Cycling as a family: it's all about organisation!
A bike trip should always be a pleasure for the whole family, especially with young children. It takes a few adjustments and good preparation, so here is our advice for setting off with peace of mind on La Vélodyssée.
First of all, explain the plan to the whole family. To enjoy the adventure fully, everyone needs to feel involved. Your children will love being given responsibility: why not let them choose a visit or entrust them with the route?
Choose a route that suits everyone
- Choose easy routes, with as little traffic as possible. On La Vélodyssée it's simple: nearly 80% of the route is on greenways or cycle paths.
- For first family rides with young children, plan 15 to 25 kilometres a day. Once children start pedalling themselves, you can go up to 35-40 kilometres a day.
- Greenways are reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers and people with reduced mobility: built along towpaths, former railway lines or forest roads, they are particularly well suited to family rides.
- Once you have chosen your route, get a La Vélodyssée guidebook.
- Set off fairly early in the morning to make the most of the day and keep some leeway for sightseeing or unexpected events.
- Take regular breaks: on a first bike trip, don't overestimate your abilities or your children's.
Tip: before a first trip, try the experience on a weekend or long weekend close to home.
The right equipment: bike, trailer, towbar
Having the right bike is essential for the whole family. For little ones, there are two solutions:
- Bike trailers suit young children up to 5-6 years old. They are more comfortable than a child seat, more fun, and you can slip in a few belongings. Please note: trailers are generally not accepted on trains (except sometimes when folded).
- Beyond 5-6 years old, or when the child starts to pedal, a towbar (follow-me) is very handy. It links the rear wheel of the adult's bike to the front wheel of the child's bike, which is reassuring when there is a little more traffic or the child is tired.
Tip: before investing, ask around: you may be able to borrow equipment and try out the different systems.
To find out more: 10 ways to carry your children by bike (France Vélo Tourisme, in French) and a family's feedback on the subject (Graines de Baroudeurs, in French).
Before the trip: what not to forget
- Helmets: all travellers, young and old, should wear one. It is compulsory for children under 12, whether they are passengers or riders. High-visibility vests are also recommended.
- Your child's bike: check its size, the saddle adjustment and the condition of the brakes. Bike fairs and swap meets are a good way to get a bike that grows with your child.
- Safety rules: the highway code also applies to cyclists. Remind your children to ride on the right, always look ahead and stop at junctions and before crossing a road (see the rules of the road for cyclists, in French).
- A little training: a short outing will show you how heavy the bike is once loaded.
- A first-aid kit: slip a well-stocked one into a pannier, along with sun cream and mosquito repellent.
During the trip: a few tips
- Plan regular breaks to discover places to visit, lakes or beaches to swim at: there is no shortage on La Vélodyssée.
- Bring snacks, and drink plenty: dried fruit and energy food give back strength when hunger strikes. A "water point" filter is available on the interactive map.
- Check the weather: the Météo-France website and app (in French) are very useful.
- Improvise and enjoy! With slow travel, you plan nothing except the route. Let yourself discover things as you go.
- Turn your children into observers: suggest a hunt for road signs using our reporting tool.
Sections of La Vélodyssée to discover as a family
- From Morlaix to Rostrenen
- From Pontivy to Nort-sur-Erdre
- Le Pellerin to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins
- From La Barre-de-Monts to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
- From Les Sables-d'Olonne to La Tranche-sur-Mer
- From Marennes to Hourtin-Plage
- From Lacanau to Lège-Cap-Ferret
- From Arcachon to Biscarrosse
- From Parentis-en-Born to Mimizan
- From Léon to Capbreton
Family activities
A bike trip with children is not the same as a trip between adults: breaks are more frequent, and fortunately there are plenty of activities along La Vélodyssée. Find the places worth visiting with children, where you can rest a little before getting back on the saddle.
