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Cycle through the heart of southwest France where rivers, vineyards and historic towns shape the landscape. Quiet country lanes lead you past the renowned wine regions of the Médoc, Margaux and Saint-Émilion, along the Gironde Estuary and through the rolling hills of Entre-Deux-Mers. Along the way you’ll visit charming villages, grand châteaux and the historic citadel of Blaye, while enjoying regional cuisine and comfortable nights in carefully selected 3-star hotels and welcoming guesthouses. With mostly flat terrain and a mix of cycle paths and minor roads, this trip offers an easy-going way to discover the culture, food and celebrated wines of the Bordeaux region.
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21kg of CO2-e PP per day
(127kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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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 (40-50km/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 to our overnight accommodation which will either be in Margaux, Moulis or Listrac depending on availability. All villages are close to each other. Dinner at the hotel. +100m/328ft
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. If we are unable to confirm accommodation in Bourg, you will be staying in the nearby village of Lansac. +165m/541ft
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 the two nights in St Emilion: must be requested at the time of booking - supplement applies. +240m/787ft
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/328ft * Today there is the opportunity to book a wine tasting package. Must be pre-booked, ask for details.
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/721ft
Day 7
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be accommodated in a selection of 3 star hotels and charming guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Option to upgrade accommodation to a 4 star hotel in St Emilion.
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. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a proper puncture repair kit, which will enable you to solve the problem.
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.
GRADE 2 - 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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