Cycling

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Cycling on the Îles de la Madeleine

Where else could you be astride your bike and still in such close contact with the sea? The Route verte (Greenbelt) runs for about 100 kilometres along the main road (199) that links one end of the archipelago (Havre Aubert) to the other (Grande Entrée).

Official Cycling Map

For a detailed map of the different circuits, you can buy the Official Cycling Map at the Tourist Information Desk for 4,95$.

La Route verte

At the southern tip, the first section of marked trail covers 23 km, running from the La Grave Historical Site through the Parc du Site de La Côte in L'Étang-du-Nord, up to the Borgot lighthouse at Cap Hérissé, which is famous for its magnificent sunsets.

The second section covers 14 km from La Pointe in Havre-aux-Maisons to the Détroit bridge near Pointe-aux-Loups.

Starting from the Route verte, you have infinite possibilities for side trips off the beaten track!

Some work still has to be done on paving, about 20 kilometres of shoulders, before the Route verte can be fully operational, but that doesn't matter at all! On Les Îles, there are thousands of ways to get off the beaten track. Off-road cycle paths have been set up around some of the towns.

 

 

Fatbike during winter in the Îles de la Madeleine
Cycling Îles de la Madeleine
Cycling Îles de la Madeleine
Cycling Îles de la Madeleine
Cycling Îles de la Madeleine
Fatbike during winter in the Îles de la Madeleine

CTMA cycling trail- Îles de la Madeleine

CAUTION

Don't forget to check the wind direction before you mount up!

Cycling Circuits

Along the way you will be able to admire the region's majestic scenery, meet local artists and artisans, come upon many pristine golden sand beaches, choose from an extensive variety of excellent restaurants featuring regional products and much, much more.

Those with a taste for fine foods can plan a gourmet tour and meet our producers and restaurant owners whose career is devoted to cultivating, transforming and revealing the deepest, most flavorful secrets of fine Madelinot foods and products.

No matter what their performance level, cyclists can bike along one of the five suggested panoramic routes or plan their own, made-to-measure adventure.

Note that in winter, the fatbike becomes an interesting option for riding in the snow and on the beaches. Be sure to check the condition of the ice before entering a frozen body of water!

 

You don't have your bike? Consult the Bike Rental page

Biking Tour around Bassin

The coast road takes you all around the western end of the island. This panoramic route runs by a number of distinctive architectural ensembles, including the church and presbytery at Bassin, and the Anse à la Cabane lighthouse standing proud atop its red cliffs. In passing, you will also get a glimpse of Corps Mort Rock in the distance.

Attention

There are plenty of hills and valleys along this road to keep serious sport cyclists happy.

When the wind is coming from the south-west, it is wise to take this circuit in a counter clockwise direction.

Suggested departure/arrival: 102, Route 199 in Havre-Aubert. Please park on the vacant lot located to the right of the restaurant Les Araynes.
Route type: Loop
Distance: 25 km
Bikeway type: 100% roadway
Surface: 100% paved
Level: Intermediate

Cycling around Cap aux Meules Island

This captivating circuit links the three villages on the main island and leads to many attractions and services such as beaches and picnic areas where it is a pleasure to stop for a gourmet feast or a contemplative moment. And that's not even counting the many other attractions and viewpoints that will make your island tour a real joy. Lots of good reasons to travel on two wheels!

Suggested departure/arrival: La Côte Site Cycling on Îles de la Madeleine
Route type: Loop
Distance: 30 km
Bikeway type: 90% roadway, 10% path
Surface: 97% paved, 3% gravel
Level: Intermediate

 

Explore Havre aux Maisons by bike

Every turn of the wheels brings you ravishing new views of this traditional township. This most charming circuit winds through areas where old-style homes cling tightly to bare hillsides. Two connections from the Route verte (199) link up to this circuit.

Suggested departure/arrival: Dune du Sud municipal rest area Cycling on Îles de la Madeleine
Route type: Linear
Distance: 7 km
Bikeway type: 100% roadway
Surface: 60% paved, 40% gravel
Level: Intermediate

An alternative route: Petite-Baie Bike Tour

Cyclists can tour la butte à Mounette by following the chemin de la Petite-Baie and Chemin des Cyr, where they will enjoy magnificent views over la Pointe, Cap aux Meules Island and the Havre aux Maisons lagoon. This panoramic circuit links up with the Route verte (199) and is renowned for its magnificent sunsets

Route type: Linear
Distance: 5.5 km
Bikeway type: 100% roadway
Surface: 70% paved, 30% stone dust
Level: Easy

Cycling the Eastern Islands

Where else could you sit astride your bike and still be in such close contact with the sea? Cycle for nearly sixty kilometres along the main road linking Havre aux Maisons Island, Pointe aux Loups, Grosse Île and Grande Entrée. Ride between the sky and the sea along a route where every turn offers magnificent new vistas.

Attention

Ideal with light south-westerly winds.

Cycling on Îles de la Madeleine

Route type: Linear
Distance: 58 km (from the Cap-aux-Meules harbour)
Bikeway type: 100% roadway
Surface: 100% paved
Level: Intermediate

 

Cycling the Havre aux Basques - A Route verte favorite

From the chemin La Martinique at Étang-du-Nord, cycle along the Havre aux Basques dune to the La Grave Historical Site on Havre Aubert Island. This stretch of the Route verte runs along the main road (199) between two bays, and is exposed to winds from all directions.

On one side, the bare hills of Entry Island rise over the waters of the Baie de Plaisance. On the other, Havre aux Basques Bay is home to a wide variety of avian fauna. As you ride by, you can admire the bold stunts of the kite boarders and wind surfers who hang out here. You should also pull off at one of the many roadside rest areas along the panoramic route so you can take a dip in the invigorating waters of the Gulf or just relax on the fine white sand at La Martinique beach.

On Havre Aubert Island, before arriving at the La Grave Historical Site, you will see a myriad of colourful traditional houses clinging to the slopes of Les Demoiselles. At La Grave, the pebble beach that used to be an important centre for fisheries and business still keeps its maritime feel. Fill your lungs with the fresh salt air, enjoy this special place where you can meet people, chat, stroll and enjoy the relaxed mood. 

Havre aux Basques

Route type: Linear
Distance: 21 km
Bikeway type: 100% roadway
Surface: 100% paved
Level: Intermediate

 

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