Médoc - in the most famous wine region of the world

The Médoc is undoubtedly the most famous wine region of the world due to the renowned great wine properties as Giscours, Margaux, Pauillac, Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Its climate between the Gironde estuary and the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean is very particular and gives to the wines their specific colour and taste. Numerous wine properties and wine castles accompany you on this wine, oh sorry!, bike tour. You're right: numerous wine cellars await you where you can taste divine 'nectars' - but with moderation please because you have to pedal some kilometers / miles per day!

You'll stay in 3*** and 4**** star hotels or in very lovely 'chambres d'hôte de charme'.

Do you wish to make a preliminary cultural tour in this region? Then click on Médoc, Bordeaux, Gironde, Aquitaine, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux

	Day 1 Arrival at Bordeaux and transfer to Pian Médoc Arrival by car at Pian Médoc or at the railway station or at the airport. Transfer by Taxi to the 3*** hotel with swimming-pool. Please visit this hotel just HERE
	Day 2 Médoc – Castle-route, ~ 40 km / 24,8 miles Departing from Pian Medoc to Macau, the chateaux’s road goes alongside the Gironde toward Margaux, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis...wine and spirit houses are waiting for you. The Medocan area is well known worldwide because of the name of every village and every chateau make amateurs and wine passionate dream One must stop in the little harbours such as St Julien in order to imagine that in times past, the “gabares” were rolling on the stream charged with barrels. This chateaux’s road which crosses the Medoc is assuredly one of the most beautiful! You will start your bike itinerary by crossing the vineyards of Margaux, Haut-Médoc et Moulis-en-Médoc with strolls among some of the most well known Chateaux. If you go on jaunt toward the estuary, you will make the most of this itinerary without any difficulty whilst encountering pleasant and diversified landscapes whatever the season. This circuit will lead you to the heart of the “Medoc rouge”.
	Day 3 Médoc – In the vineyards along the Gironde, ~ 53 km / 32,9 miles Departure from Moulis for a walk into famous vineyards, among the hills covered of vineyards and across the marshes that separate them. You will also discover the history of Medoc through its remnants such as walking across the archaeological site of Brion in St Germain d’Esteuil, the Chateau of Castera, the Abbey of Vertheuil and the Fort Medoc built by Vauban. The route will follow the “Road of the Chateaux” well known for their wine… and some Chateaux for their unusual architecture. You will go to Paulliac, the Medocan capital. Its 18 “grands Crus Classes” and its charming little harbour make this place an inescapable destination with glorious chateaux , from Latour to Lafite Rothschild. In the late afternoon you will be welcomed in a “3 epis”charming guest house located in the middle of the vineyards.
	Day 4 Médoc – Along the Gironde, ~ 40-50 km / 24,8-31 miles This part of the Medoc fascinates those who take the risk to devote themselves to its charms. The incredible landscape offers to the cyclist new sensations, which only the sailors have in memory. Easy journey across the vineyards and marshes along the little Medocan villages. You will first go alongside the longest estuary of Europe. Wilder Medoc where fish and migrating birds find sanctuary. On the banks of the Gironde the scenery of tiny fishing ports remind the land of Carmargue. Some short stops are recommended by the banks of the estuary such as in St Christoly or La Marechale, small ports full of charms with their grounded boats. The lighthouse of Richard offers an outstanding view of the estuary. Do not miss the visit of Lesparre and its monuments and the visit of « Les Noisettines du Médoc », a small company made by craftsmen creating sweets with hazelnuts as a main ingredient, exclusively using natural products. Return to your housing at the end of the afternoon.
	Day 5 Médoc – Three landscapes, ~ 60-65 km / 37,2-40,3 miles From the bank of the estuary to the one of the ocean across the massive marsh and the final vineyards, this stroll offers the three components of the Medoc: water, pine and wine. A big part of this circuit is on the cycle paths the rest is on little roads and quiet paths. The villages offer an interesting patrimony with pretty churches. You will go passed the Windmill of Vensac (authentic windmill still producing flour) and the pine forests which border the ocean. In the middle of the journey you will enjoy a bathing break at the beach of Montalivet-les-bains before heading back to your housing. You will be welcomed in a three stars hotel, magnificent posh house from the 19th century. The bedrooms are superb and comfy. The warm welcome of the staff and the charm of the property with its floral park, its pond and fountain invite you for a pleasant stay.
	Day 6 Along the Ocean, ~ 64 km / 39,7 miles After passing the marsh landscape you will reach the encounter between the forest and the ocean, Hourtin plage with its wide coast and its dunes is a paradise for lovers. You will then arrive on marked paths across the pine forest and will cross a wild and protected territory with a rich and incredibly diversified fauna and flora. Thus, the Lagune du Contaut will be an ideal stop to picnic. The Medoc also shelters behind its dunes some vast fresh water lakes. You will cycle alongside the lake of Carcan-Hourtin one of the biggest natural fresh water lake of France, and the coastal beaches. From Carcan you will go down to Lacanau passing by the pond of Cousseau La forêt. The lakes, the pathways and the cycle paths are just harmony to your hotel, itself located in the heart of the 100 acres of pines, between lake and ocean.
	Day 7 To the Haut-Médoc, ~ 53 km / 32,9 miles You will start your journey in a wild landscape; in the forest, in the border of the lake and alongside little picturesque beaches. The “green track” of Lacanau-Ocean was built on the top of the old railway. It goes straight ahead in the forest where the pine trees draw a corridor which can sometimes be quite drafty when the wind is blowing on the seafront. It’s a beautiful and safe circuit. You can stop half way through where the area has been laid out with tables, benches and a fountain; it’s in the shadow and very pleasant to shelter from the sun. At the end of the day you will arrive at Le Pian Médoc and will be welcomed in the same three stars hotel as your first night . You will then end your circuit the same way as you’ve started it: in the heart of the Medoc.
	Day 8 Departure, alas! You will be picked up and taken to Bordeaux’s train station or airport.

Services (self-guided, min. 2 pers.):

	8 days / 7 nights
	7 nights in 3* and 4** hotels and in 'chambre d'hôte de charme'
	7 x copious breakfast
	7 x dinner (+ 1 drink (1/4 wine) + coffee, except on day 5 and 6)
	7 x tourist tax
	Luggage transport
	Transfer Bordeaux to 1st and last hotel in Pian Médoc
	Detailed documentation with maps and roadbook
	Hotline 7/7 from 08:00 to 20:00
	Technical assistance in case of problems with the rental bikes

Price per person:	Cat. A	Cat. B
Twin, halfboard	910,00
Supplement Single, halfboard	210,00
Rental Bike 21 gears	80,00
Supplement, Extra night, Twin, B&B, from	60,00	-
Supplement, Extra night, Single, B&B, from	90,00	-