Cycling in Arcachon means riding along a coastline lined with pine trees and oyster huts. The town and its bay offer one of the most beautiful cycling areas on the Atlantic coast, with nearly 315 km of safe bike paths to explore during your camping trip in Arcachon.
From the waterfront to the Dune du Pilat, via the Teich Nature Reserve, here are our five favorite routes and a few tips!
Cycling in Arcachon at a Glance
|
Itinerary |
Distance |
Difficulty |
|
Arcachon Waterfront |
22 km |
Easy |
|
From Arcachon to the Dune du Pilat |
10 km (one way) |
Easy to moderate |
|
Tour of the Bay via La Vélodyssée |
77 km |
Challenging |
|
Teich Nature Reserve Loop |
10 km |
Easy |
|
Oyster Ports of Gujan-Mestras |
17 km |
Moderate |
Cycling along the Arcachon waterfront: 22 km overlooking the Bassin
The Arcachon waterfront remainsthe ideal route for a first bike ride in Arcachon. Stretching nearly 22 km, thebike paths run along the shore from Pointe de l'Aiguillon to the Moulleau neighborhood, passing through downtown and the Thiers Pier. Flat and well-marked from start to finish, this route is accessible to the whole family, including young children.
You’ll ride with a view of the Bassin, with the beach huts in the distance and boats returning to port. Halfway along the route, Pereire Beach and its shaded lawns offer the perfect spot for a picnic.
Our tip:For this urban loop, a city bike is more than enough. However, if you’re heading to the Dune du Pilat or planning to complete the full loop, opt for an e-bike.
From Arcachon to the Dune du Pilat, a 10-km walk through the forest
Reaching the Dune du Pilat by bike is about 10 kilometers from Arcachon, with most of the route running through a pine forest on a protected trail. The route passes through Le Moulleau, then runs along the Pyla before arriving at the foot of the sand giant. Allow about 40 minutes at a leisurely pace.
At the base of the dune, everything is set up for cyclists: bike parking, amenities, and an Accueil Vélo information point. The Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest dune at over 100 meters high, can be climbed via a staircase installed from April through November: the view of the Banc d’Arguin and the forest more than makes up for the effort!
“Park your bike at the bottom in the designated parking lot: you can only climb the dune on foot. And keep this in mind during the off-season—the staircase is only installed from April through November; the rest of the time, you’ll have to climb directly through the sand,” our team notes.
A Tour of the Arcachon Basin: 77 km and a ferry crossing
The grand tour of the Arcachon Basin by bike is a challenge for experienced cyclists: a loop of about 77 km that includes a ferry crossing between Arcachon and Cap-Ferret. The route follows La Vélodyssée, the French section of EuroVelo 1, an Atlantic cycling route inaugurated in 2012.
In a single loop, you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes. The Cap-Ferret headland and its fishing villages, such as L’Herbe, mark the start of the route. Next comes the Arès Nature Reserve, followed by the return to your campground with a pool in Arcachon by boat, with your bike on board. The sea, forest, and oyster beds follow one after another without a single steep hill.
Bonus:The ferry crossing, operated by the Union des Bateliers Arcachonnais, connects the Thiers pier to the Bélisaire pier in about 30 minutes, with bikes on board (panniers and seats removed). Take the opportunity to visit the village of L’Herbe and its Chapelle de la Villa Algérienne, then climb the 53-meter-tall Cap-Ferret lighthouse.
Our Sunêlia Campgrounds
The Teich Nature Trail, a 10-km loop along the edge of the nature reserve
The Teich Loop appeals to cyclists in Arcachon who are out to enjoy the scenery rather than push themselves to the limit. This roughly 10-km loop leads to the Teich Bird Sanctuary, one of Europe’s best spots for watching migratory birds. The route is flat and shaded, making it perfect for families with young children.
The trail winds through reed beds and wet meadows before reaching the park’s entrance. Once there, you’ll leave your bike behind to follow the paths on foot, binoculars in hand. Storks, spoonbills, and herons stop here throughout the seasons. It’s a leisurely outing, ideal for a family afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the beach, during your camping vacation by the sea near Arcachon.
Here are some tips to keep in mind before heading out toward Le Teich:
- Bring water and a hat, as the open areas offer little shade in the height of summer.
- Pack a pair of binoculars in your bag to fully enjoy the reserve.
- Check your tire pressure before leaving, especially if you’re pulling a kids’ trailer.
The oyster-farming ports of Gujan-Mestras: 17 km of culinary delights
Gujan-Mestras can be explored on a loop of about 17 km along the culinary side of the Bassin. Nicknamed the “Oyster Capital,” the town is home to seven oyster ports, which the trail connects to one another; the route is of moderate difficulty. The route also passes by La Hume Beach, La Chêneraie Park, and Lake Magdeleine.
Between colorful huts, you’ll come across oyster tasters seated at tables enjoying a dozen oysters while looking out at the boats. This is the perfect route for curious families who love to learn where the food they’re enjoying comes from. The little ones, meanwhile, love watching the pinasse boats glide by.
The Sunêlia Vacances team’s take:Our 3- and 4-star campsites in the Arcachon Basin are designed for families who want it all—both activity and relaxation. After a day on the trails, the kids dash off to the playground while parents unwind in peace. When it comes to accommodations, our Comfort, Prestige, and Luxury ranges—featuring modern mobile homes or chalets—extend the enjoyment with services worthy of a hotel.
All that’s left is to decide where to start: a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, or a hike up the Dune du Pilat? To tackle Arcachon’s cycling routes without having to get back in the car every morning, nothing beats a base camp right next to the trails. Park your bikes in one of our mobile homes for rent near Arcachon at one of our Sunêlia Vacances campsites around the Arcachon Basin, and hit the trails!
FAQ — Arcachon Bikes
Yes, the Arcachon Basin is one of the best destinations for family bike rides. The bike paths are safe, mostly flat, and interconnected. The waterfront and the Teich loop are particularly well-suited for young children, with little car traffic nearby.
The loop around the Arcachon Basin—about 77 km—can be completed in a single day by a trained cyclist. Most families prefer to split it over two days, spending the night near Cap-Ferret. The ferry crossing between Arcachon and Cap-Ferret significantly shortens the route.
Yes, the ferries connecting Arcachon to Cap-Ferret allow you to bring your bikes on board. This option lets you complete the loop around the Bassin without having to cycle the entire 77 km. Be sure to check the ferry schedules, which vary depending on the season and the tide.
Arcachon and the towns in the Bassin region offer numerous rental locations: city bikes, e-bikes, cargo bikes, and child trailers are available from rental shops along the waterfront and in the oyster-farming villages. Most campgrounds in the area refer their guests to partner providers. Some “Accueil Vélo” locations, certified by the French Federation of Cycle Tourism, also offer on-site repair services.
The Arcachon bike network is mostly flat, making it accessible by regular bike. An e-bike (electric-assist bike) comes in handy in three situations: riding the 77-km loop around the Bassin in a single day, cycling from Arcachon to the Dune du Pilat, or riding with young children in a bike trailer. For a ride along the waterfront or the Teich loop, a city bike is more than enough.