Vélodyssée in Vendée: cycling routes from our campsite
Can you hear the cry of the seagulls mingling with the Atlantic surf? It's the soundtrack to your next bike ride! The Vélodyssée is more than just a cycle path, it's a promise of freedom in the heart of the Vendée. Starting from our 5-star campsite in the Vendée, you are at the nerve center of this adventure. Get your bike ready, your stay in western France is going to be unforgettable!
What you need to know about the Vélodyssée cycle route in Vendée
- Discover a safe and mostly flat cycling route, ideal for all levels.
- Enjoy varied landscapes including pine forests, rocky cliffs, marshes, and Atlantic beaches.
- Easily reach Noirmoutier, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, or the Marais Breton Vendéen.
- Enjoy reliable signage, tailored services, and perfect conditions for family outings.
The Vélodyssée: the backbone of the Atlantic coast
Want to ride along a legendary route? The Vélodyssée is the French section of EuroVelo 1, a European cycle route linking Norway to Portugal.
The French section of the Vélodyssée
In France, the Vélodyssée runs along the coast for around 1,300 km. It is a veritable highway for cyclists, connecting Brittany to the Spanish border. The ambition behind this route is immense. It allows you to reach La Rochelle, cross the estuary to Bordeaux, skirt around the Arcachon basin, and finish in style in Biarritz or Hendaye. Some sections further south may be more urban or shared with traffic.
Special feature of the Vélodyssée in Vendée
In Vendée, the scenery along the Vélodyssée is different. Here, many sections are “dedicated lanes.” This means that for much of the route, you can cycle without encountering motorized vehicles. You can ride along the coast in complete safety. This is what makes our region a favorite destination for family bike rides. The signage is impeccable, the route is mostly flat, and services such as water points and tire inflation stations are often available. Good to know: our Le Tropicana campground offers convenient access to the trails. You won't waste a minute in traffic. Just hop on your bike and start pedaling.
Which Vélodyssée routes should you take?
You don't need to head to Biarritz to experience the thrill of cycling. We have selected three Vélodyssée routes for you, all starting right from the campsite. Each circuit offers a unique atmosphere to set the pace for your week in the Vendée.
Head north: immerse yourself in the forest towards Fromentine and Noirmoutier
This is the “100% nature” option. Leaving the campsite, head north towards Notre-Dame-de-Monts, then towards La Barre-de-Monts/Fromentine. You will soon enter the Pays de Monts national forest, a wooded area ideal for bike rides. In summer, the coolness of the pine trees is a luxury. You will ride along the dunes, protected by the forest, on a well-marked bike path. Halfway or on the way back, take a break at Biotopia, a coastal and forest discovery center that is well worth a visit. Further on, the Kulmino water tower offers a superb panoramic view of the Breton Vendéen marshes and the ocean. The arrival at La Barre-de-Monts/Fromentine marks the end of the forest and the opening onto the Atlantic Ocean.
Distance: ~18 km (one way); Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours; Difficulty: easy (green), ideal for children and families; Surface: secure greenway and gentle paths.
Heading south: the Vendée coast road and Saint-Gilles
Forget the forest, make way for coastal granite on this section of the Vélodyssée cycle route in Vendée. This route heads south via Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, following the coastline and its spectacular sea views. The cycle path runs along the Corniche Vendéenne, a listed rocky coastline where you can admire the Cinq Pineaux rocks and the famous Trou du Diable (Devil's Hole). You will then arrive in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie via the maritime district of Boisvinet, where the atmosphere becomes livelier with the fishing port and its typical facades. This is the perfect spot for a gourmet break with grilled sardines or a drink by the water before heading back. Distance: ~22 km (one way); Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes; Difficulty: medium (depending on the coastal wind).
The marsh loop: the Zen alternative
Fancy a peaceful loop that showcases the authenticity of the marsh? Leave the main road to discover the hinterland and the Marais Breton Vendéen. You will ride alongside canals where the sky is reflected like a mirror and discover vast flat expanses bathed in light. The landscape is horizontal, immense, and ideal for a peaceful bike ride. On this circuit, you will often encounter herons, egrets, and other birds characteristic of wetlands. Stop off at the Daviaud Ecomuseum to discover traditional market gardening life and gain a better understanding of the human history of these landscapes. Distance: ~26 km (loop); Duration: half a day; Difficulty: very easy (suitable for families).
Our tips for a successful ride on the Vélodyssée cycle route
To ensure your cycling experience remains enjoyable, preparation is key. Here's what you need to know before setting off on the Vélodyssée.
Equipment and safety
Map and navigation: even though the route is well signposted, a GPS or mobile app can be very useful, particularly for identifying alternative routes or areas shared with traffic.
Wind: it often blows from the northwest. Take this into account to conserve your energy, especially on sections exposed to the ocean.
Water: always bring a water bottle, as the sea air and sun can quickly dehydrate you.
For long-distance cyclists
If you are stopping off with us during a long trip on the Vélodyssée cycle route, you should know that you are at a turning point:
To the north: you can reach the Loire estuary and continue your journey via the Nantes-Brest Canal.
To the south: after the Vendée, the route continues to La Rochelle and Royan, then crosses the Arcachon Basin. The more experienced can go as far as the Landes, Bordeaux or the Spanish border at Hendaye.
But for now, make the most of the gentle climate of the Vendée and its unique landscapes! More than just a route, the Vélodyssée is a sensory experience filled with sea air and freedom. To enjoy it to the fullest, our campground with a water park in the Vendée is the ideal base. With our “Accueil Vélo” certification, we make your week easier with two major advantages: direct access to the trail and technical assistance from our partner Cycl'hop.