I had a ride along most of the the 37k Route Vert from Dax to Saint Sever in south west France in June 2018.
The trail is recycled railway line mostly "route vert" aka "green road" made up from compressed dirt with embedded gravel. There are some connection sections, notably at the start and end on tarmac but the main trail is not really suitable for road/race bikes with tyres less than 1.75cm diameter. Being ex-railway the gradients are shallow, with infrequent entry and exit road crossing points. Often in full or partial shade from the trees this is a suitable hot day ride.
The route is shared with horses and for part of the way pilgrims however on a Sunday in early June, once away from the towns, I had the trail to myself.
Very good signage to parking at access areas and along the route before every road crossing. There are a couple of rest areas with tables/chairs and water taps along the way.
The trail avoids the centres of the towns it passes by but there is a mostly parallel but hilly minor road, the D23, that visits the rather pretty towns along route. This can be a good return route.
Official page for route in French here.
Official tourist page for the area in English here
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| Typical section, partly shaded by trees. |
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| Typical signage at junctions. |
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| Saint Sever town square and Abbey. |
