Cycling guides and maps in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nouvelle-Aquitaine by bike

With 7,000 km of cycle routes planned for 2030, Nouvelle-Aquitaine stands out as an exceptional region for cycling enthusiasts. From the Atlantic to the borders of Limousin, via the Bordeaux vineyards and the beaches of Royan, the region boasts a dense, varied, and well-marked cycle network. To fully enjoy this life-size playground, it’s best to equip yourself with the best guides and maps.

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Explore Nouvelle-Aquitaine by bike

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a destination with many facets. To the west, the Atlantic coast unfolds its long, fine sandy beaches, bordered by pine forests. It is home to must-see spots for cyclists such as Arcachon à Vélo, the Île d’Oléron, and Royan, all connected by a network of cycle paths ideal for families and experienced cycle tourists alike.

To the east, Limousin and Périgord offer more hilly terrain, ideal for sport cycling and eco-tourism enthusiasts. Small country roads lead to architectural treasures: fortified towns, abbeys, and hilltop castles. Culture lovers will not be left out: Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts curious visitors with its museums, landscaped quays, and urban cycle paths. Cycling in Bordeaux combines heritage, nature, and the good life.

To the north, La Rochelle by Bike offers a unique blend of historic port, salt marshes, and coastal paths. It’s also one of the starting points for several major European cycling routes.

The major cycling routes in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The region is crossed by several major national and European routes, perfect for travelers on a long-term or short-term stay. Here are the most iconic ones:

The essentials for cycling in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

To explore the region with complete peace of mind, a few tools are essential. We recommend:

An ambitious Nouvelle-Aquitaine cycle network

With a target of 7,000 km of cycle paths by 2030, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is giving itself the means to become the leading cycling region in France. By 2024, it already accounts for 27% of the national cycle network, with key projects in the departments of Gironde, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne, and the Basque Country.

The regional network is based on safe, well-marked routes, often on dedicated lanes. Essential services complement the offering: intermodal connections with the train (notably TER Vélo), designated rest areas, certified accommodation, repair stations, and secure bicycle parking.

This dynamic enables it to cater to several types of audiences:

Tourists (looking for long-distance cycling trips);

Vacationers (families, groups, friends);

Local cyclists looking for local outings. The diverse landscapes of the coastline, countryside, and mountains allow everyone to find their own pace: from coastal rides, cycling in Bordeaux and cycling in Royan, to sporty climbs in the Pyrenees or Limousin.

And if you want to discover other regions, we offer our guides and maps of the regions of France.