Evazio

This loop tour circles the full Gironde department, combining sections of the Vélodyssée and Canal des Deux Mers with other departmental trails. From Bordeaux, riders head into the Entre-Deux-Mers vineyards, passing fortified bastides and the medieval river town of La Réole, before joining the Canal de Garonne to Bazas.

The route continues through the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park and Hostens lakes to the Arcachon Basin, with a choice of routes via Andernos or a boat crossing to Cap Ferret. Riders then follow the Médoc lakes north to Montalivet, cross the Gironde estuary by ferry to Royan, and trace the wild estuary coastline south through Talmont-sur-Gironde and Mortagne.

The final stages pass the UNESCO-listed Blaye citadel and the Médoc's famous wine villages, including Margaux, before finishing back in Bordeaux. Accommodation is a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels and charming B&Bs.

Highlights

• Entre-Deux-Mers vineyards, fortified bastides and the medieval town of La Réole
• Canal de Garonne and the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park
• Arcachon Basin, with a choice of route via Andernos or Cap Ferret
• Gironde estuary crossing by ferry to Royan
• UNESCO-listed Blaye citadel
• Médoc wine villages, including Margaux, on the final approach to Bordeaux

Surface and terrain:
Small roads, greenways and cycle paths throughout, described as road-bike suitable. Some early hillier days (Entre-Deux-Mers, Sauveterre to Bazas), otherwise flat to gently rolling. Total ascent around 1,360m over 480km.

Suitable for:
Experienced cyclists wanting to complete the full loop, though shorter sections are also available; suitable for families, with children's bikes and trailers available.

This self-guided trip crosses from Agen, "capital of the prune," through the Lot-et-Garonne's orchards and bastide towns to the medieval city of Sarlat. Riders pass Penne d'Agenais and the bastide of Villeneuve-sur-Lot before continuing to Monflanquin and the fortress of Gavaudun, crossing into the Périgord at Biron's fortified château.

The route continues along the Périgord bastide trail past the UNESCO-listed Cadouin cloister into the Périgord Noir, then follows the Dordogne valley past the châteaux of Les Milandes, Castelnaud and Beynac, and the clifftop village of La Roque Gageac.

The trip finishes in Sarlat-la-Canéda, noted for having the highest density of listed historic monuments in the world. An optional extra day extends to Les Eyzies, the "capital of prehistory," with a canoeing option on the Dordogne. Accommodation runs from 3-star to 4-star hotels and charming B&Bs.

Highlights

• Bastide towns of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Monflanquin and Monpazier
• Fortified sites of Gavaudun and Biron
• UNESCO-listed Cadouin cloister
• Périgord Noir châteaux: Les Milandes, Castelnaud and Beynac
• Clifftop village of La Roque Gageac and medieval Sarlat
• Optional extension to Les Eyzies, the "capital of prehistory," with a canoeing option

Surface and terrain:
Country roads through gentle hills and fertile valleys, becoming hillier through the Périgord bastide country. Notably hilly for an Evazio tour, with roughly 1,725m of ascent over the core 4 riding days.

Suitable for:
Riders comfortable with a hillier self-guided tour, wanting a mix of bastide villages, châteaux and medieval heritage.

This self-guided trip follows La Vélodyssée south from La Rochelle to Arcachon, tracing the Charente-Maritime and Gironde coastlines. Riders pass through Rochefort, with its royal rope factory, and the oyster-farming marshes of Marennes before reaching the belle-époque seaside town of Royan.

The route then crosses the Gironde estuary by boat and continues along the Côte d'Argent, passing Lake Hourtin (France's largest freshwater lake) and the surf towns of Soulac-sur-Mer, Montalivet and Lacanau. An optional loop of the Île de Ré and a choice of routes around the Arcachon Basin add flexibility to the final stages.

The trip finishes in Arcachon, taking in its Second Empire villas and oyster ports, with an optional extra day to climb the Dune du Pilat. Accommodation is mainly in 3 and 4-star hotels throughout.

Highlights:

• Rochefort's royal rope factory and transporter bridge
• Marennes oyster marshes and the wild coast near Royan
• Crossing the Gironde estuary by boat
• Lake Hourtin and the surf beaches of the Côte d'Argent
• Optional Île de Ré loop and Cap Ferret detour
• Arcachon's oyster ports, with an optional Dune du Pilat extension

Surface and terrain:
Sealed, mostly flat greenway and coastal cycle paths throughout, described as a safe route. No significant climbs.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a relaxed, self-guided coastal holiday, with flexible route options; children's bikes and trailers available on request.

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This self-guided trip circles the Gironde estuary, starting through the Médoc's famous wine route, taking in Margaux, Moulis and Pauillac's Grands Crus. Riders continue north through the "petite Camargue" wetlands to the tip of the peninsula at Soulac-sur-Mer, then cross the estuary by boat to the seaside resort of Royan.

The route follows limestone cliffs through Charente-Maritime, passing the troglodyte village of Talmont-sur-Gironde, the fishing port of Meschers and the former caviar capital of Saint-Seurin-d'Uzet, before heading inland through Cognac and Pineau country.

The final stages return along the estuary through Côtes de Blaye and Côtes de Bourg vineyards, visiting the Vauban citadel at Blaye and the clifftop village of Bourg-sur-Gironde. Accommodation is in 3-star hotels and charming B&Bs, with dinners featuring local cuisine most nights.

Highlights

• Médoc wine route: Margaux, Moulis, Pauillac
• Boat crossing of the Gironde estuary to Royan
• Limestone cliffs and troglodyte village of Talmont-sur-Gironde
• Cognac and Pineau country around Saint-Dizant-du-Gua
• Vauban Citadel at Blaye
• Clifftop village of Bourg-sur-Gironde

Surface and terrain:
Small easy roads and cycle paths through vineyards, marshes and cliff-top country. No major climbs; total ascent around 805m over the 6 riding days.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a relaxed, self-guided loop through varied Gironde landscapes, wine regions and coastal villages.

This self-guided trip follows the Canal de Garonne, the first section of the Canal des Deux Mers, from Bordeaux to Toulouse. Riders start through the Entre-Deux-Mers vineyards and fortified bastides of Créon and Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, joining the canal towpath near Castets-en-Dorthe.

The route follows a 90% dedicated greenway shaded by plane trees, passing 53 locks and engineering landmarks including the Pont Canal d'Agen. Riders continue through the Garonne valley past Buzet-sur-Baïse and Le Mas d'Agenais, then on to Auvillar and the abbey cloister at Moissac, one of the finest examples of Romanesque art.

The final stage passes Montech's water slope before finishing at Toulouse's Place du Capitole. Accommodation is a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels and B&Bs, and the tour can also be booked in reverse, from Toulouse to Bordeaux.

Highlights

• Entre-Deux-Mers vineyards and fortified bastides of Créon and Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
• Canal de Garonne towpath, shaded by century-old plane trees
• Pont Canal d'Agen, one of the canal's engineering landmarks
• Romanesque abbey cloister at Moissac
• Montech's unique water slope
• Finish at Toulouse's Place du Capitole

Surface and terrain:
A 90% dedicated, mostly flat greenway along the former railway line and canal towpath, described as easy and well-secured throughout. No significant climbs.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a relaxed, self-guided ride along a well-shaded, flat greenway; suitable for families, with children's bikes and trailers available.

This self-guided trip links Bordeaux and Cahors, following the Canal des Deux Mers cycle path through the Entre-Deux-Mers bastides of Créon and Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, then the Canal de Garonne towpath past Marmande and Clairac's Benedictine abbey.

The route joins the Lot valley at Villeneuve-sur-Lot, continuing through orchards and hilltop villages including Pujols, Monsempron-Libos and Puy-l'Évêque, with an optional detour to the Château de Bonaguil. Riders pass Belaye and the river-meander village of Luzech before finishing in Cahors, entering via the medieval Pont Valentré.

An optional final-day loop visits Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of France's most beautiful villages, perched on a cliff above the Lot. Accommodation is mainly in 3 and 4-star hotels and charming B&Bs.

Highlights

• Entre-Deux-Mers bastides of Créon and Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
• Canal de Garonne towpath and Clairac's Benedictine abbey
• Lot valley villages including Pujols and Puy-l'Évêque
• Optional detour to the fortified Château de Bonaguil
• Cahors and the medieval Pont Valentré ("Devil's Bridge")
• Optional loop to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched above the Lot valley

Surface and terrain:
Mostly flat greenway and canal towpath, becoming gently hillier through the Lot valley toward Cahors. No major climbs; total ascent around 1,125m over the core route.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a relaxed, self-guided ride combining canal greenway and river valley scenery; suitable for families, with children's bikes and trailers available.

This self-guided loop crosses the full breadth of the Bordeaux wine region, starting and finishing in Bordeaux. Riders follow the Gironde estuary past world-famous châteaux including Margaux, Mouton Rothschild and Cos d'Estournel, through the Médoc's "Petite Camargue" wetlands to the Atlantic coast, crossing the estuary by boat to Royan.

The route continues along limestone cliffs and marshes to the Vauban Citadel at Blaye, then through the Fronsac vineyards past Château Petrus to the medieval, UNESCO-listed city of Saint-Émilion. An optional loop visits Castillon-la-Bataille before the route crosses the rolling Entre-Deux-Mers to the sweet-wine region of Sauternes, home to Château d'Yquem.

The final stage passes through Graves and Pessac-Léognan, including Château Smith Haut Lafitte, before finishing back in Bordeaux. Accommodation ranges from 3-star to 4 and 5-star hotels, depending on the version chosen.

Highlights

• Médoc châteaux: Margaux, Mouton Rothschild, Cos d'Estournel
• Boat crossing of the Gironde estuary to Royan
• Vauban Citadel at Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Medieval, UNESCO-listed city of Saint-Émilion
• Entre-Deux-Mers bastides en route to Sauternes and Château d'Yquem
• Optional loop to Castillon-la-Bataille

Surface and terrain:
Mostly flat to gently rolling small roads through vineyard country, with hillier stages around Blaye and Saint-Émilion. Total ascent around 1,395m over the core route.

Suitable for:
Riders comfortable with a longer, more demanding self-guided tour (branded "Challenging" by Evazio) and covering good daily distances; wine lovers wanting an in-depth crossing of the Bordeaux appellations.

This self-guided loop explores the Côte d'Or, riding the famous Route des Grands Crus between Dijon and Chagny, through terroirs bearing legendary names such as Chambertin, Romanée-Conti and Montrachet. Riders take in UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes and architectural landmarks including the Hospices de Beaune and the Palais des Ducs in Dijon.

Away from the vines, the route heads into the hinterland along the Canal du Centre and Canal de Bourgogne, passing the medieval market town of Nolay and the fortress village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, perched on a rocky spur.

Each stage offers a shorter or longer route option, depending on fitness and interest. The loop can also be started from Dijon instead of Beaune. Accommodation is in 2 and 3-star hotels in the heart of Beaune and Dijon, with the surrounding nights in smaller wine-country towns.

Highlights

• Route des Grands Crus through Chambertin, Romanée-Conti and Montrachet vineyards
• Hospices de Beaune and Beaune's medieval ramparts
• Canal du Centre and Canal de Bourgogne towpaths
• Medieval market town of Nolay
• Fortress village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
• Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne in Dijon

Surface and terrain:
Country roads and canal towpaths, with each stage offering a shorter, flatter option or a longer, hillier one through the hinterland plateau. Notably hilly on the longer options; ascent up to roughly 2,400m across the 4 riding days.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a wine-focused self-guided loop with flexible daily distances; the shorter route options suit less experienced riders, the longer ones suit those wanting more of a challenge.

This self-guided trip crosses the Île-de-France countryside just outside Paris, linking three great royal châteaux. Riders start near Melun, cycling to Vaux-le-Vicomte's formal gardens, the medieval Château Fort de Blandy and along the Seine to the UNESCO-listed Château de Fontainebleau.

The route then crosses the imperial forest of Fontainebleau, passing Barbizon, cradle of Impressionist painting, before reaching the historic town of Étampes. Riders continue through the Rambouillet forest, via the royal town of Dourdan, to overnight facing the Château de Rambouillet.

The final stage crosses the Chevreuse Valley, past the Château de Dampierre, finishing at the Château de Versailles, with time to explore its gardens and grounds. Accommodation is in 3 and 4-star hotels and charming B&Bs, with an option to add extra nights in Paris.

Highlights

• Formal gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte and the medieval Château Fort de Blandy
• UNESCO-listed Château de Fontainebleau and its imperial forest
• Barbizon, cradle of Impressionist painting
• Rambouillet forest and its royal château
• Chevreuse Valley and the Château de Dampierre
• Finish at the Château de Versailles, with time in its gardens

Surface and terrain:
Small country roads and cycle paths through forests and river valleys, with gentle hills throughout. No major climbs; total ascent around 1,110m over the 4 riding days.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a relaxed, heritage-focused self-guided tour close to Paris, combining châteaux, forests and countryside.

The Arcachon Bay cycle tour: a bay on the Atlantic Ocean situated between the Côte d’Argent and the Côte des Landes. Ride 100 kilometers using a part of the velodyssee track and discover beautiful landscapes, the fauna and flora of the Bassin : an authentic experience by bike in a well-preserved natural environment !

This self-guided loop is designed as a family-friendly tour of the Arcachon Basin, with short daily stages, several suitable for younger riders, and swimming stops in calm, sheltered water rather than open ocean. Riders base themselves in Arcachon, Andernos-les-Bains and back, covering around 100 km of dedicated cycle paths and coastal trails.

The 7-day version adds an optional day out to the Dune du Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune. From Andernos, the route follows the basin's forested shoreline through Lège-Cap-Ferret and Arès, then crosses by boat to explore the oyster-farming villages of L'Herbe and Le Canon on Cap Ferret.

The final stage passes Gujan-Mestras, the basin's oyster capital, and the Le Teich ornithological park before returning to Arcachon. Accommodation is in 2, 3 or 4-star hotels, depending on the version booked.

Highlights

• Dune du Pilat, Europe's tallest sand dune (optional day, 7-day version)
• Oyster-farming villages of L'Herbe and Le Canon on Cap Ferret
• Le Teich ornithological park and its migratory bird colonies
• Forested shoreline ride between Andernos and Cap Ferret
• Seaside resorts of Arcachon and Andernos-les-Bains
• Boat crossing of the Arcachon Basin

Surface and terrain:
Flat, dedicated cycle paths and coastal trails throughout, with short daily distances. No significant climbs; designed to suit younger or less experienced riders.

Suitable for:
Families with children wanting a relaxed, short-stage loop with swimming stops; children's bikes and trailers available.

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