bike hire companies, repair
companies - all carrying the “Accueil vélo” label.
...............................................................................................................................................................
Staying in a double room
Cycling weekend in Dropt Valley
3 days - 2 nights
...............................................................................................................................................................
Unmissable sites along the way
www.bordeaux-a-velo.com
www.vcub.fr
www.idecycle.com/le-service-idecycle
From
In the Landes, discover
Chalosse from Saint-Sever
From
170 € / person
3 days – 2 nights
1
The Velodyssey: freewheeling
on the Atlantic coast
1
Ideas for cycling
4
In Aquitaine, there are several sites that carry the Fédération Française de
Cyclisme and Fédération Française de Cyclotourisme labels, so you can be
sure of riding on signposted paths which are regularly maintained and suitable
for all levels of ability. These sites also offer visitor reception facilities which
are open all year round, as well as all the technical information you need to
enjoy your bike ride: tourist information, in particular about accommodation
options on site or nearby, mountain bike hire, washing and repair points…
Montagrier area in Périgord (24)
697 km of tracks deep in the Dronne Valley, a wonderful natural
environment between Green Périgord Vert and White Périgord, La
Double forest, lakes and Merovingian ruins.
Tél. : +33 (0)5 53 90 13 25
Centre of the Gérard Lagors departmental leisure estate
in Hostens (33)
110 km of tracks at the heart of the Landes de Gascogne Regional
Nature Park, in lush countryside between Landes and Gironde.
Tél. : +33 (0)5 56 88 70 29
Hiking area between Lot and Garonne in Prayssas (47)
Further information
On the greenways:
www.af3v.org
On cycling and cycle tourism in France:
www.ffct.org
www.ffc.fr
On Cycling and Cycle Tourism in Aquitaine:
www.cycling-aquitaine.com
On tourist attractions in Aquitaine:
www.tourism-aquitaine.com
www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr
www.tourisme-gironde.fr
www.tourismelandes.com
www.tourisme-lotetgaronne.com
www.tourisme64.com
266 km of tracks between the Lot Valley and the hillsides of the “Pays
de Serres”, an area steeped in medieval history with Jacquaire pilgrim
relics, castles and more…
Tél. : +33 (0)5 53 95 29 48
Download information :
www.cc-cantonprayssas.fr
Mountain stream and hillside area in Assat (64)
120 km of very different routes, between the Gave de Pau river and
the Jurançon hills, with an amazing view of the Pyrenees mountain
range.
Tél. : +33 (0)5 59 82 13 73
Navarrenx base in Béarn des Gaves (64)
225 km of signposted routes with the Pyrenees in the background.
www.tourisme-bearn-gaves.com
Piémont Oloronais base (64)
250 km of signposted paths between the Jurançon hills and the valleys
of the Pyrenees.
www.tourisme-oloron.com