La Vélodyssée: discover the Landes by bike

From Biscarosse to Mimizan, from Saint-Girons to Moliets, Vieux-Boucau, Hossegor and Capbreton, the Vélodyssée is a gentle way to discover the Landes department. The Landes coast offers an ever-changing array of landscapes, with the deep green of the pine forest, the blonde dunes and the blue of the ocean below. The 160 km of signposted cycle paths are suitable for all the family, and are directly accessible from the 5-star Lou Pignada campsite!

On the wheels of the Vélodyssée, the kingdom of cycling!

Regularly ranked at the top of the list of the most beautiful cycle routes in France, the Vélodyssée stretches for almost 1200 km along the Atlantic coast, from Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye in the Basque country, via our campsite in Messanges . This is a unique opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful stages in the Landes region of this cycle route that is the stuff of dreams for all cyclists!

The Vélodyssée, an iodised blend of nature and culture

After passing through Gironde and the Bassin d'Arcachon, the Vélodyssé takes to the tracks of the Côte d'Argent, on the "route des Lacs", with a first stage in Biscarrosse, the capital of hydra-aviation. At the Biscarrosse-Parentis lake, aeronautics enthusiasts can visit the museum on the former Latécoère base before taking a dip in the water. You then cross the state-owned forest of Sainte-Eulalie before arriving at Mimizan-Plage, which the Landais call "the Pearl of the Côte d'Argent". Just a few pedal strokes from the Vélodyssée, the Musée-Prieuré de Mimizan is well worth a visit. After a refreshing stop and an invigorating dip in the sea, follow the coastline through the pine forest to the Contis lighthouse, the only lighthouse in the Landes, with its 3 black stripes in "barber's pole" style. If you've got any legs left, you must climb to the top of the lighthouse to admire the view of the ocean and the Landes forest.

From Contis-les-Bains, the wild Landes coast rolls out its long ribbon of sand to the Cap de l'Homy beach, just a stone's throw from the village of Léon. This typical little Landes village is famous for its traditional houses, but also for the Courant d'Huchet, a wild river that meanders between the lake and the ocean. The route then follows the old railway line to Soustons, then along the beaches and greens of the Moliets golf course. Between these two stages, in Messanges, our campsite with the "Accueil Vélo - Vélodyssée" label will be delighted to welcome cycle tourists looking for rest and relaxation.

The rest of the route takes cyclists to Vieux-Boucau and its marine lake at the Port d'Albret. The route is slightly undulating, but not difficult. A twenty-kilometre pedal then takes you to Seignosse, renowned for its surf spots, pine forest and freshwater ponds. The Vélodyssée cycle path soon takes you to Hossegor. Take advantage of this stopover to discover the marine lake and indulge in an oyster tasting session. Surfing fans can head to the Plage Sud or the Culs nuls spot to get a closer look at the waves. After that, it's time to get back in the saddle and head for Capbreton, a marina, fishing port (the only one in the Landes) and seaside resort renowned for its relaxed lifestyle. Here you'll find everything you need to recharge your batteries: restaurant terraces overlooking the ocean, tapas bars, market stalls stocked with local produce, not forgetting the fish market where you can buy your catch directly from the fishermen.

The end of our ride on the Vélodyssée in the Landes region. The rest of the route takes in the last few kilometres of forest to reach Bayonne and the Basque country.

Practical info

• The Landes region is the longest route on the Vélodyssée®, with 167 km of coastal paths between Biscarrosse and Tarnos.
• Overnight or touring: 5 days (safe routes, easy and intermediate level)
• Official website of the Vélodyssée cycle route

Where to stay?

- Our Lou Pignada Family Camping Club has been awarded the "Vélodyssée" label. This label guarantees cyclists a high quality welcome and services. The Vélodyssée cycle path is just 10 m from the campsite entrance.

Bike hire in the Landes

If you don't have your own bike, you can hire a mountain bike, VTC or electrically assisted fatbike directly from the campsite! Alexandre and Romain are on hand to advise you on choosing the bike of your dreams to take with you on your cycle rides and hikes in the Landes.