The most beautiful bike rides in the south of the Landes region

The Landes department has an abundance of cycle paths and routes that are well worth pedalling. Whether you prefer cycling or mountain biking, a day trip or an easy ride with the kids, here's a selection of great cycle rides for all levels and tastes!

The pure Landes: the Soustons, Azur, Messanges, Vieux-Boucau loop

Get on your bike and discover one of the most beautiful parts of the south of the Landes. The route starts by crossing Lake Soustons, along the shady banks. You'll then ride on to the little village of Azur, where you'll discover an attractive built heritage hidden away in the Landes forest (12th-century fountain, feudal motte, 17th-century farmhouse and barn, etc.). The walk continues towards the superb beaches of Messanges, which surround the Lou Pignada campsite. You will then reach the beautiful and very touristy marine lake of Port d'Albret. A true Landes experience!

• Type of route: circuit en boucle, distance: 26 km, duration: 2h30, difficulty: medium - Note that the Voie verte "Alain Mimoun", which links Azur to Messanges (5.9 km), allows you to shorten the walk if you're short of time or energy.

The great cycling route: the Vélodyssée from Vieux-Boucau to Capbreton

Between Vieux-Boucau and Capbreton, this stage of La Vélodyssée offers you one of the most beautiful bike rides to explore the south coast of the Landes. Departing from Vieux-Boucau and after crossing the Soustons forest , the route skirts the immense beaches of Seignosse. A swim break is a must! From Seignosse to Capbreton, the route is more undulating, but not too difficult. You head south along the dunes towards the marine lake at Hossegor, famous for its delicious oysters and pretty Basque-Landes villas scattered among the pine trees. A few more pedal strokes and you're in Capbreton. The Vélodyssée takes you directly to the famous estacade, the symbol of "The town of a hundred captains".

• Type of route: EuroVelo-route, distance: 20 km, duration: 3h, difficulty: easy

A mini-ride for children: the marine lake circuit in Vieux-Boucau

If you're looking for a walk that's easy to do with young children (even toddlers), head off to discover the marine lake at Vieux-Boucau. You don't have to be a great sportsman to walk around the lake. It's a short, easy loop of just 4 km, between wild nature and lively seaside resorts. Start from the car park in front of the Vieux-Boucau arenas.

• Type of route: loop circuit, distance: 4.5 km, duration: 45 min, difficulty: very easy

A mountain bike trail through the Inner Landes: the Voie verte de la Chalosse

Leave the beaches of the Landes coast behind and venture into the interior of the Landes on the Voie verte de Chalosse, a former railway line that has been converted into a mountain bike and mountain biking trail (as well as a walking and horse riding trail). The route starts in Dax and runs to Saint-Sever, offering a rustic, shady route through the countryside, dotted with forests, hills and lush green meadows. Places to see along the way: the spa town of Dax (the Fontaine Chaude, the Arènes, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Gallo-Roman ramparts, etc.); Montfort-en-Chalosse (a 13th-century fortified town); the Saucille leisure centre at Mugron (on the banks of theAdour); the abbey church of Saint-Sever, a Romanesque jewel listed as a World Heritage Site.

• Type of route: equipped and safe greenway, distance: 54 km, duration: 4h30, difficulty: medium