New! Order your La Vélodyssée Passport for free to collect indelible memories along your adventure. Thanks to your stamped Passport, obtain discounts and other advantages. Learn more: https://www.cycling-lavelodyssee.com/the-velodyssee-passport


La Vélodyssée is the French part of the Atlantic Coast Route (EuroVelo 1). It is also 1,300 km of fully signposted cycle route - almost 80% of which is car-free - to discover all the wonders of the French Atlantic coastline and experience an extraordinary cycling adventure. Launched in 2012 and awarded several prizes, the French section of the Atlantic Coast Route links Roscoff to Hendaye and crosses no less than 3 regions and 9 departments, offering breathtaking views between land and sea and an instant feeling of peace. The route also connects 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.

How to get there

Different transport solutions are available to you to reach, with or without bicycles, the French part of the Atlantic Coast Route (EuroVelo 1). Train, bus, boat, car or even plane, you will find the ideal solution for you. However, these are subject to local regulations and their conditions sometimes change depending on the seasons. It is important to find out beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises. We share all our advice and good deals with you on the La Vélodyssée website.


On La Vélodyssée, nature has a special place because it is at the heart of its landscapes and its values. This is why for several years, the route and all its players have been committed to developing a more responsible offer and products adapted to bicycle travel. Recognising those who travel low-carbon, La Vélodyssée has developed its Passport which, in addition to the collection of unique stamps, also allows you to obtain advantages and reductions which reward your arrival by bike. Committed partnerships also participate in this mission of common interest. They each make your cycling trip easier in their own way:

    1. gourdefriendly allows you to stay fresh and hydrated by recharging your bottles and water bottles with complete peace of mind, wherever you are.
    2. ICI Toilettes puts you in touch with merchants who give you free access to their toilets.
    3. The ONF, the main manager of France's forests, informs and raises awareness about the issues hidden behind these sensitive natural spaces.

To find out more about these partnerships and order your Passport for free, visit: https://www.cycling-lavelodyssee.com/the-velodyssee-passport

Countries

Legend

Development status
  • Certified Section of at least 300 km that has successfully undergone the certification process in line with ECF’s European Certification Standard. It is the highest quality level on the EuroVelo network
  • Developed with EuroVelo signs Developed route (see category below) with continuous signing along the route, incorporating EuroVelo route information panels.
  • Developed Route developed for cyclists and signed in line with the respective national standard (i.e. it is part of a local, regional or national cycle network). There must also be a website providing information to users. Developed route can be heterogeneous in terms of infrastructure: type of cycling infrastructure, surface, width, gradients, etc
  • Under development Route containing sections that require further development (e.g. stretches on public highways with high levels of traffic). Cyclists are advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
  • Planning Undeveloped route with no detailed information publicly available on the Internet. The itinerary communicated is a proposal for the best possible option currently available. It may also contain dangerous sections. Cyclists are advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
  • Public transport link

Markers

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

National & Regional Information

France Vélo Tourisme

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

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.

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.

La Vélodyssée – Atlantic Coast Route

La Vélodyssée is the name of the French part of EuroVelo 1. It is a 1,300 km cycle route that is entirely marked in both directions and 80% car-free. Ideal for discovering the French coastline in complete serenity, you will cycle to the rhythm of preserved heritage and exceptional landscapes.

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!

Bookable Offers

The Atlantic French coast from La Rochelle to Royan

EV1
@France

La Vélodyssée is one of the most famous cycling routes in France and runs along the Atlantic coast on the EuroVelo 1. In one week, you will discover one of its most beautiful parts from La Rochelle to the charming port city to Royan, which marks the beginning of the Gironde estuary. We add a few variants to discover 3 superb unmissable islands: Île de Ré, Île d'Oléron and Île Madame. Nature, swimming, history and oyster farming will be on your program!

Public Transport