Questions about the Vélosud route from Biarritz to Le Barcarès

Hi there, I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week. I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès. Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route! Thanks in advance. Laurent.

I did the V81 from Bayonne train station to Rivesaltes back in 2016, when it was still just a project. I created my own route following the project map. I arranged things to avoid difficulties. A really beautiful ride at the foot of the Pyrenees. The mountains are constantly in the background.

Physical condition: You don’t need to be particularly fit.

It’s mostly flat with a few rare steep slopes (some with heavy traffic and no space for bikes). I hope things have changed since then. Tarmac with very little off-road.

Plenty of campsites along the way—very easy to find.

At the end of the route, don’t miss the stunning Gorges de Galamus, which are also reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.

Here are a few photos:

https://goo.gl/photos/eRjVNQNEaE3WSZEFA

P.S. Bayonne train station didn’t leave me with a good memory. Platform not level with the TER—an easy step of at least 30 cm. Tunnel with no elevator or escalator access. And inside the tunnel itself, a staircase!

I hear it’s been renovated—we’ll see.

Thanks for the info and the photos! Since I live right near Pau, I’ll get a ride to the starting point, and I think this route is pretty good for a first bikepacking experience. But before that, I’m waiting for my bike, which is delayed—I ordered a Giant Revolt Advanced 2 that seems like a decent gravel bike. I’ll need to adjust to this new ride and find the right settings, since I’m used to my Trek Madone road bike. After that, I’ll buy the different bags and dive into gravel riding. I’ve already found quite a few routes, and I can’t wait to try it out! !

Thanks for this feedback! Claudio has this project in the works. He’s already done part of it: https://Biclou.com/recits/2024-dunkerq-perp/e17/index.php But I don’t know if he’ll ever go back— if he does, it’ll be in his dreams, under canvas. The Gorges de Galamus are indeed stunning; I’ve been through there. It’s breathtaking— you can’t be afraid like Glaude, but it’s gorgeous. https://Biclou.com/parcours/V81/

Hi Laurent, I signed up on VF after seeing your post! I also joined the Guidon Couette app at the same time—turns out there’s no one nearby offering hospitality, so my door’s open for bike travelers. If you take the greenway between Chalabre (Aude) and Mirepoix (Ariège), which connects Montségur to the Canal du Midi, and you happen to read this and use that route, you’re welcome to stop by for a break.

Hi Christine! 🙂 Thanks for your message! That’s so kind of you—if I’m in the area, I’d love to stop by! 😊

🙂 My pleasure!