Explore the Arcachon Basin by bicycle
Unmissable Routes and Discoveries
The Arcachon Basin is an ideal destination for cycling trips, whether you are with family, friends, or on your own. With its landscapes between sea and forest, its oyster-farming villages, and its well-developed cycling paths, this region in Southwest France is a paradise for nature lovers and tourism in Gironde. From Green Village, a campsite located in Gujan-Mestras, you are ideally positioned to discover the Arcachon Basin at your own pace. To help you do so, Domaine de la Forge, an annex of the campsite located just 800 meters away, provides bicycles for exploring this magnificent region.
Direct access to cycling paths
Dune du Pilat just minutes away
Top 3 Best Cycling Routes in the Arcachon Basin
1.Arcachon: A Cycling Outing Along the Coast
One of the best routes not to be missed when spending a vacation in the Arcachon Basin is the one from the port of La Teste-de-Buch towards the Moulleau pier.
Start your bike ride from the port of La Teste-de-Buch and follow the coast to Arcachon’s Thiers pier. This picturesque spot is perfect for a break and to watch the ferries crossing the basin—a living spectacle that punctuates the bay’s activity. Then continue towards Pereire Beach, a true haven of peace bordered by Pereire Park and the Abatilles neighborhood. This residential area, nestled in the heart of a pine grove, offers an ideal setting to pause and relax.
Finally, finish this excursion at the Moulleau pier, a lively site offering spectacular views of the basin. This route perfectly combines the beauty of natural landscapes, elegant architecture, and the unique quality of life in Arcachon.
For the more athletic, extend the route to the famous Dune du Pilat, the highest dune in Europe. Take a moment to breathe in the sea air, leave your bike behind, and if you still have the strength, climb to the top for an unrivaled view of the entire Arcachon Basin.
2. Le Cap Ferret: A Charming Cycling Getaway
Le Cap Ferret is a must-see destination for tourism in Gironde, and it is perfectly suited for cycling outings.
From the Bélisaire pier, board a maritime shuttle with your bike to reach this wild peninsula. Once there, you can explore the tip of Le Cap Ferret and admire an impressive panorama: on one side, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other, the calm waters of the Arcachon Basin.
Don’t miss the climb to the Cap Ferret lighthouse, which offers a 360° view of the entire Arcachon Basin—from the oceanic passes to the famous “cabanes tchanquées” of the Île aux Oiseaux. Then, head to charming oyster-farming villages such as l’Herbe or Petit Piquey, where a break is in order to taste fresh oysters, a local delight. These cycling routes combine nature exploration, a change of scenery, and gastronomic pleasures.
3.Explore the Surroundings of the Arcachon Basin
Cycling trips accessible to everyone
To vary your cycling outings, several other routes await you in the areas around the Arcachon Basin. Lake Cazaux is an excellent choice for a bike ride followed by a refreshing swim. The natural and peaceful setting of the lake, surrounded by forests, offers a perfect spot for a relaxing break.
Further south, La Teste-de-Buch will charm you with its covered market, a must-see for discovering local flavors. Open year-round, it offers fresh produce and regional specialties not to be missed. A real treat for food lovers!
La Vélodysée: Stage in Arcachon
For cycling enthusiasts, La Vélodysée offers a 42 km route linking Lège-Cap-Ferret to Arcachon. This route plunges you into the heart of the Arcachon Basin, passing through forests, oyster-farming ports, and exceptional maritime panoramas. Partly laid out on an old railway line, it combines nostalgic charm with preserved landscapes for a total immersion in this emblematic region of Gironde.
The journey begins at Lège-Cap-Ferret, where the cycle path briefly shares the road with traffic before becoming more tranquil as it winds through the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, offering a genuine immersion in an authentic, maritime Aquitaine.
If you start from Arcachon, a Transbassin shuttle transports bicycles and can take you to Cap Ferret.
Along the way, you will pass through villages such as Andernos-les-Bains, L'Aiguillon, and Le Cap Ferret – ideal stops to discover the authenticity of Gironde. These small oyster ports are perfect for a break, sampling fresh oysters, and meeting local oyster farmers. Other villages like l’Herbe, Le Canon, Biganos, and Gujan-Mestras, with their narrow lanes and colorful huts, add to the diversity of this route.
After this wonderful cycling adventure, Green Village is the ideal spot for a well-deserved break. Nestled in a natural and peaceful setting, it welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Map of Cycling Paths in the Arcachon Basin
Whether you're a fan of cycling paths, gourmet discoveries, or preserved nature, Green Village camping is the ideal starting point to explore all the treasures of the Arcachon Basin.