With almost 230 kilometers of cycle paths, all the towns and oyster-farming villages of the Bassin d’Arcachon are linked by a network of safe cycle paths. This makes it an ideal destination for a cycling vacation. To guide you in your choice of rides, here is a small selection of some of the finest itineraries on the Bay. Whether you’re a keen cyclist or a leisure cyclist, saddle up!
Andernos-les-Bains: the old villas circuit
Pedal in the footsteps of Toulouse-Lautrec and Sarah Bernhardt in Andernos. On the shores of the Bassin d’Arcachon, a lovely circuit allows you to discover the history and heritage of Andernos. At the end of the 19th century, Andernos was renamedAndernos-les-Bains and became a holiday resort, attracting many personalities from the world of culture. The actress Sarah Bernhardt stayed here from 1914 to 1915, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec from 1895 until his death in 1901.
On the way: Art Deco and Art Nouveau villas, the oyster port and France’ s longest pier (232 m), Maison Louis-David (museum of Gallo-Roman remains and art exhibitions). Distance: 8 km, duration: 1h, level: easy.
Arcachon seafront
Life’s better when you’re on your bike! In Arcachon, almost 22 km of cycle paths run along the seafront, from the Pointe de l’Aiguillon to the Moulleau district, passing through the town center, the Arcachon villas, the Parc Péreire and the Abatilles in the heart of the pine forest.
Places to see along the way: the Port d’Arcachon, Le Moulleau (a “village” within the town), Notre-Dame des Passes church (built in 1863 in Greek Orthodox style), the Ville d’Hiver, home to over 300 gleaming 19th-century villas. Distance: 22 km, duration: 3h, level: easy.
The ports of Lanton, Audenge and Biganos
From Biganos or Audenge, follow the coastal route of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela along the Leyre Delta. The trails take you to Lanton, Mios and Marcheprime, the heart of the Basin.
On the way: Notre-Dame de Lanton church (the oldest church in the Basin), Suzette beach (don’t forget your swimsuit!), the Gardarem ecomuseum, the Certes et Graveyron estate (bird sanctuary), the port of Biganos and its colorful little huts, the lush green banks of theEyre delta. Distance: 25 km, duration: 3 hours, difficulty: easy.
Le Teich circuit
Leaving from Le Teich, just a short distance from our Le Ker Helen campsite, a cycling circuit winds its way through forests, meadows and clearings, mainly on cycle-only lanes and little-traveled roads. On the banks of the RiverEyre, the ancient Roman road once used by merchants and pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela offers a shady, bucolic ride through the wilderness of the delta.
Places to see along the way: the Saint-Jean fountain near the old Lamothe station (its spring is reputed to cure rheumatism and skin diseases), the Teich ornithological reserve, the port of Gujan-Mestras, La Hume beach, Lac de Magdeleine. Distance: 10 km, duration: 1h30, difficulty: medium.
The adventure continues on the Basin’s cycle paths! Discover other ideas for bike rides to the Dune du Pilat, the Eyre delta and Gujan-Mestras!