Crossing the Basque Country by bike in 7 days via the Scandibérique and the Vélodyssée:

Your adventure begins in the heart of Lower Navarre. The stage, which is hilly but without any major difficulties, takes you south along the historic pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. The arrival at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is spectacular, with its pink sandstone ramparts and citadel dominating the Nive river.

Suggested activities :

• Visit the Citadelle of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for the panoramic views.

• Take a stroll along the Rue de la Citadelle and admire the Porte Saint-Jacques.

• Enjoy a Basque dinner in one of the traditional restaurants.

This day is the first sporting stage of the tour. You'll cruise between mountains and green hills. After a gradual climb to Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, you will cross the vineyards of Irouléguy (the only AOC vineyard in the Basque Country) before descending to the Nive gorges at Bidarray. The scenery is breathtaking and the views of the Basque mountains unforgettable.

Suggested activities :

• Do a wine tasting and visit an Irouléguy winery.

• Admire the flocks of Manech sheep.

• Dinner in Bidarray, renowned for its rural atmosphere and location on the banks of the River Nive (rafting or white-water rafting available in season).

A stage rich in legends and flavours! First you follow the River Nive, then cross the legendary site of Pas de Roland (where, according to legend, Charlemagne's nephew split the rock with a blow from his sword, Durandal). After passing through the charming village of Itxassou, you climb towards your destination: Espelette, the chilli pepper capital.

Suggested activities :

• Pass through the Pas de Roland site (prepared path).

• Take a break in the cherry orchards of Itxassou (if in season).

• Discover the church and facades decorated with chilli peppers in Espelette.

• Taste or buy AOC Espelette chilli peppers.

The big swing towards the ocean. You explore one of the most beautiful trios in the Basque interior: Espelette, then Sare (a village listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France") and finally Ascain. The route remains undulating, but the approach to the coast gives you wings! You reach the elegant and discreet resort of Guéthary, a small fishing village turned surfing spot.

Suggested activities :

• Visit the Grottes de Sare and the Rhune train (if a diversion is planned).

• Stroll through the narrow streets of Ascain and observe the village square.

• Enjoy an aperitif on the terrace facing the ocean in Guéthary.

The shortest stage, dedicated to discovering the Basque Coast. You'll cycle almost exclusively on coastal cycle paths or footpaths, linking Guéthary to Biarritz via Bidart. You can admire the cliffs, creeks and famous surf spots. Arriving in Biarritz plunges you into an imperial seaside atmosphere.

Suggested activities :

• Walk to the Rocher de la Vierge in Biarritz.

• Visit the Aquarium or the Musée de la Mer.

• Window-shopping in the town centre and admiring the Hôtel du Palais.

You are leaving the Basque country to return to the vast expanses of the Landes. The stage is easy and flat. You pass through Bayonne and cross the Adour to reach Tarnos and then the safe cycle paths. The landscape changes, with pine trees replacing the Basque greenery. You arrive in Hossegor via the famous surf spots and the marine lake.

Suggested activities :

• Enjoy a hot chocolate in one of Bayonne's chocolate shops (small diversions).

• Enjoy the beach or the marine lake in Hossegor.

• Shopping in the surf shops (outlets).

Last stop and back to basics. You leave the coast behind and head into the Landes Forest. The route, which is flat and mostly on safe cycle paths, takes you back inland through pine forests and small Landes villages (e.g. Saint-Vincent-de-Tyrosse, Angresse). A peaceful conclusion to your grand tour.

Suggested activities in Dax (Arrival) :

• Relax around the Fontaine Chaude.

• Visit the Borda Museum or the Arena.

• Enjoy a lunch of Landes specialities before you leave.