Best CyclingTrip

Stage 11/15 · La Vélodyssée: the great family-friendly Atlantic crossing

Stage 11: Soulac-sur-Mer → Arcachon Bay

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Start point

Soulac-sur-Mer

End point

Arcachon

Distance

90 km

Elevation gain

150 m D+

Duration

1 to 2 days

Difficulty

Easy

This leg follows the Médoc coastline, a string of long ocean beaches sheltered by the dune line and the pine forest of the Landes de Gascogne. The route runs mostly through forest and is sheltered from the wind, with regular seaside towns to restock (Montalivet, Hourtin, Lacanau).

Approaching Arcachon Bay brings a change of scenery: you leave the straight ocean coastline for the sheltered bay, its oyster beds and typical oyster-farming villages (Le Canon, L’Herbe) on the Cap-Ferret side.

Arcachon itself, with the Dune du Pilat close by, is worth a night or two before heading south into the Landes.

Distances shown are indicative; several route variants exist around the bay (north shore via Cap-Ferret, or a more direct south shore path).

Where to stay near Arcachon

A selection of well-located places to stay so you can start the ride fresh.

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Rent a bike nearby

Don't want to travel with your own bike? These rental shops serve the area.

Rent a car

Handy for reaching isolated passes or carrying gear to the start point.

No partner rental company near Arcachon yet — check back soon.