Philippe takes on the 1,200 km of La Vélodyssée, cycling France’s Atlantic coast in 15 days

On his own

From Hendaye to Roscoff in 15 segments

Philippe has had hemiparesis since he had a cycling accident at 13 years old. Just after his 60th birthday, he set himself the challenge of getting on a bike and travelling the route from Hendaye to Roscoff.

 

After 5,500 kilometres of training in a little over a year, Philippe began cycling France’s Atlantic coast on La Vélodyssée. It was his way of pushing out negative thoughts and proving to himself that his handicap hadn’t taken away his physical abilities. He would do it all in 15 segments with just two days of rest... Respect!
 

Philippe’s Vélodyssée odyssey

Philippe recounts HIS odyssey on La Vélodyssée

What I remember most from cycling France’s Atlantic coast is the feeling of discovering landscapes that are only accessible by bike, on foot, or by horse, far from the pollution, noise, and media (no radio or TV...). The people that I met would say ‘hello’ or would stop to chat. I felt like I was in another world where all was well... and that was a good feeling.

 

I also really liked the portion of the route along the Nantes-Brest Canal, with its reflections, light, and birds... a little green lizard that crossed La Vélodyssée and a squirrel who scampered up a pine tree and watched me as if he was encouraging me, but then fled as soon as I got my camera out.
 

Visit to Bon-Repos Abbey
Philippe Lacam

Visit to Bon-Repos Abbey

You leave Pontivy along the canal. I departed from the canal path to head to the village of Mûr-de-Bretagne. The route had a fairly strong slope up, then descended 15 km further on towards the Abbaye de Notre Dame de Bon Repos. It’s a very beautiful site.    

Port of Pornic
Philippe Lacam

Cycling the west coast of France

Between La Barre-de-Monts and Saint-Brevin, most of the route was along France’s Atlantic coast and it was very pleasant.

Tailor-made itineraries

Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

Accommodation Useful information Leasure Restauration

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Je me dépasse
J'ai l'habitude
Je débute / En famille

Tailor-made itineraries

Josselin / Peillac

7 Josselin / Peillac

46 km
3 h 03 min
I begin / Family
There is a medieval feel to this stage of La Vélodyssée, both in Malestroit and in Josselin with their timber-framed houses and narrow streets. Called “the Pearl of the Oust”, Malestroit readily opens up its treasures to curious pedestrians.
A pretty stage on a designated track of La Vélodyssée through a sinuous valley of the Oust with the foothills of the Landes and Lanvaux as a backdrop. After passing the confluence with the Claie, St Congard and the Guélin Lock provide very welcome breaks.
Pontivy / Josselin

6 Pontivy / Josselin

48 km
3 h 12 min
I begin / Family
A section of La Vélodyssée with a dedicated cycle path and one rich in waterway heritage: 54 locks and the Rigole d’Hilvern, which epitomises the huge hydraulic complexity of the work required when constructing the canal. Of particular interest are the numerous tree species which, between them, provide very welcome shade from the sun. At the heart of the Rohan Country, this is a very pleasant stage on La Vélodyssée with designated lanes. Shortly after Rohan, don’t miss out on the essential detour past Timadeuc Abbey. The impressive fortress, moored to its rocky platform, comes into view as we head towards Josselin.
St-Brevin-les-Pins / Pornic

14 St-Brevin-les-Pins / Pornic

40 km
2 h 38 min
I cycle often
This stage of La Vélodyssée starts by crossing St-Brevin between the sea, dunes, pine trees and villas. It continues into the countryside of the Pays de Retz towards St-Michel-Chef-Chef and the charming tourist seaside resort of Pornic.
Bouin / La Barre de Monts - Fromentine

16 Bouin / La Barre de Monts - Fromentine

34 km
2 h 17 min
I cycle often
The last stage of La Vélodyssée in the Bay of Bourgneuf-en-Retz (your pedals keeping time with the sweeping circles of its wind turbines!) before arriving at the very lively Port-du-Bec in Epoids. The highlight of the day will be crossing the famous Gois causeway to the Island of Noirmoutier, tides permitting!