From the ocean to the Pyrenees, follow the Vélosud in the 64
The Vélosud crosses the Pyrénées-Atlantiques from Biarritz to Béarn before continuing towards Lourdes, at the foot of the Pyrenees. On this section of the V81, five stages allow you to link the ocean, the banks of the Adour, Basque villages, Béarn cities and the first views of the peaks.
On the programme: 205 km from Biarritz to Lourdes, stages of 22 to 56 km and a level that gradually rises. Do you like to pedal, take the time to meet the territory and end the day around a good table? You’ve come to the right place. Get your panniers ready: the road promises as many landscapes as beautiful breaks.
The Vélosud in a few figures
- – 650 km in total between Biarritz and Le Barcarès
- – V81, fully marked in both directions
- – 5 stages from Biarritz to Lourdes presented here
- – 205 km between Biarritz and Lourdes
- – Stages from 22 to 56 km
- – From easy to difficult
- – A tour between the Basque Country, Béarn and the Pyrenees
The 5 stages of the Vélosud from Biarritz to Lourdes
One morning with the wheels in the spray, the next day on the banks of a Gave with the Pyrenees in your sights… The Vélosud changes scenery almost as quickly as you change gears. From Biarritz to Lourdes, these five stages allow you to compose an itinerary at your own pace: a rather gentle day on the banks of the Adour, small roads in the hills or a more sporty stage towards Pau. It’s up to you to choose how far you want to push your calves!
Why ride the Vélosud in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques?
Because here, you don’t need to attack the great Pyrenean passes to live a real cycling adventure. The Vélosud follows the foothills of the Pyrenees, alternating small roads, developed sections and greenways. The official route is 650 km long between Biarritz and Le Barcarès and favours a more moderate terrain than the routes passing through the big passes.
And above all, the scenery varies enormously. The beaches of Biarritz, the quays of Bayonne, the barthes of the Adour, Salies-de-Béarn, the Pont Vieux d’Orthez, the banks of the Gave in Pau and then the peaks that approach Nay… An itinerary where effort is part of the pleasure, but where you always find a good excuse to put down the bike.
Where to sleep on the Vélosud?
Think about Accueil Vélo accommodation
After a few dozen kilometres, a hot shower, a good meal and a well-sheltered bike can become your three objectives. Accommodation with the Accueil Vélo label is designed to make the stay easier for cyclists.
The label carried by France Vélo Tourisme guarantees adapted services: secure bicycle parking, possibility of dropping off luggage, recharging of devices and electrically assisted bicycles, repair kit and useful information to continue your roaming.
Hotel, campsite, bed and breakfast, gîte… locate Accueil Vélo accommodation near your next stage and travel with a lighter mind. The panniers are already heavy enough as it is!
Prepare your bike trip on the Vélosud
- Are you going for two days or for the whole trip? A few reflexes quickly make the trip more pleasant.
- – Choose your stages according to your level, rather than the number of kilometers your ego thinks it can swallow.
- – Download the GPX tracks of the different stages before leaving.
- – Find accommodation and bike services on your route.
- – Bring water, some provisions and the necessary for a small repair.
- – Check the information and any points of vigilance for each route before you leave.
- – Think of the e-bike if you want to smooth out the hilliest stages: France Vélo Tourisme indicates that the electric assistance helps to reduce the general difficulty of the Vélosud.
- – And of course, we share the road, we respect the spaces crossed and we leave behind.
