Panneaux départ

The Atlantic coast by bike… a real odyssey!

Driven by the desire to experience travel a different way, one that is closer to nature, Vanessa Lecaille set off on an adventure by bike: 330 miles, from La Rochelle to Hendaye. Ten days of pure joy!

On the trail! From La Rochelle to Royan

article standard 01-PhareCoubre 1280x800

Day 1: I set off from the port in La Rochelle. As the three towers recede into the distance behind me, I tackle the first few miles on my fully equipped mount, and gently settle in to my own pace. I’ll never forget the sense of freedom I felt.

I stop for a break at La Coubre lighthouse, which stands guard on the coast. A spiral staircase takes me to the top, up all of its 300 steps. Then it’s a well-deserved break to admire the ocean as it stretches out as far as the eye can see, smell the salty air, and breathe the fresh sea breeze... A timeless moment.

Info guides and equipment (binoculars and telescopes) are available for wildlife spotting.

On to Arcachon and the forest of Les Landes

article standard 02-LacHourtin 1280x800

The miles ride by, and one stage rolls into another. What a joy to be discovering new parts of the region every single day, constantly being surprised by the landscape that unravels before your very eyes! In the middle of the forest of Les Landes, it feels so good to be breathing the pine-scented air! Hourtin-Carcans Lake is the perfect spot for a lazy break, and a chance to enjoy some outdoor activities. Located in a protected natural environment just before Maubuisson, it’s one of the biggest freshwater lakes in France.

The Etang de Cousseau nature reserve near Lacanau is also the perfect place for spotting local plant and wildlife as you stroll along the education trail.*
My journey continues towards Cap Ferret and the pretty little oyster-farming villages of Canon and L’Herbe, which huddle along the edge of Arcachon Bay. I really fell in love with this authentic little place, with its brightly coloured fishermen’s cabins and narrow lanes.

Sunset from the Dune de Pilat is still the most magical moment from my odyssey. Atop Europe’s highest sand dune, time stands still.

I’ll soon be reaching Basque Country!

article standard 03-CapFerret 1280x800

On I ride. The body grows tired but my motivation keeps growing. The coastline has so much more in store for me. Bayonne and its summer festivals, Biarritz and its iconic Rocher de la Vierge, Saint-Jean-de-Luz with its red and green houses, artists painting in the port, and its gâteau basque to be enjoyed in La Maison Adam** (the best place for it) to gather your strength… The time has come for the last few pushes of the pedals along to Hendaye.

Travelling the Atlantic coast by bike is a chance to reconnect with yourself. The easy-living in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the people I met and the places I saw will stay with me forever.

Legend has it that Adam gave a box of his famous macarons to Louis XIV for his wedding in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Places to go

La Coubre lighthouse in La Tremblade for the amazing views
Hourtin-Carcans Lake for lazing around in Maubuisson
Etang de Cousseau in Lacanau for the nature reserve
The villages of Canon and L’Herbe for their picturesque charm, in Lège Cap-Ferret
Plan your trip to La Coubre lighthouse
Plan your trip to Cap Ferret
Discover Hourtin

Some cycle-friendly accommodation may offer special rates for cyclists, it’s always worth asking.

Getting to your start point in La Rochelle 

RELATED
ARTICLES 

A bike, a helmet and a picnic in the backpack. With friends, with your sweetheart or with the family… the Lapébie...

Sailing along the rivers of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is another way to enjoy your holidays, relaxed roaming along waterways...

La Vélodyssée is the longest bikeway through France. On the Gironde stretch, head off from the Pointe de Grave in...

Fancy a great breath of fresh air? Discover a preview here below of a few 100% nature quests which you can also find...

Looking for an outing for all the family? The Campagne National Forest, covering some 337 hectares, is a pure delight...

The Atlantic Coast is studded with unexpected gems to discover, and the islands of the Charente are just some of them....

RELATED
ARTICLES 

A bike, a helmet and a picnic in the backpack. With friends, with your sweetheart or with the family… the Lapébie...

Sailing along the rivers of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is another way to enjoy your holidays, relaxed roaming along waterways...

La Vélodyssée is the longest bikeway through France. On the Gironde stretch, head off from the Pointe de Grave in...

Fancy a great breath of fresh air? Discover a preview here below of a few 100% nature quests which you can also find...

Looking for an outing for all the family? The Campagne National Forest, covering some 337 hectares, is a pure delight...

The Atlantic Coast is studded with unexpected gems to discover, and the islands of the Charente are just some of them....