A guide to discovering Aquitaine by bike

 

The Aquitaine – Cycling and E-Bike Touring guide takes you from the Bordeaux region to the Pyrenees. It offers eight itineraries of two to eight days to discover southwest France by bike.

You'll traverse a wide variety of landscapes. The Atlantic coast, the Landes beaches, vineyards, towpaths, Pyrenean valleys, and Basque Country villages create ideal terrain for bike touring.

This guide is for cycle tourists who want to plan a self-guided trip. It is also suitable for e-bike users. The routes are designed to be enjoyable, flexible, and adapted to different skill levels.

 

Itineraries between Gironde, Landes, Béarn, and the Basque Country

 

This cycling guide allows you to explore several major regions of Aquitaine. First, the Bordeaux region and Gironde offer a beautiful balance of heritage, vineyards, estuaries, and villages. Next, the Landes region invites you to cycle through pine forests, past seaside resorts, and along cycle paths.

Further south, Béarn and the Basque Country offer a different atmosphere. The terrain becomes more rugged. The landscapes change. Moreover, the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage adds even more character to the trip.

 

The routes are based primarily on well-known cycling routes. These include the Vélodyssée, the Scandibérique, the Vélosud, and the Canal des 2 Mers cycle route. In addition, the guide uses selected smaller roads to create practical and enjoyable itineraries.

 

A practical guide for planning a cycling holiday

 

The book offers trips of 2 to 8 days. It can therefore be used for a long weekend, a week's holiday, or a more comprehensive tour.

Furthermore, the routes can be done as loops or one-way trips with a return journey by train, depending on the itinerary. This is a real advantage for organizing a flexible trip, without necessarily having to cycle back to the starting point.

 

Finally, this guide is useful for choosing your route according to your preferences: coastline, heritage, nature, gastronomy, greenways, or quiet country roads. It helps you plan a cycling trip in Aquitaine, whether you're traveling with a traditional bike or an e-bike.

 

Routes and cycle paths mentioned:

• The Vélodyssée
• The Scandibérique
• The Vélosud
• The Canal des 2 Mers by bike
• The Vieux-Boucau – Dax cycle route
• The Marmande – Mimizan cycle route
• The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James)
• The mountain pass routes of the Pyrenees

Key features of the guide:

• 8 cycling trips of 2 to 8 days
• Routes suitable for bicycles and e-bikes
• Routes from the Bordeaux region to the Pyrenees
• Discover the Gironde, Landes, Béarn, and Basque Country
• Loop or one-way routes depending on the itinerary
• Return options by train
• Major cycling routes: Vélodyssée, Scandibérique, Vélosud, Canal des 2 Mers
• Selected smaller roads for cycle touring
• Practical guide for planning a cycling holiday in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• Publisher: Glénat
• Publication: 2026

FAQ

 

Is this guide suitable for e-bikes?

Yes. The guide is designed for cycling and e-bike touring. The suggested routes allow you to plan trips adapted to different paces.

 

Which region does this cycling guide cover?

It covers Aquitaine, from the Bordeaux region to the Pyrenees. It notably crosses the Gironde, Landes, Béarn, and Basque Country regions.

 

How many routes are offered?

The guide offers 8 cycling trips. The routes last from 2 to 8 days, making it suitable for both short breaks and longer tours.

 

Does this guide allow you to follow major cycling routes?

Yes. It is based on routes such as the Vélodyssée, the Scandibérique, the Vélosud, and the Canal des 2 Mers by bike.

 

Can I use this guide for a weekend cycling trip?

Yes. Some routes are designed to last 2 or 3 days. The guide is therefore ideal for planning a cycling weekend or a short break in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.