Bordeaux Vineyard Cycle

Name: Bordeaux Vineyard Cycle
Brand: UTracks
SKU: BBC
Rating: 4.60 (5 reviews)

Cyclist stopping to take a photo in Bordeaux | Jaclyn Lofts

Rooftops of Saint-Émilion, France | Deb Wilkinson

Map reading in the vines in Bordeaux | Jaclyn Lofts

A grand chateaux in the Bordeaux region | Jaclyn Lofts

The Pont de Pierre spans the Garonne River in Bordeaux | Tourism d' Aquitaine

Bike in front of a chateau in Bordeaux | Jaclyn Lofts

Chateau de la Riviere in Fronsac, Bordeaux | Tourism d' Aquitaine

Cyclist stopping to take a photo in Bordeaux | Jaclyn Lofts

Rooftops of Saint-Émilion, France | Deb Wilkinson

Map reading in the vines in Bordeaux | Jaclyn Lofts

A grand chateaux in the Bordeaux region | Jaclyn Lofts

The Pont de Pierre spans the Garonne River in Bordeaux | Tourism d' Aquitaine

Bike in front of a chateau in Bordeaux | Jaclyn Lofts

Chateau de la Riviere in Fronsac, Bordeaux | Tourism d' Aquitaine

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Duration

7 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

6 nights in a combination of guesthouses and 3 star hotels

Meals

2 Dinners
6 Breakfasts

Price

$1850USD

Overview

Trip Code: BBC

Trip highlights

Cycling the among the prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux
Stunning chateaux and architecture
Visiting the citadel at Blaye on the Garonne
Soaking up the hospitality in specially chosen hotels
Visiting UNESCO listed sites of Bordeaux and St Emilion

You don't need to be a wine aficionado to be able to appreciate this self guided cycling trip among the vineyards of this prestigious French wine region. During this bike based trip you'll explore the Pauillac and Margaux vineyards along the Medoc 'Route des Vins' as well as discover some of the most famous chateaux and the biggest stars of Bordeaux's Official Wine Classification of 1855, a system of ranking the region's best wines as requested by Emperor Napoleon III. Cross the estuary to the Haute Gironde and visit the citadel of Blaye, built by Vauban by order of Louis XIV to protect Bordeaux. Continue cycling through charming villages, past stunning architecture and a succession of vineyards and intriguing monuments. During the tour you'll also discover the sunny slopes of the beautiful hills of Entre-des-Meux area between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers as well as stay in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Bordeaux and St Emilion.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Bordeaux and transfer to Pauillac in the Medoc

On arrival at Bordeaux train station or airport, you'll be picked up and transferred by taxi to your hotel in Pauillac (approx 60km). Here you you will receive your bike and route information. In the heart of the Medoc wine region, Pauillac is home to three of the five Grand Cru class chateaux - an excellent starting point for your vineyard cycle!

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle from Pauillac to Margaux, route of the Grand Crus (40 to 50km/25-31mi)

Today you will discover the biggest stars of the Bordeaux 1855 wine ranking, along with stunning architecture and other jewels of this fine vineyard region. You will pass by Pauillac's famous Premier Cru/First Growth status Chateaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Also Chateaux Pichon Longueville (2nd cru/Second Growth) and Pontet Canet and Lynch Bages (5th classified growth). Stop at the entrance of the famous Chateau Margaux to admire the classical facade dating from the early 19th century. Truly a wonderful cycling day along the Grand Cru route, from Pauillac via St Julien and Moulis to Margaux. Dinner at the hotel. +100m

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Cross the Gironde estuary to the citadel of Blaye, cycle to Bourg (40-55km/25-34mi)

The route today will lead you to Lamarque, where you embark the 'bac' (ferry) and cross the Gironde estuary. Reach the magnificent citadel at Blaye before continuing along the banks. Imposing and majestic, the citadel overlooks the estuary with its 33 hectares, offering a splendid view over the Gironde. You will pass through the vineyards of the Cotes de Blaye AOC Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur then cycle towards Bourg-en-Gironde, along the 'Corniche Fleurie' where the countless palm trees, pink laurels and oaks reflect the sweet climate. Bourg is an architectural jewel. Built on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by medieval walls, the village is one of the most beautiful and best preserved of the estuary. Dinner at your guesthouse. +165m

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Via the appellations of Fronsac and Pomerol to St Emilion (40-50km/25-31mi)

On the road to St Emilion's vineyards you will cycle through two other appellations: Fronsac and Pomerol. Fronsac is the most historic vineyard of Bordeaux, with wines having been served at King Louis XIV's court. The appellation Pomerol, near to St Emilion, covers a small plateau north of Libourne. It's a small area with a great reputation - the wines of Pomerol are among the most appreciated in France and include the famous 'Petrus'. Today's cycle will lead you into heart of the best wines of Pomerol and St Emilion such as Chateaux Angelus, Petrus, Cheval Blanc... At the confluence of two rivers, the Dordogne and the Isle, these three great terroirs marry beautiful landscapes of hills and plateaux, forming picturesque mosaics and seemingly endless vines. You will discover beautiful domains inhabited by growers and their families. Overnight in St Emilion. Option to upgrade for the 2nights in St Emilion: must be requested at the time of booking - supplement applies. +240m

Meals: B

Day 5
Explore the vineyards, architecture and landscapes of St Emilion (25-35km/15.5-22mi)

Today's cycling is a circuit around St Emilion, enjoying the vineyards, architecture and landscape. The trail heads east from St Emilion, through vineyards and villages, to Castillon la Bataille and returns to St Emilion along the banks of the Dordogne River. +100m

Meals: B

Day 6
Follow the Roger Lapebie path via Creon to the heart of Bordeaux (50km/31mi)

After cycling through Branne on the Dordogne, you will reach the 'Roger Lapebie' bike path and enjoy an ideal route through natural landscapes, taking several rest and water stops. Follow this pleasant track to Creon, a typical bastide village of the region. The area has a rich architectural heritage of medieval towns, country houses, fortified mills, abbeys and Roman churches. Continue past wharves and over the stone bridge spanning the Garonne to the majestic Place de la Bourse in the heart of Bordeaux. Overnight in Bordeaux. +220m

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts, 2 dinners – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices, dinner is usually 3 courses with regional specialties featured
6 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses and 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (option to upgrade to 4 star hotel St Emilion available - supplement applies)
Rental bike equipped with helmet, lock, repair kit, panniers and handlebar bag (electric bike available on request - a supplement applies)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg + 1 small daypack, supplement applies for excess
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked plus smartphone GPS App
Taxi transfer from Bordeaux station or airport to Pauillac on day 1
The ferry crossing from Lamarque
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to and from Bordeaux
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
E-bike hire, supplement applies
Bike theft insurance, contact for details
Guide - this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess luggage
Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route easier using the app
Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 27 gear, VTC Hybrid Bike. You will receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a repair kit, lock, helmet and a handlebar bag.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities.

Grading

introductory to moderate

The cycling is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily cycling distances from 20 to 53 km (12.5 to 33mi) which should take between 3-6 hours. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. The journey alternates between following bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside streams and vineyards. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be worn. You need only carry your camera and water bottle etc as your luggage is transported for you between hotels.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 23 Oct

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1850USD

Options & Supplements*

Optional bike insurance - standard bikeUSD$20
Optional bike insurance - e-bikeUSD$40
Electric Bike SupplementUSD$170
Single Supplement standard hotelsUSD$540
Single Supplement with St Emilion hotel upgradeUSD$680
Solo Traveller Supplement standard hotelsUSD$920
Solo Traveller Supplement with St Emilion hotel upgradeUSD$1060

*Prices listed are per person

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