Cycling in the Landes: cycle paths and greenways!

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

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Along the Atlantic on the Vélodyssée, the Eurovélo 1

The Vélodyssée is a fabulous European journey (Eurovélo 1), of 1200 km, which runs along the Atlantic from Roscoff to Hendaye, for its French part. In the Landes, it is joined in Biscarosse, as far as the gates of Bayonne, in the Basque Country. Several routes are available on the Vélodyssée site:

• Departing from Biscarrosse, you will follow the bodies of water of the Etang de Cazaux and Sanguinet, the Petit Etang de Biscarrosse, then you move away from the banks to gain a little height above the Etang de Biscarrosse. Biscarrosse to Parentis-en-Born.
• Then you join the ocean towards Mimizan-Plage, through the forest of Sainte-Eulalie and along the banks of the Aureilhan pond.
• In the next step, you walk along 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 walk the cycle paths between beaches and pine forests.

Departure of the adventure at the Cazaux and Sanguinet lakes

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

Take the road on the Eurovélo 3 route, the " Scandibérique "

The Scandibérique follows the Ways of Santiago de Compostela from Norway to Spain, hence its nickname “ Pilgrim Route ”. This European cycle route, the EuroVelo 3, travels inland from the Landes. In the Landes, you will join it in Escalans at the exit of the Gers.

• First Landes stopover towards Mont-de-Marsan, through the wine-growing region of Armagnac.
• Then you cross the Chalosse and the Landes countryside to 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 onthe Scandibérique website (fr).

“ Barthes ”, in Gascon, designate marshy meadows. These are wetlands along the flood-prone banks of the Adour, made up of swamps, 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 the time, do not hesitate to take a short trip to Mont-de-Marsan, here is an article to make you want to discover the surroundings.

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

Mountain biking on the paths of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle and the GR

Two main routes to Santiago de Compostela cross the Landes: The GR655 on the Voie de Tours and The GR654 on the Voie limousine de Vézelay.

The GR654 Grande Randonnée path crosses the Landes de 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 border of the Gironde, to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. In the Landes, you pick it up in Saugnacq-et-Muret as far as Sorde-l'Abbaye, on the banks of the Gave d'Oloron, near Peyrehorade.  

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

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Stroll on the coastal paths to discover the Landes coast

On the Landes coast, the cycle paths run along the dunes and cross the Landes forest. It is ideal for taking a good 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 circuits of Biscarrosse : The tour of Biscarrosse-Plage, the pond of Cazaux and Sanguinet or the pond of Biscarrosse and Parentis.
• Around Mimizan, the “ dunes cycle path ” to Mimizan-Plage or the Aureilhan pond.
• In Lit-et-Mixe: Cap de l'Homy.
• In Vielle-Saint-Girons: “ Lou Camin de Hè ”.
• The circuits of Moliets-et-Maa, around the pond of Léon.
• The Hossegor cycle path and the discovery of the marine lake.

Cycling in Biscarrosse, Vivier beach

Coastal paths, by bike or… otherwise!  

Cyclo-tourist routes in the Landes hinterland

The Landes bring together territories with very different landscapes. The Landes de Gascogne Regional Park is ideal for family outings, in the heart of the Landes forest. The more athletic will appreciate the Chalosse valleys, along the Adour, or the Armagnac hills, near Mont-de-Marsan.

The Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park stretches between Casteljaloux, Mont-de-Marsan and the Arjuzanx National Reserve. It brings together specific natural spaces, which require protection. Here are some interesting routes:

• North of Mont-de-Marsan, the circuit from Trépède to Brocas, near the Etang des Forges, leads you through the old forges. In this area of the park, you can also take a tour of Labrit and Albret castle, or Garein and its Hippodrome forest.
• Near the Arjuzanx National Reserve, the Bez circuit in Villenave.
• The Moustey sources loop to discover the river valley of the Leyre, on the banks of the Grande Leyre and the Petite Leyre.

In the interior of the Landes, the courses are more sporty. La Chalosse is nestled between the Adour and the Pyrenees. Many paths run through this hilly landscape crisscrossed with charming rivers and small torrents:

• The Voie Verte de la Chalosse 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 breeding land.
• 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 Armagnac vineyard slopes :  

• The Greenway of Marsan and Armagnac, from Mont-de-Marsan to Gabarret at the edge of the Gers. The route is lined with signs, which tell you stories about customs and the small local heritage.
• The Voie Verte des Landes de Roquefort runs from Roquefort to Bourriot-Bergonce. It is an old redeveloped railway line. It also uses part of the Santiago de Compostela routes.

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Our tips, good plans and reference websites

Here are the must-see sites to organize your cycling trips in the Landes:

• Rando-landes (fr) provides you with an interactive map. You just have to click on the hike that interests you, to obtain all the necessary information.
• The Landes tourist office has selected routes for you, sorted by theme or by territory.

Our tips and good plans:  

• Here is our directory for renting a bike, wherever you are.
• To never get lost again, download the Loopi Vélo (fr) application.

Find out more: We recommend that 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 know how to pass on his passion to you. You can also rent bicycles there.

Here is this bike ride in the Landes which ends. We just have to wish you great discoveries and Landes sports sessions.

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