Saint-Jean-de-Luz / Hendaye-Plage La Vélodyssée, the Atlantic Cycling Route

Itinerary

Between St-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, the route is shared all the way, sometimes with heavy traffic - as on the way out of St-Jean. It's an easy route, except for the exit from Saint-Jean-de-Luz towards Ciboure (passage on the pavement of a bridge) and the Corniche road, between Ciboure and Hendaye, which is 4.5 km long. Faced with marine erosion, the Basque Corniche road, between Ciboure and Asporotttipi, is narrowed over several long stretches. In summer, with heavy traffic, the road is dangerous for cyclists. We strongly advise cyclists, and especially families, not to use it. You should be very careful, especially in the south-north direction. This road allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The descent into Hendaye takes you right down to the beach and joins a well-surfaced cycle lane which goes past the port and Bay of Chingoudy.  The cycle route, which is planned up to Behobie on the Spanish border, currently stops before the marshalling yard and presents several obstacles: steep stope and stairs. Cycle lanes are currently being constructed.

Connections

Today the international station and Spanish border are only accessible via the N111, which carries very heavy traffic, so it’s not advisable to tackle the route by bike.  If you take the train from the Hendaye-Plage station, this will help you navigate this obstacle.