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A family cycling trip – on the trail to adventure!

Family cycling trips are feasible provided they are properly organised.

Cycling with children takes some adjustments and careful planning. Check out the advice in this article before climbing into the saddle and setting out in search of adventure.

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Choose a route that everyone can enjoy

Opt for easy routes with as little traffic as possible. Since 72% of La Vélodyssée is traffic-free, you’ll have plenty of choice!
Purchase a guide to your chosen route. To see all the guides on La Vélodyssée, click here
Try doing short, 20-25 km segments first, to make sure you get off to a good start. You’re on holiday, so take it slowly and relax.
It’s best to set out quite early in the morning to make the most of the day and have enough time for sightseeing and dealing with the unexpected.
Take regular breaks if it’s your first cycling trip. Don’t overestimate yourself and your children. Take your time and pace yourself.

The key to a successful trip is having the right equipment and, above all, careful planning.

Good quality equipment

It’s vital that every member of the family has the right bike, especially if your cycling trip is going to last several days. Make sure that all your bikes are the right size, especially your children’s bikes! Set your saddle height correctly, and make sure your brakes are working properly.

If you have a small child, don’t forget your trailer. They’re always more comfortable – and much more fun – than a child seat. Remember though that they are only allowed on trains if they are folded or dismantled.

Don’t forget your children’s helmets. They are mandatory for children under 12 and recommended for teenagers and adults. Hi-vis jackets are also recommended.

Careful planning is a must

Practising a little before the trip is a good idea, even if it’s just to see how heavy the bike will be once it’s loaded. You could also try going on a short weekend trip close to your home before embarking on a big adventure like La Vélodyssée.
Remember to explain the safety rules to your children. The Highway Code also applies to cyclists, so make sure you cycle on the right and stop at crossroads.
Before you leave, don’t to forget to pack some high-energy snacks, like dried fruit, in case you get the munchies or start to feel tired. Eating something will give you a fresh burst of energy! And whatever you do, don’t forget to take some water! There’s a “water point” filter on the website’s interactive map.

On the La Vélodyssée website, there’s a filter that ranks the difficulty of each stage. See the green “Set your own pace” box here.

Family-friendly sections of La Vélodyssée:

From Morlaix to Rostrenen
From Pontivy to Nort-sur-Erdre
From Le Pellerin to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins
From De 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 Biscarosse
From Parentis-en-Born to Mimizan
From Léon to Capbreton

Cycling with children is not the same as cycling alone or with other adults. You’ll need to take more regular breaks. Luckily, there are lots of things to do on La Vélodyssée. Below, you’ll find a list of places worth visiting with children, where you’ll be able to rest up a little before getting back in the saddle.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES ON LA VÉLODYSSÉE

There are lots of beaches along the Atlantic coast. Swimming is an activity that everyone can enjoy, so go ahead and have fun!
You can also encourage your children to spot road signs, which besides being great fun, will teach them to be responsible too!