Frequently asked questions from travellers

Both are possible! Typically the cycling route is described from north to south on the route pages of this website and in cycling guides dedicated to La Vélodyssée. However, you can certainly travel in the other direction, from Basque Country to Brittany. The route is marked in both directions.

On La Vélodyssée, we recommend a touring bike, a hybrid bike, or a gravel bike. In certain places in Brittany, the Loire-Atlantique department, and the Charente-Maritime department, the surface material on certain paths may be irregular and stony, and at times the surface may not be as easy to ride on as tarmac. You can find information on the paving material for each trail section in the ‘Route’ section under the altitude graphic.

Consider an electric-assist bicycle!

The electric-assist bicycle (or EAB) is a type of bicycle, as defined by France’s Highway Code, if it complies with the European directive: maximum 250 W with assistance only (the rider still has to pedal). An EAB will be your best friend on trail sections with a steep slope or if you do a long trip and you’re not accustomed riding for so long. Check out the EAB rental services below (a non-exhaustive list).

EAB rental companies

If you’re able to, avoid the high season (15 July to 15 August). During that time it will be very difficult to reserve lodging for a single night. Early and late in cycling season are very nice times of the year: less risk of getting a sunburn, less traffic on the route and in towns, and less waiting in line for a shower in campsites!

Discover the weather forecast for the coming days in 5 stopover towns located on La Vélodyssée

See the weather

Good news! Any person in normal physical condition can easily bike 40 km per day. Cycling this distance at the gentle average speed of 15 kph gives you time to make many stops and enjoy the scenery. As the days go by, you will be able to extend how far you travel in a day. 

• Families travel more like 20 to 50 kilometres per day
• Experienced long-distance cyclists do around 60 to 80 km per day
• The most athletic riders can travel up to 120 kilometres per day (travelling at a speed around 25-30 kph).

Please note that not all departmental, regional, or national trains or coach buses are equipped for transporting bicycles. It depends on the age of the train or coach, local infrastructure policies, and whether it’s economically advantageous to offer such a service on the line in question.

Transport with a bike

Yes, you can bring your dog on La Vélodyssée! However, you should take a few precautions.

What precautions should I take when accompanied by an animal?

French law requires that dogs be kept on a lead on public roads and pavement, as well as in public places. Failure to do so is punishable by a first-degree fine (maximum €38) or even a second-degree fine (maximum €150) if the dog is considered to be a ‘category 1 or 2’ dog (pit bull, Staffordshire terrier, or Rottweiler). These types of dogs must be muzzled. Above all, use caution when approaching and crossing in front of other trail users.
In the Gironde department, dogs are not permitted on the paved surface of departmental bicycle paths. However, they can walk on the verge next to the path under the supervision of their owner.

Will my dog be allowed to go anywhere (campsites, attractions, etc.)?

Each place of lodging has its own rules. As such, you will have to find out when making your reservation whether they accept dogs or not.
You may have to pay an animal surcharge.
If the place of lodging accepts dogs, they must be vaccinated against rabies (you may have to show proof of vaccinations) and they must be kept on a lead. Dogs in categories 1 and 2 are forbidden.

Furthermore, dogs are prohibited in food stores and at many beaches in the summer.