Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
Self-guided bike tour along the Atlantic 8-Day tour through dunes and pine woods
Ride out to meet man, nature, heritage and culture of the “Gironde, Landes and Basque Country”! Explore spectacular landscapes along the Velodyssée, the longest cycling routes in France and Europe, and enjoy the wonderful tranquility all along the coast! The six legs of this trip will lead you from « Bordeaux », a UNESCO World heritage site, to the famous seaside town of « Biarritz ». You will cycle between lake and ocean going through the vast forested area of the Landes de Gascogne. Discover a variety of landscapes: salt marshes, dunes, forests, large beaches surrounded by pine trees and secluded lakesides along your trip. Breathe in the sea air, the perfume of the pine trees, mimosa and brooms. Conviviality is surely one of the main features of this cycling holiday. There is a range of restaurants and bars where oyster and duck specialties await you, as there are opportunities to meet and chat with people. After each day’s program, you will be warmly welcomed in the best hotels (2 or 3-star) and charming bed-and- breakfasts of the area…
Your holiday at a glance
Bike La Vélodyssée cycling route and France's greenways Experience breathtaking landscapes Visit Bordeaux: a UNESCO cultural heritage site Luggage transfers throughout the program
Arrival: Bordeaux
Departure: Biarritz, after breakfast
*Please indicate in our online inquiry if you wish to extend your stay before or after the bike tour.
Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
Table of Contents
Self-guided bike tour along the Atlantic ...... 1 Table of Contents ...... 2 Itinerary ...... 3 Information on your trip ...... 5 Rates & travel dates ...... 5 Price includes ...... 5 Terms of payment ...... 5 Accommodation ...... 5 Number of participants ...... 5 Weather updates ...... 6 How to get there ...... 6 Offsetting carbon emissions ...... 7 The French experience ...... 7 Escape to Nature ...... 7 French cuisine ...... 7 The French language ...... 7 The French population...... 7 Our certification ...... 8 Before your trip ...... 8 Phone calls ...... 8 Immigration documents ...... 8 Health insurance ...... 8 Travel insurance ...... 9 We’re happy to help! ...... 10
Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to « Bordeaux » Participants will check-in at the 3-star hotel in Bordeaux, where you will find a road book and bikes waiting for you. « Bordeaux », named before “Burdigala”, is a Roman city, inseparable from its vineyards and prestigious stones architecture. The river Garonne at the heart of the city welcomes walkers on its banks and offers boat trip. The quays suit everyone hoping to witness the stop of a cruise ship, "amazing show" of a giant of the seas in the city centre. The capital of wine, Bordeaux is endowed with a rich history and architec- ture. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included…
Day 2: From « Bordeaux » to « Lacanau »: ~ 64 Km The cycling tour kicks-off in Aquitaine, taking participants from « Bordeaux » to « Lacanau-Ocean », a seaside town via the French greenways, a network of cycle paths that follow a former railway track « Bordeaux- Lacanau ». They will ride through a quiet pine forest that now and again branches off into minor paths where you can listen to the songs of the cicadas. « Lacanau-Ocean » in the Médoc Ocean region, where cycling is a way of life, is much appreciated for its long stretches of ocean beaches sheltered by dunes and forests, its lakes and its unspoiled natural areas. The seaside resort is also famous for its surfing spots. Its early 20th-century villas bore witness to a rich past. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included
Distance covered: ca. 64km
Day 3: From the Ocean to Arcachon : ~ 47 Km This leg of the Velodyssée continues on from « Lacanau-Océan » through dunes and forests. Participants will remain on cycle path until the beaches of «The Porge Ocean ». Discover the widest wild beaches of the Aqui- taine coast, not a building in sight. The path of this segment never leaves the coast, so once there, do not hesi- tate to stray off the main route from time to time. Participants will eventually reach « Cap Ferret » or the « Bay of Arcachon »*. Enjoy and finish off the day cycling through typical oyster villages of the « Bay of Arcachon » before taking the ferry to the seaside town of «Arcachon ». Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included Distance covered: ca. 47km
*For participants wishing to experience more of the « Bay of Arcachon » and its typical ports, it is possible to spend an additional night around « Andernos » and to continue your cycling tour the next day around the Bay to the iconic city of « Arcachon » (please see Day 4 [optional]). The «Arcachon Bay » has been an oyster hub for over 50 years. With its 84 km of untouched pine-tree-lined, it is a truly unique spot on the French coast! Situated between the « Côte d’Argent » and the « Côtes des Landes », the Bay has a pleasant climate with a perfect sunshine all year long. Breathe in the coastal air, the perfume of the pine trees, mimosa and brooms.
Day 4 (optional): Around the Bay of Arcachon : ~ 37km Today’s cycling is all about exploring the Arcachon Bay section of the Vélodyssée. Follow the old railway line and minor roads to discover the surrounding towns and small ports, enjoy the splendid view over the bay and observe the many species of bird. Come and discover the «Arcachon Bay », the winter town and its sumptuous villas from the second empire, its churches, its walks alongside the Bay and its ports. « Arcachon » will no longer be an unknown secret for you! Overnight in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included
Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
Day 4: From Arcachon to Biscarrosse: ~ 30km Start your itinerary in the direction of the « Great Dune of Pyla », an essential trip to its summit to appreciate the beauty of the site. You can’t come to “the Bay” without taking a look! Then cycle under the pines of the Landes forest. Here everything is respected so this triple mix – ocean – sea – forest - is the best for all the pleasures of men. The velodyssée, just after leaving the Gironde, takes you to « Biscarrose Plage » to end your day in the Landes area. « Biscarrosse » is renowned for its waves. But the seaside resort is also the kingdom of beaches, dunes and the pine forest… all a sunny expanse to discover. The town ambience is unique and revitaliz- ing. Its sweet summer perfume guarantees an absolute change of scene. Sand castles, kites, sunbathing, drink- ing outside, frills, night markets, waffles, street shows, casino... Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 5: From Biscarrosse to Mimizan Plage: ~ 52km La Vélodyssée leaves the coast to make a wide detour inland, where the blue of the vast lakes replaces that of the sea. Discover the « lake of Cazaux and Sanguinet », the second largest lake of France (5800 ha !), a little paradise surrounded by greenery and pines then go alongside the « lake of Biscarrosse and Parentis ». Further, the cycle path takes you between little lake ports and intimate lakes to go through the Landes forest and rejoin the ocean in « Mimizan Plage ». « Mimizan » dates back to the “Belle Epoque” when sea bathing became fash- ionable and was very much prized by a rich clientele. This seaside resort was built as a result of the railway which is no longer there today. Overnight stay in a charming bed and breakfast or charming 2-star hotel with breakfast included.
Day 6: Mimizan plage to the heart of the Landes: ~ 55km Particpants leave the attractive seaside town of « Mimizan plage » and return on the Velodyssée to follow an itinerary through the forest. Quiet and calm through woods and embellished by the scent of the pine forest. Let yourself be carried by the sea air and enjoy the nearby ocean beaches leaving from time to time the track. Then discover « Contis Plage », « St. Girons Plage » as well as the beaches of « Leon lake ». End your day of cycling in another attractive seaside town of the Landes. The cycling tracks allow you to discover the forest and quiet pond, a relaxing place. The country atmosphere and the seaside town of Landes will suck you in. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
Day 7: From the Landes to the Basque Country: ~ 65km Last stage of your cycling holiday before you leave the “Landes”... The cycling path takes you into the heart of the forest one last time to discover the emblematic famous seaside town of « Hossegor » and « Cap Breton ». Enjoy the wide beaches and continue through more urban areas as it approaches « Boucau ». A new scenery of the Atlantic coast: “The Basque Country”. Ride on a pleasant cycling path and go through its capital, « Bayonne » to rejoin the renowned seaside town of « Biarritz ». « Biarritz » is one of the most famous seaside resorts of France and Europe. Its magnificent ocean beaches and surfing, its thalassotherapy and many golf courses are popular worldwide. At night, its restaurants, bars and squares will delight your nights. Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included
Day 8: Departure from Biarritz Participants will enjoy some breakfast before departing for their respective connections home or next destina- tions.
Extra nights: Possibility of additional days in « Biarritz » or « Bordeaux » in a 3-Star Hotel. Capacity: 2-8 persons Date: On request from April to October
Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
Information on your trip
Rates & travel dates Travel dates for this tour are between April and October. Weekly rentals only. Rates depend on the season, see more on our website.
Price includes Luggage transfer every step of the way. Logbook in French or English, maps, the accommodation for 7 nights as listed in the itinerary, 24-hour emergency hotline
Price excludes Train/plane fare to/from Bordeaux/Biarritz, pick-up service (payable on site), meals not mentioned in the itin- erary, drinks, train fares, travel cancellation expenses insurance
Optional Bike rental (including emergency hotline number [not for flat tires], helmet, bottle, etc.): €225/person (the bike will be transported to the hotel in Bordeaux where the trip begins) E-Bikes are available for a surcharge of €80
Terms of payment 20% down payment of the total price within 7 days after receipt of invoice Remaining payment 21 days prior to departure without further request for payment Only by SEPA bank transfer.
Accommodation During this trip, participants will spend seven nights in twin rooms in family-owned B&Bs (chambres d'hôtes) or 3 or 4-star hotels. Your hosts will be there to welcome you and share their knowledge of the region, bike routes and their local cuisine.
Number of participants Min. number of participants: 2 Single participant only possible in the low season (additional surcharge) Date for last possible travel cancellation: 21 days before the start date
Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
Map of the tour
Weather updates Weather updates for your cycling tour route can be found on www.weatheronline.co.uk/France or www.meteofrance.com (in French).
How to get there We recommend a low-carbon train TGV (long-distance train) to Bordeaux. Nearest airport: Bordeaux Additional information on getting in and around France can be found here
The French train system is centralized, connecting Paris with all other regions in France. High speed trains (TGVs) run on all major lines, thus making national train travel very fast. Secondary lines, however, may be less developed, offering fewer connections and often relying on busses to complement the offer. Train tickets can be purchased at counters and vending machines at train stations. Reduced rates such as early bird and/or family discounts may be available. A so-called “Ticket Prem“ may be available for domestic connec-
Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
tions (e.g. Paris–Montpellier via the TGV for €22). More information can be found at www.tgv-europe.com or www.voyages.sncf.com (in French).
Offsetting carbon emissions Air traffic accounts for an important share of global carbon emissions thus affecting our climate and contrib- uting to global warming. Yet, in some cases, flying may be the only realistic option to reach your holiday desti- nation. In this case, you may want to offset the carbon emissions caused by your trip. France écotours is a founding member of atmosfair, a German climate initiative launched by the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, the NGO Germanwatch and the sustainable operators’ association forum anders reisen e.V., aimed at making air travel climate neutral by offsetting carbon emissions. Passengers may volunteer to pay an additional charge based on the amount of carbon emissions caused by their trip which is used to finance cli- mate projects in developing countries. For more information, please visit www.atmosfair.de/en.
While initiatives such as atmosfair may not be able to solve all air traffic related problems, offsetting carbon emissions may be an effective approach when air travel cannot be avoided.
The French experience
As a “local” tour operator, we strive to present our country in an authentic way, allowing you to experience its many facets without clichés. However, certain preconceptions are difficult to overcome and some traditions may seem strange to first-time visitors. As such, we would like you to consider the following particularities when traveling with France écotours:
Escape to Nature Traveling with France écotours often means leaving the beaten path and visiting remote areas rarely frequent- ed by tourists; you may even be alone at times. If you are looking for romantic clichés such as those conveyed by tourism advertising, you may be disappointed. Instead, you will enjoy genuine experiences, meet with locals and discover unspoiled landscapes as you explore the country. Those traveling with an open mind and eager- ness to take in new impressions are in for an exciting and inspiring holiday experience!
French cuisine Cooking, eating and drinking wine are the three pillars of the French Savoir vivre. Different regions offer a wide array of traditional foods, attracting decorated chefs and food-lovers alike. Yet, you don’t need to be a gourmet to enjoy France’s excellent cuisine. Extensive meals and wine are part of everyday life in France, offering an opportunity to meet with locals and trade minds. Local dining doesn’t mean spending a lot of money on meals – quite the opposite: Whether in Paris, other French cities or in rural areas, you will find outstanding brasseries, hostels and organic restaurants at very reasonable prices. It is sometimes worth wandering around to find the right dining facility. As for the wine: Yes, the French love their wines, but most like to enjoy it in moderation and prefer quality over quantity.
The French language Historically, the French are very fond of their language. However, while English expressions may be frowned upon by some, there is no doubt that English words and expressions are increasingly integrated into the French vocabulary, shaping and enriching everyday communication. For those looking to improve their French it may be worth noting that many French idioms and expressions have to do with food and eating – naturellement!
The French population
Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
The population of France is very diverse, with slightly more women than men. Thanks to favorable family poli- cies, the national birth rate exceeds that of many other European countries with an average of two children per family. 60% of the working population are employees or laborers. Some 75% live in cities and suburbs; the remaining 25% live in rural areas.
Our certification CSR stands for responsible business practices in line with the principles of social, economic and ecological sustainability. Believing in and fully comply- ing with these principles, France écotours has been certified by the European certification organization TourCert since 2010.
Last renewed in April 2015 and valid through 2018, our CSR certification allows us to evaluate our social, economic and ecological commitment based on a variety of quantifiable performance indicators. We're happy to report outstanding results with view to customer satisfaction (94.3 %) and carbon emissions both for our trips and our offices.
More information on our CSR certification can be found here.
Before your trip
Phone calls When travelling to France, make sure that your mobile phone is compatible with the French frequency ranges GSM 900/1800. Please check with your provider to find out about current roaming charges. France’s international country code is +33. To call France, depending on your country of origin, you may have to dial 0033 (e.g. from other European countries) or 01133 (e.g. from the United States, Canada and Australia), followed by the regional code without the 0, and the 8-digit number. If you are placing a call within France, you do not need to dial the country code; instead add a 0 before the area code. If you would like to call someone in your home country while you’re in France, you will have to dial your own country code.
For our visitors from outside the EU, we recommend using Skype as a cheap means of calling. Simply top up your Skype account with Skype Credit prior to departure and download their app on your smart phones. That way, you can dial mobile numbers and landlines via Skype for 10 cents/minute or less (even just for 2.10 cents/minute!). Or try the FREE one-month trial of Skype World. For first-time users of Skype World, calls will cost absolutely nothing provided you cancel your subscription by the end of the month.
Immigration documents EU nationals will need to show a valid identity card or passport when entering France. Non-EU nationals will require a passport. Depending on your country of origin, you may also require a visa to enter the country.
Health insurance Before travelling to France, please make sure that either your health insurance covers treatments abroad or that you take out additional international health insurance for the duration of your trip. If you are an EU resi- dent, ask your national health insurance provider for a European Health Insurance Card which will give you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 28 EU countries,
Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, under the same conditions and at the same cost as people in- sured in that country. More information on the European Health Insurance Card can be found here.
Travel insurance To avoid fees in case of cancellation or early departure due to illness, accidents or other unforeseen circum- stances, we recommend that you take out a travel cancellation insurance.
Info sheet Bike tour along the Atlantic « Basque Country »
We’re happy to help!
We look forward to your enquiry!
Our office hours: Phone: +49 (0) 69-977 88 677 Monday – Friday: 9am – 6pm Fax: +49 (0) 69-977 88 675 Saturday: 10am – 5pm Email: [email protected]
For more information and other travel ideas, please visit our website at www.france-ecotours.com.