Atlantic Coast Route, France
The Vélodyssée / EuroVelo 1 is a self-guided cycling food odyssey in France! What more do you want?
Discover France's Culinary Delights Along La Vélodyssée
One of the highlights of cycling along La Vélodyssée, (EuroVelo 1), is indulging in the incredible food and wine that each region has to offer. Whether you're stopping for a quick bite or sitting down for a traditional meal, you'll find a rich variety of regional specialties to enjoy. So strap a baguette to your bike and go!
Where does The Vélodyssée / EuroVelo 1 start and end?
You can start La Vélodyssée in Roscoff, a charming port town in Brittany, which is convenient for cyclists arriving by ferry from Plymouth, Cork, or Rosslare. The route ends in Hendaye, located at the Spanish border, where TGVs are available for onward travel but require booking.
Trail for Every Cyclist - difficulty level of The Vélodyssée
La Vélodyssée is a route that caters to all levels of cyclists, from families seeking a leisurely ride to experienced long-distance riders looking for a thrilling challenge. With well-maintained paths, dedicated cycling lanes, and accessible facilities, it is one of the most rider-friendly long-distance cycling routes in Europe. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy a mix of rural countryside, historic towns, and vibrant coastal communities. The route is also dotted with welcoming accommodations, from cosy guesthouses to camping sites, ensuring a comfortable journey through France’s western seaboard. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, La Vélodyssée promises an unparalleled cycling experience.
How long does it take to cycle The Vélodyssée?
The time it takes to cycle La Vélodyssée depends on your pace, fitness level, and how often you stop to explore. Here’s a rough estimate based on different cycling speeds:
- Leisurely pace (50 km/day) → Around 26 days (ideal for sightseeing and relaxing)
- Moderate pace (70 km/day) → About 19 days (a balanced ride with stops)
- Fast pace (100 km/day) → Around 13 days (for experienced cyclists covering long distances daily)
If you're aiming for a truly relaxed experience with sightseeing, food stops, and rest days, budgeting 4 to 6 weeks is ideal.
CHoose your culinary section on The Vélodyssée - what to eat!
Brittany: Seafood and Cider
Start your journey in Roscoff, famous for its fresh seafood, particularly its plump oysters and sweet Roscoff pink onions. As you pedal through Brittany, try the traditional Breton galettes (savoury buckwheat crepes) and pair them with a glass of local cider. The region is also known for its butter-laden kouign-amann, a decadent pastry that's a must-try for cyclists needing an energy boost.
Pays de la Loire: Muscadet Wines and Freshwater Fish
As you cycle south through the Loire-Atlantique, you'll enter the world of Muscadet wines. This crisp, white wine pairs perfectly with the region's fresh seafood, particularly moules marinières (mussels in white wine). The route also takes you through marshlands where eel, pike, and perch are commonly served in local restaurants.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Bordeaux Wines and Duck Delicacies
Further south, as you approach the famous Bordeaux wine region, take the opportunity to sample some of the world’s finest reds, such as Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol. In addition to wines, the region is known for its rich gastronomy, featuring duck confit, foie gras, and entrecôte à la Bordelaise (steak with red wine sauce). Don’t forget to stop for a canelé, a small pastry with a caramelized crust and soft, custard-like interior.
The Basque Coast: Spicy Flavors and Regional Specialties
The final stretch of La Vélodyssée takes you to the Basque Country, where the cuisine is bold and flavourful. Savour dishes like piperade (a pepper-based dish often served with Bayonne ham) and axoa (a spicy veal stew). The Basque region is also famous for its sheep’s milk cheese, Ossau-Iraty, which pairs wonderfully with black cherry jam. To celebrate the completion of your cycling adventure, enjoy a glass of Irouléguy, a robust local wine.