"Countries where the waters of the Dordogne, the Garonne River and the Atlantic Ocean wed to form the largest estuary in Europe, this trip has something for all appetites of nature and culture, leisure and sports, friendliness and gastronomy. Marshes, vineyards, forests, rivers, small ports, towns and charming villages, castles, wine estates and churches make up the landscape under the sun of the southwest area! " Roads and trails are opening the way to other landscapes: The vineyards of the Medoc, Pauillac, Margaux, Gironde Estuary, Upper Gironde, and the vineyards of Saint Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac, the Entre-deux-Mers and the beauties of Bordeaux. You will love the comfort of luxury accommodations we have selected as well as the quality of the local cuisine you can enjoy during dinner. You go through the Haut-Médoc and Margaux Vineyards before taking the boat to cross the estuary and continue your tour on the other side, in the Haute Gironde. You will take the Medoc “Route des Vins”, where are some of the most famous wine chateaux in the world, visit the citadel of Blaye, built by Vauban, stroll through cities and charming villages and discover the sunny slopes of the beautiful hills of Entre-Deux-Mers, a succession of vineyards and prestigious monuments. You will stay in the heart of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, such as Bordeaux and Saint-Emilion. This cycling tour, alternating cycle paths and minor roads in quite flat terrain along the river and vineyards, will delight you with its diversity of landscapes. You will be accommodated every night in 3 stars hotel and charming guesthouses.
Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux and transfer to Pauillac
Arrival at the Bordeaux train station or airport. Transfer by taxi to Pian Medoc. Delivery of your bike, and information about the area and the road book, which will indicate your circuit. Night and breakfast in hotel 3* or charming guesthouse.
Day 2: Pauillac > Margaux oder Moulis, ~40-50 km
Departing from Pauillac to Margaux or Moulis, the chateaux’s road goes alongside the Gironde toward Margaux and Moulis...wine and spirit houses are waiting for you. The Medocan area is well known worldwide because 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 with strolls among some of the most wellknown 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” Accommodation, night and breakfast in charming guesthouse.
Day 3: Margaux oder Moulis > Bourg sur Gironde, St-André de Cubzac or St-Gervais, ~40-55 km
T his route will lead you to Lamarque where you embark for a crossing of the Gironde estuary. You will reach the magnificent citadel of Blaye before continuing your journey on the banks of the estuary. Imposing and majestic, the citadel overlooks the estuary with its 33 hectares in the heart of the city, offering a splendid view over the Gironde. You will pass through the vineyards of the Cotes de Blaye AOC Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur. Finally, you will cycle towards Bourg-sur-Gironde, along the "Corniche Fleurie", where the presence of countless palm trees, pink laurels and oaks reflects a climate of great sweetness. A visit is a must for lovers of beautiful stones: Bourg sur Gironde is an architectural jewel. Clinging to a rock, surrounded by walls, the village is one of the most beautiful and best preserved of the Estuary. Dinner, night and breakfast in charming guesthouse in Bourg, Saint-Gervais or St-André de Cubzac.
Day 4: Bourg sur Gironde,St-André de Cubzac oder St-Gervais > Saint-Emilion, ~40-50 km
On the road to get to Saint-Emilion vineyards you will cross two other appellations: Fronsac and Pomerol. The appellation Pomerol, close neighbor of Saint-Emilion, covers a small plateau north of Libourne. Small area, but great reputation... The wines of Pomerol are among the most appreciated in France, including the famous "Petrus". This circuit will lead you into the heart of the best wines of Pomerol and Saint-Emilion as Chateau Angelus, Chateau Petrus, Chateau Cheval Blanc! Let’s talk about Fronsac: this is the most historic vineyards of Bordeaux since we drank Fronsac in the court of King Louis XIV... At the confluence of two rivers, the Dordogne and Isle, great terroirs of Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac marry beautiful landscape of hills and plateau, forming a beautiful mosaic of plots, vines extends to infinity. On this tour you will discover gorgeous domains, often planted in the vineyards, and inhabited by the growers and their families. Night and breakfast in hotel 3*** in Saint-Emilion.
Day 5 : around Saint-Emilion, ~25 oder 35 km
Bike between stones and wine, this circuit within the jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion will make you travel around the eastern part of the court of Saint-Emilion vineyards and villages... The circuit offers old stones and remarkable sceneries. You can reach Castillon la Bataille and return by the bank of the Dordogne River. Night and breakfast in hotel 3*** in Saint-Emilion.
Day 6: Saint-Emilion > Bordeaux, ~50 km
After passing through Branne on the Dordogne River, you will reach the bike path "Roger Lapébie" and enjoy an ideal route for a bike ride in the heart of natural landscapes, with several rest stops and water points. You will follow this pleasant track which goes to Creon, typical bastide village in the region. You will ride through a rich architectural heritage, medieval towns, country houses, fortified mills, abbeys, Roman churches. This track will take you to the majestic Place de la Bourse in the heart of Bordeaux. You will have an overview of the wharves, the Garonne and the stone bridge you cross a few minutes before! Night and breakfast in hotel 3*** in Bordeaux.
Day 7: Departure after breakfast
