Pedal on the Vélodyssée along the Basque coast

The Vélodyssée in the Basque Country takes place here three stages between Bayonne and Hendaye, i.e. 41.5 km by bike as close as possible to the ocean. We leave the quays of the Adour, we reach the beaches of Anglet and Biarritz, then the villages of Bidart and Guéthary before reaching Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye. And don’t be fooled by the distances: the Basque coast also likes to work the calves! Between cycle paths, shared roads and coastal terrain, this section of EuroVelo 1 promises a sporty, iodized itinerary rich in panoramic breaks.

Discover the Vélodyssée

The Vélodyssée in a few figures

  • – 1,300 km from Roscoff to Hendaye
  • – 3 regions and 9 departments crossed in France
  • – 76% of the route on greenways or cycle paths
  • – A fully signposted route
  • – 3 stages presented in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, from Bayonne to Hendaye
  • – 41.5 km between Bayonne and Hendaye
  • – Bayonne, Anglet, Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ciboure and Hendaye on the course

The 3 stages of the Vélodyssée from Bayonne to Hendaye

Do you like to ride with the ocean in your sights? You’re in for a treat. From Bayonne to Hendaye, La Vélodyssée follows the Basque coast and takes in a series of beaches, small ports, cliffs and emblematic towns. Three rather short stages on paper, but very different on the ground: easy between Bayonne and Biarritz, then more sporty when the coastal terrain starts to play with your calves.

Why ride La Vélodyssée in the Basque Country?

Because in a few dozen kilometres, the Basque coast concentrates a hell of a collection of landscapes. We go from the historic quays of Bayonne to the large beaches of Anglet, from the elegance of Biarritz to the small ports of Guéthary and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, before returning to the cliffs and the first Pyrenean reliefs towards Hendaye.

And here, travelling by bike also changes the way you discover the territory. You hear the waves before you see them. You stop in front of a fronton, a cove or a small port simply because you like the place. You take your time.

However, this part of the route is more hilly and more shared with traffic than some of the major greenways located further north of La Vélodyssée. Between Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, it is therefore better to plan a leisurely pace and consult the points of vigilance before leaving.

Where to sleep on the Vélodyssée?

Think about Accueil Vélo accommodation

Once the bikes are down, it’s time for comfort. Accueil Vélo accommodations are particularly suitable for travellers who follow La Vélodyssée.

These establishments are located close to the route and offer equipment and services designed for cyclists: secure bicycle shelter, repair kit, practical advice, but also, depending on the establishment, bike washing, luggage transfer or additional services.

Hotels, campsites, bed and breakfasts, collective accommodation… The principle is simple: you take care of pedaling, they know what it means to arrive a traveller with a bike and a few kilometres in their legs.

Other establishments with the Accueil Vélo label:

Prepare your Vélodyssée on the Basque coast

The distances are reasonable, but the terrain and traffic change a lot from one stage to the next. A few reflexes before leaving:

  • Download the GPX tracks of the stages before your departure.
  • Consult the points of attention indicated on each itinerary sheet.
  • Have enough to repair a flat tire and enough water.
  • Take breaks: the many lookouts, ports and beaches are also part of the trip.
  • If you are riding in a group, adapt the pace to the least experienced.
  • Respect other users on shared roads and natural areas crossed.

And the e-bike? Yes, of course. Electric assistance can be a particularly valuable ally when the road starts to gain height between Biarritz and Hendaye.

©Photographies La Vélodyssée, itinéraire véloroute Européen en France (© Aurélie Stapf – photographe)