La Vélodyssée, the longest tourist cycle route in France, has just received EuroVelo certification for its entire route. This is a quality label, a European reference. It confirms the growing success of this 1,300 km ocean cycle route linking Roscoff to Hendaye. A cycling route which attracts more and more cycle tourists every year from the four corners of Europe.
The EuroVelo certified Vélodyssée: a label to promote an exceptional route
La Vélodyssée was born in 2012. Since then, it has continued to develop to meet the expectations of bicycle travelers. Traveling 1,300 km along the Atlantic coast, the route offers a diversity of landscapes which gives it its charm: from the Breton coasts to the pine forests of the Landes, via the peaceful canals of Brittany. In total, it covers three regions, nine departments and 36 intercommunities.
Non-conformities identified in 2019, corrected in 2024
Obtaining this EuroVelo certification in 2024 for all of his career of its journey crowns the efforts made over the years to provide secure and adapted infrastructure for cycle tourists. It is the very first French route to obtain this quality recognition, and only the second in Europe. The first being EuroVelo 15, known as the Route du Rhin.
Local authorities have invested to reduce non-compliances identified during a diagnosis in 2019. This attention to detail has borne fruit: the route now has 76% of lanes on its own site, compared to 71% four years ago. . 69% of the track is equipped with a smooth surface. Even if sometimes, climate change harms it somewhat.
Vélodyssée: economic benefits commensurate with attendance
“330,000 traveling cyclists, an increase of 63% compared to 2018”
EuroVelo certified or not, the Vélodyssée is enjoying undeniable success. In 2023, it will have attracted 330,000 itinerant cyclists, an increase of 63% compared to 2018, according to a study carried out by Vélo & Territoires. Figures illustrating the growing popularity of this cycle route; also its role in the economic development of the territories it passes through.
Still according to the study, a cycle tourist roaming on La Vélodyssée spends on average €59 per day. “The average basket has fallen. But that's not related to cycling. It’s tied to the economy right now.“, indicated on the microphone of France Bleu Sabine Andrieu, director of the route at national level. A drop compensated in large part by an intensification of the practice.
This is a direct economic contribution of 124.6 million euros per year, the highest impact among the French cycle routes studied. Regions which benefit from both overnight stays and cycle tourists' spending on catering and local services.
The attraction of cycling tourists to our French regions
This influence of the Vélodyssée on a national and international scale confirms its appeal in France and Europe. 58% of cycle tourists come from other regions, while foreign visitors represent 15% of attendance, notably British, Spanish, Germans and Belgians.
With EuroVelo® certification, La Vélodyssée reaffirms its ambition to be among the best cycle routes in Europe. In addition to promoting sustainable practice, it contributes to local economic vitality and the enhancement of our landscapes. A recognition which also underlines the potential of cycle tourism in France, a sector which continues to grow as we mentioned here with the example of Normandy.
This success demonstrates a desire to sustain investments to offer quality service to bicycle travel enthusiasts. Enough to give ideas for developing other equally attractive courses in France. Practical information, stages and the complete route are on the official website.
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