Cycling in the Landes: cycle paths and greenways!

Are you looking for bike rides in the Landes? Whether you are a Sunday cyclist or an experienced cyclist. Whether you just want to do a bit of sport during the holidays or whether you want to explore all the cycle paths around you. Whether you prefer road cycling or mountain biking… The Landes Guide takes you on the green cycle routes, the long-distance hiking trails and the major European cycle routes in the Landes. Get on your bike and off you go!

Opening photo: Bike ride, Lac de Léon. Photos of the article © Guide des Landes

Along the Atlantic on the Vélodyssée, Eurovélo 1

The Vélodyssée is a fabulous European journey (Eurovélo 1), 1200 km long, which runs along the Atlantic from Roscoff to Hendaye, for its French part. In the Landes, it joins up with Biscarrosse, up to the gates of Bayonne, in the Basque Country. Several routes are offered to you on the Vélodyssée website:

From Biscarrosse, you will follow the bodies of water of the Cazaux and Sanguinet ponds, the small Biscarrosse pond, then you will move away from the banks a little to gain some height above the Biscarrosse pond to Parentis-en-Born.
Then you join the ocean towards Mimizan-Plage, through the Sainte-Eulalie forest and along the banks of the Aureilhan pond.
At the next stage, you follow the coast and the Landes forest towards the Léon pond, in the Courant d'Huchet Nature Reserve.
Then you will cross the seaside resorts of Moliets-et-Maa, Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains, Hossegor and Capbreton.
To reach Bayonne and the Basque Country, you will follow cycle paths between beaches and pine forests.

Start of the adventure at the Cazaux and Sanguinet ponds

The mouth of the Courant d'Huchet at Moliets and Maa

Hit the road on the Eurovélo 3 route, the “ Scandiberian ”

The Scandibérique follows the Way of St. James from Norway to Spain, hence its nickname " Pilgrims' Route ". This European cycle route, EuroVélo 3, runs through the interior of the Landes. In the Landes, you will join it at Escalans at the exit of the Gers.

First Landes stage towards Mont-de-Marsan, through the Armagnac wine region.
Then you cross Chalosse and the Landes countryside towards the spa resort of Dax.
You will follow the Barthes de l'Adour to reach Urt in the Atlantic Pyrenees.

You will find all the necessary information on the Scandibérique website.

The " barthes ", in Gascon, designate marshy meadows. These are wetlands along the floodable banks of the Adour, composed of marshes, meadows and lawns, peat bogs... It is an atypical ecosystem that is home to many birds.

Take a break in Saint-Martin-de-Seignanx to observe the birds of the Lesgau reserve. The tourist office organizes guided tours of this ornithological observatory. If you have time, do not hesitate to take a little trip to Mont-de-Marsan, here is an article to make you want to discover the surroundings.

How about taking a little trip to Mont-de-Marsan? Photo © Teddy Bear Photos, Via OT Mont-de-Marsan

Mountain biking on the Santiago de Compostela trails and the GR

Two major routes to Santiago de Compostela cross the Landes: The GR655 on the Tours route and the GR654 on the Limousin route from Vézelay.

The GR654 long-distance hiking trail crosses the Landes from Roquefort to the Saint-Blaise church, on the border between the Landes and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, passing through Mont-de-Marsan.

The GR655 crosses the department from north to south, from the Gironde border to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. In the Landes, you pick it up again at Saugnacq-et-Muret to Sorde-l'Abbaye, on the banks of the Gave d'Oloron, near Peyrehorade.

The Ways of St. James are marked by points of religious interest: churches, abbeys, cathedrals, etc. It is a good opportunity to discover the magnificent heritage of the Landes region.

Stroll along the coastal paths to discover the Landes coastline

On the Landes coast, cycle paths run along the dunes and through the Landes forest. It's ideal for getting a breath of sea air. And if you fancy a little break, you have the ocean nearby to cool off. There are many routes on the Landes coast:

The cycle paths from Maguide to Navarosse and from Navarosse to Sanguinet.
The Biscarrosse circuits : The Biscarrosse-Plage tour, the Cazaux and Sanguinet ponds or the Biscarrosse and Parentis ponds.
Around Mimizan, the “ dune cycle path ” at Mimizan-Plage or the Aureilhan pond.
In Lit-et-Mixe: The Homy cape.
In Vielle-Saint-Girons: “ Lou Camin de Hè ”.
The circuits of Moliets-et-Maa, around the Léon pond.
The Hossegor cycle path and the discovery of the marine lake.

Cycling in Biscarrosse, Vivier beach

Coastal paths, by bike or… otherwise!

The cycle-tourist circuits of the Landes hinterland

The Landes region includes areas with very different landscapes. The Landes de Gascogne Regional Park is an ideal place for family outings, in the heart of the Landes forest. The more athletic will appreciate the valleys of Chalosse, along the Adour, or the hillsides of Armagnac, near Mont-de-Marsan.

The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park extends between Casteljaloux, Mont-de-Marsan and the Arjuzanx National Reserve. It includes specific natural areas that require protection. Here are some interesting routes:

North of Mont-de-Marsan, the Trépède to Brocas circuit, near the Forges pond, takes you through the old forges. In this area of the park, you can also go around Labrit and the Albret castle, or Garein and its Hippodrome forest.
Near the Arjuzanx National Reserve, the Bez circuit in Villenave.
The Moustey springs loop to discover the Leyre river valley, on the banks of the Grande Leyre and the Petite Leyre.

Inland in the Landes, the routes become more athletic. Chalosse is nestled between the Adour and the Pyrenees mountain range. Many paths cross this hilly landscape, crisscrossed by charming rivers and small streams:

The Chalosse Green Route from Dax to Saint-Sever allows you to cross the Luy Valley. By following the Luy, you will discover the heart of Chalosse, an agricultural and livestock farming region.
The Barthes de la plaine circuit, starting from Pontonx-sur-l'Adour, takes you along the Adour in this unusual environment of the Barthes de l'Adour.

Two greenways run along the wine-growing hillsides of Armagnac :

The Green Way of Marsan and Armagnac, from Mont-de-Marsan to Gabarret on the border of Gers. The route is marked with signs, which tell you stories about customs and small local heritage.
The Green Way of the Landes of Roquefort goes from Roquefort to Bourriot-Bergonce. It is an old railway line that has been redeveloped. It also uses part of the paths of Compostela.

Our tips, good deals and reference websites

Here are the essential sites for organizing your bike rides in the Landes:

Rando-landes provides you with an interactive map. All you have to do is click on the hike that interests you to get all the necessary information.
The Landes tourist office has selected routes for you, sorted by theme or by territory.

Our tips and good deals:

Here is our directory for renting a bike, wherever you are.
To never get lost again, download the Loopi Vélo app.

We recommend you visit the Bicycle Museum in Lit-et-Mixe. You will have the opportunity to admire some rare pieces and meet the owner, who will be able to share his passion with you. You can also rent bikes there.