Contents
Vélodyssée: we go by bike with the family!
Want to go on a bicycle for your holidays with the children? It is possible, by following the Vélodyssée route. New original holiday mode with its tribe, the bike has more and more followers. The route covers nearly 1250 kilometers between sea and land. From Brittany to the Basque Country, you can choose to do part of the itinerary with your children depending on the location of your vacation. We tell you everything …
Family cycle tourism is changing!
The Vélodyssée is a different way of traveling around France. It is the longest developed cycle route in France, near the ocean and the Atlantic territories. In all, the route cuts across four regions and 10 departments. Almost 80% of the route is on a dedicated site, without a car. This sporty hike allows parents to combine discovery and sporting vacations with the children. The route is signposted and secure. The landscapes crossed are very varied: canals, moors, marshes, dunes, beaches, pine forests, groves, ponds… Sabine Andrieu who takes care of the Vélodyssée specifies ” Families usually schedule stops on their way to swim or visit a zoo, which is close to the course. Everything is possible. It’s a holiday in complete freedom! “. Recently, turnkey itineraries have been offered on the Vélodyssée site. ” We have 4 turnkey stays for families: one along the Nantes-Brest canal, another in a safari tent on Noirmoutier island, not to mention the Atlantic coast between La Rochelle and Oléron island, finally near the ocean beaches towards Biscarosse ”, explains Sabine Andrieu.
With the children, we organize ourselves!
When traveling with children, you have to organize yourself. “ Families choose a part of the route that interests them and plan different breaks. In general, with children, it is advisable not to drive more than 15 or 20 kilometers maximum in a day.. You have to plan for moments of relaxation. Several stops are recommended so as not to make the epic too tedious, ”explains Sabine Andrieu. Certain safety rules must be observed: hydrate well, have adequate energy supplies, wear a helmet, reflective vests, etc. If possible, consider taking a trailer rather than a baby carrier. For accommodation, the Vélodyssée has everything planned!
Or sleep ?
Sabine Andrieu specifies “that a new label” bicycle reception “was born 2 or 3 years ago”. These accommodations provide a comfortable welcome for bicycle travelers. It can be a bed and breakfast, a guest house, a hotel or a campsite. “On site, in addition to the bicycle room, the host can provide families with information on the route. A breakfast is provided, adapted to the sporting effort that this crossing requires. On the Vélodyssée site, a guide is available to find out about these labeled accommodations in advance, ”says Sabine Andrieu.
No additional costs
These vacations are not more expensive than other stays. Everything will depend on the accommodation chosen on site. Indeed, apart from the bicycles for each member of the family and personal expenses, the route is completely free. “Families can therefore follow a 100 or 200 kilometer route for the duration of their vacation. The route thus chosen in advance allows you to know where you are going to stop and therefore to plan a substantial budget ”concludes Sabine Andrieu.