La Vélodyssée has just been awarded the EuroVelo Certification! The EuroVelo Certification guarantees that cycle routes meet high quality standards. This label certifies that the routes are well developed, that the services are adapted to cycle travel and that the signposting is clear for all types of cyclist. Find out more: https://www.lavelodyssee.com/certification-EuroVelo


La Vélodyssée isthe French section of EuroVelo 1, offering 1,300 km of fully signposted cycle route, 76% of which is traffic free. Stretching from Roscoff to Hendaye, the route crosses three regions and nine départements, revealing the rich landscapes of the French Atlantic coast and offering breathtaking views between land and sea, and an instant feeling of peace. Opened in 2012 and recipient of several awards, La Vélodyssée also links with EuroVelo 4 - Central Europe Route, EuroVelo 6 - Atlantic – Black Sea and EuroVelo 3 - Pilgrims Route and you can embark on a ferry in Roscoff or Hendaye to cross the sea and continue your discovery of Europe by bicycle on EuroVelo 1.

Download here the full GPS tracks of EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Coast Route in France (La Vélodyssée) and start planning your next cycling trip!

Countries

Legend

Development status
  • Certified These sections were awarded the official EuroVelo Certification label, ensuring high-quality cycling conditions.They were surveyed in the field by EuroVelo Route Inspectors to respect minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels, surface quality, EuroVelo signage, and access to services as defined by the European Certification Standard (ECS) methodology. EuroVelo Certified routes are the best options for beginners!
  • Developed + Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic, rideable surfaces, and EuroVelo signs along the route. Developed routes with signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app as signs can have defects.
  • Developed + Not Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic and rideable surfaces, but without EuroVelo signs. Developed routes without signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app.
  • Partially Developed + Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, even though EuroVelo signs are in place. Partially developed routes with signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Partially Developed + Not Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, and EuroVelo signs are not in place. Partially developed routes without signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Undeveloped / Unknown These sections do not meet minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels or surface quality – or their conditions are currently unknown. They may include dangerous stretches. Cyclists choosing to cycle there should use a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. It is recommended to use public transport to skip these areas where possible.
  • Public transport link These sections include continuity across seas or rivers and undeveloped parts of the network that can be skipped with a reliable public transport connection allowing bicycle transport.

Markers

  • Natural Heritage
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Culinary Delights
  • Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
  • Other Point of Interest
  • Service
  • Bus station
  • Train station
  • Mobility info center

National & Regional Information

Réseau vélo et marche

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

Réseau vélo et marche is a network of local authorities committed to the development of active mobility in France. Since 2011, it has operated as national coordination centre for EuroVelo in France, monitoring the development of the European cycle route network at the national level.

Visit Site

France Vélo Tourisme

France Vélo Tourisme platform offers many major cycling routes and destinations in France, including mountain bike routes, practical advices for traveling by bike, a route calculator with a map, as well as contact details for Accueil Vélo service providers throughout the country.

Visit Site

Accueil Vélo

"Accueil Velo" is a national accreditation scheme guaranteeing a high quality of services for cyclists using French cycle routes. You will find accommodations, bike rental and repair companies, restaurants, tourist offices and places to visit.

Visit Site

EuroVelo 1 / La Vélodyssée

La Vélodyssée is the name of the French part of EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route. It is a 1,300 km cycle route that is entirely marked in both directions and 76% car-free. Ideal for discovering the French coastline in complete serenity, you will cycle to the rhythm of preserved heritage and exceptional landscapes.

Visit Site

Related news

Maps & Guides

EuroVelo 1: Bikeline Guide of La Vélodyssée [Esterbauer]

This cycling guide describes the section of the EuroVelo cycle route in France between Roscoff and Hendaye (1,287 km). The perfect tool before and during your journey: precise and informative maps, 1:75,000 scale, elevation and distance profiles, GPS tracks, accommodation and service directory. Can be used even without any knowledge of German. English translation of the map legend and the user manual of the guide available at esterbauer.com/international.

EuroVelo 1: Brittany by bike - From Roscoff or Brest to Nantes [Chamina]

Guidebook written in French. From Roscoff to Nantes: 390 km of easy cycling routes along the Nantes-Brest Canal with its 238 locks, and an alternative 110-km route from Brest to Carhaix. The guide includes 96 pages packed with all the information you need to prepare and carry out your trip: 24 stages entirely signed for bikes, maps on a scale of 1:100 000, places to visit, accommodation, restaurants, bike repair shops, Accueil Vélo services and ‘Bike+Train’ information.

EuroVelo 1: Brittany by bike - The canal from Nantes to Brest and La Vélodyssée [Ouest-France]

Written in French, this cycle guide to the Nantes-Brest Canal offers you more than 500 km of safe and signed cycle routes, 36 detailed maps and all the practical advice and useful addresses you need to organise your trip. From Nantes to Landévennec via the Nantes-Brest Canal, the route follows in the footsteps of the Dukes of Brittany. From Rosporden to Carhaix and from Saint-Méen-le-Grand to Questembert it goes on former railway tracks.

EuroVelo 1: From Nantes to Royan - Freewheeling the Atlantic [Ouest-France]

Guidebook written in French. 600 km of coastal tracks, all signed and traffic-free for safe cycling in the departments of Loire-Atlantique, Vendée, Deux-Sèvres and Charente-Maritime. The guide includes 25 detailed maps, 11 stages of between 30 and 50 km, 5 all-inclusive self-guided tours, practical advice, addresses of bike rental companies, 120 hotels, camp sites, self-catering gîtes and bed and breakfasts and the major sites to visit.

EuroVelo 1: Le Guide du Routard – La Vélodyssée ® [Hachette]

Organize your cycle tour simply and easily with this156-page travel guide written in French, including: maps, practical and tourist information, tips and practical bike advice, Le Routard’s suggestions and good ideas, addresses for accommodation, restaurants, bike rentals, bike transportation. This edition is in augmented reality. Simply scan a page via the Hachette Scan application to get additional information on events, places, visits and much more!

Public Transport