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 in Bordeaux. The following transfer by taxi to your 3*** hotel with swimming-pool in Pian Médoc is included.
Day 2: Pian > Margaux / Moulis, ~25-38 km
Departing from Pian Medoc to Macau, the châteaux 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 and the names of every village and every château make amateurs and wine passionate dream. You must stop in the little harbors such as St Julien in order to imagine that in times past, the “Gabares” were rolling on the stream charged with barrels. This châteaux road which crosses the Médoc is assuredly one of the most beautiful! You will start your bike itinerary by crossing the vineyards of Margaux, Haut-Médoc and 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 “Médoc rouge”.
Day 3: Margaux / Moulis > Saint Yzans, ~50-60 km
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 Médoc 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 Médoc 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 harbor 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 épis” charming guest house located in the middle of the vineyards.
Day 4: In & around Saint Yzans, ~43 or 55 km
This part of the Médoc 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. It’s an easy journey across the vineyards and marshes along the little Medocan villages. You will first go alongside the longest estuary of Europe. Wilder Médoc 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: Saint Yzans > Lacanau, ~62 km
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 birds. 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 Médoc 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 6: Lacanau > Pian, ~53 km
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 draughty 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 Médoc.
Day 7: Departure, alas!
You will be picked up and taken to Bordeaux’s train station or airport.