The practical guide to cycling the Vélodyssée

The Guide du Routard's Vélodyssée is the perfect companion for planning a cycling trip along the Atlantic coast. From Roscoff to Hendaye, this iconic route takes you through a diverse landscape: the Breton coast, the Nantes-Brest Canal, seaside resorts, Vendée beaches, marshes, the Landes forests, the Arcachon Basin, and the Basque coastline.

With over 1,200 km of cycle paths, the Vélodyssée is one of France's major cycling routes. Fully signposted and largely composed of dedicated cycle routes and greenways, the route is ideal for a multi-week cycling tour or for exploring sections over a few days or a weekend.

A complete cycling guide to planning your stages

This Routard guide covers the entire official La Vélodyssée route, divided into 12 itineraries and 54 stages. It allows you to choose your route according to your skill level, available time, and preferences: cycle the Breton section, reach Nantes, follow the Vendée coast, cross the Landes region, or continue on to the Basque Country.

For each stage, the guide offers detailed 1:100,000 scale maps, useful for visualizing the route, identifying sections on greenways or shared roads, and estimating distances. It also includes practical information to help you plan your trip: accommodations, restaurants, bike rentals, services useful for cyclists, places to visit, and establishments with the Accueil Vélo (Cyclists Welcome) label.

For which type of cyclist?

This guide is for cycle tourists who want to ride La Vélodyssée from Roscoff to Hendaye, but also for those who only want to plan a section of the route. It's perfect for touring cyclists, couples, families, and anyone looking for a well-marked, accessible route full of discoveries.

Thanks to its practical format and the Routard spirit, this guide makes it easy to plan your own trip: choose your stages, find the best places to stop, book your accommodations, and enjoy the Atlantic coast's major attractions by bike.

Guide Highlights:

• Guide dedicated to La Vélodyssée, from Roscoff to Hendaye
• Cycling route along the Atlantic coast
• Official route divided into 12 itineraries and 54 stages
• Detailed 1:100,000 scale maps
• Information on greenways and shared roads
• Recommended addresses: accommodations, restaurants, bike rentals
• Accueil Vélo certified establishments and services
• Practical advice for planning a cycling trip
• Sightseeing ideas and tourist information
• Guide published by Le Routard / Hachette Tourisme

Features:

• Publisher: Hachette Tourisme
• Collection: Le Routard à vélo
• Destination: La Vélodyssée
• Route: Roscoff – Hendaye
• Type: Cycling guide / cycle touring
• Number of pages: 256 pages
• Mapping: 1:100,000 scale maps
• Language: French

FAQ

Which route does the Le Routard Guide La Vélodyssée cover? Vélodyssée?

This guide covers the Vélodyssée route, from Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye in the Basque Country. It allows you to plan the entire route or just certain sections.

Is this guide suitable for cycling the Vélodyssée in several stages?

Yes, the guide is designed for planning a multi-day cycling trip. The route is divided into stages, with maps, practical information, and useful addresses to help you prepare for each day of cycling.

Can I use this guide to cycle only part of the Vélodyssée?

Yes, it is suitable for both the entire route and a section of the route: Brittany, Vendée, Charente-Maritime, Gironde, Landes, or the Basque Country.

Does the guide include maps?

Yes, the guide offers detailed 1:100,000 scale maps to visualize the route, plan your stages, and identify sections of greenway or shared road.

Is the Vélodyssée suitable for families?

The Vélodyssée includes many well-maintained and safe sections, particularly on greenways. The guide helps you choose the most suitable sections based on your fitness level, available time, and pace.