Did you know that France boasts one of the most extensive networks of cycle paths in Europe? Among them, the Vélodyssée deserves special mention: this legendary cycle route runs along the Atlantic coast from Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye, on the Spanish border. With its 1,300 kilometers of continuous cycle path, the Vélodyssée invites cycling enthusiasts to explore coastlines, forests, and coastal towns at their own pace. At Vélo Galaxie, as a French manufacturer of urban cycling furniture , we understand how a route like this requires reliable, accessible, and comfortable infrastructure.
An urban and rural planning challenge
Designing such a greenway requires true feats of planning. Between the towpaths of Brittany and the wetlands of the Landes region, the Vélodyssée alternates between urban environments and protected natural areas. For local authorities, this means equipping rest stops with suitable facilities: bicycle parking racks, secure bike shelters, bike repair stations, and comfortable seating. This is precisely where we at Vélo Galaxie come in, offering customized, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing solutions, designed and manufactured in France.
The Vélodyssée attracts more than a million users each year, a figure that is constantly increasing according to France Vélo Tourisme. Cycle tourists, families, commuters, and adventure cyclists all enjoy this green artery that crosses nine departments and more than 200 municipalities. For us, this demonstrates the importance of offering equipment that is adaptable to all types of cyclists, but also of providing robust facilities that withstand intensive use.
How to intelligently equip a cycle route?
Developing a long-distance cycle route like the Vélodyssée isn't just about paving. Cyclist comfort also depends on the details: a bench for a break, a bike repair station for inflating a flat tire, a bike shelter for protection from the rain. All these elements, taken from our Vélo Galaxie catalog, contribute not only to everyday use but also to the overall satisfaction of the journey. We work with the municipalities along the route to design products that blend harmoniously with the local environment and are versatile enough to accommodate different light vehicles: bicycles, scooters , mopeds, or even light motorcycles.
The equipment installed along the Vélodyssée must withstand harsh weather and intensive use. At Vélo Galaxie, we use specific, corrosion-resistant, and easy-to-clean materials, such as galvanized steel or powder-coated aluminum. Our shelters often feature UV-resistant roofs, and our poles are tested to withstand significant static loads. Environmental commitment is also central: we prioritize local manufacturing and controlled logistics to limit our carbon footprint.
A lever for the local economy and tourism
According to a study by Vélo & Territoires (2020), a cycle tourist spends an average of €70 per day. This represents a significant economic windfall for the municipalities located along the major routes. The Vélodyssée's partner communities invest in welcoming infrastructure, and our role at Vélo Galaxie is to provide them with robust, scalable equipment, while promoting an aesthetic consistent with their local identity. Good furniture can even become a point of attraction in itself!
A good cycle path also requires clear wayfinding. In addition to our ranges of storage solutions, shelters, and bollards, we also offer custom signage, essential for guiding cyclists, promoting local heritage, or highlighting sensitive areas. Well-integrated and well-maintained signage enhances both the safety and enjoyment of the route.
The example of the Vélodyssée shows that major cycling projects are not only possible, but also desired, by both citizens and communities. These developments make it possible to structure a soft mobility, aesthetic and accessible to all. At Vélo Galaxie, we are proud to participate in this transformation with our furniture designed for the cyclists of today and tomorrow. Whether you are a local elected official or an individual, do not hesitate to visit www.velogalaxie.com to discover all our new products, our innovative designs and the features designed for every use of two-wheelers. The future is rolling... and we're rolling with it!