The Vélodyssée: Set Out on a Bike Ride from Les Chênes de Léon

When you stay at the Village des Chênes de Léon, you’ll enjoy direct access to one of Europe’s most beautiful cycling routes: the Vélodyssée. Whether you’re a casual cyclist, a fan of family bike rides, or a cycling traveler, you can reach the trail in just a few minutes and set off to explore the exceptional landscapes of the Landes region.

What is La Vélodyssée?

The Vélodyssée is the French section of the EuroVelo 1 route, which runs along the Atlantic coast from Brittany to the Basque Country. In France, it stretches over 1, 300 kilometers, from Roscoff to Hendaye. More than 80% of the route follows greenways or safe bike paths, offering a route accessible to families as well as more experienced cyclists.

The Vélodyssée in the Landes

The Landes region is one of the most beautiful stretches of La Vélodyssée. Over nearly 160 kilometers, the trail winds through vast pine forests, runs along the ocean dunes, connects the large lakes of the Landes, and passes through the department’s main seaside resorts, from Biscarrosse to Tarnos.

Thanks to a perfectly marked trail that is mostly free of car traffic, everyone can fully enjoy the scenery, beaches, and quaint villages that give the Landes coastline its charm.

Access the trail directly from the Village des Chênes de Léon

From the Village des Chênes in Léon, it’s very easy to get to La Vélodyssée. With just a few turns of the pedals, you’ll reach this famous bike path and can choose which direction to go, depending on your preference.

Heading north: on to Contis and Mimizan

As you drive north, you’ll pass through the Landes Forest toward Saint-Julien-en-Born and Contis-Plage —with its famous black-and-white lighthouse—before continuing on to Mimizan.

Throughout the route, you’ll enjoy a shaded trail, the tranquility of the forest, and numerous access points to the ocean’s secluded beaches. This leg of the journey between Léon and Contis is particularly popular for its natural setting.

To the south: Moliets, Vieux-Boucau, Capbreton, and Hendaye

Heading south, the Vélodyssée takes you to Moliets-et-Maa, Messanges, Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains, Soustons, then Capbreton and Hossegor.

This section alternates between forests, dunes, and seaside resorts. You can easily take a break on the beaches, explore the local markets, or have lunch overlooking the ocean before continuing on your way. The Léon–Capbreton leg is almost entirely on bike paths, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride.

An ideal activity for your vacation

Whether you want to ride a few kilometers or set out for a full day, La Vélodyssée has something for everyone. From your accommodations at the Village des Chênes in Léon, you can easily plan:

a family outing to Lake Léon;
a trip to the beaches at Moliets or Contis;
a day trip to Mimizan or Capbreton;
or even a multi-day road trip.

The trails are safe, well-maintained, and wind through the diverse landscapes for which the Landes region is famous.

A Cycling Vacation in the Heart of the Landes

Thanks to its prime location, the Village des Chênes de Léon is an excellent starting point for exploring La Vélodyssée. Nestled among pine forests, ocean beaches, lakes, and villages in the Landes region, every bike ride becomes a true experience of nature.

Whether you’re heading north or south, La Vélodyssée promises kilometers of new discoveries and a change of scenery, starting right from your vacation destination.