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Duration
6 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 5 nights in 3 star hotels and guesthouses
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 5 Breakfasts

Price

$1540USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: MVC

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through the stunning and diverse landscape of the Medoc region
  • Visiting the famous wine chateaux and discovering little known vineyards and their wines
  • Soaking up the hospitality in small family run hotels
  • Cycling through vineyards and marshlands on your way to the coast of France

This self guided cycle will take you through the impressive Medoc in the famous Bordeaux wine region. The western section of the Medoc is shrouded in light and sun, and the Atlantic Ocean and its beaches are bordered with an immense forest. The east section along the Gironde Estuary offers views of the winegrowing region. Beginning on the 'wine road', cycle past well known chateaux and through the winegrowing boroughs which produce some of the most prestigious wines in the world. You will explore the diverse landscapes of the Medoc, visit superb Romanic Churches in the villages, and discover some unique Gallo-Romanic sites. The journey follows a mixture of bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside streams and vineyards, allowing you to discover the exceptional natural and diverse surroundings of the region. After each day's cycle you will be warmly welcomed in some of the region's best hotels and charming guesthouses.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

On arrival at Bordeaux's train station or airport you will be transferred to Pian Medoc and your hotel. Here you will receive your welcome pack containing tourist information, maps and an itinerary. Your accommodation tonight is a traditional 18-bedroom house with pool and extensive parkland.* * Note that the accommodation description is for our first choice. If this hotel is not available we reserve the right to substitute a similar quality hotel or B&B.

Meals:  Nil

Today's cycle takes you on the 'Road of the Chateaux' from Pian Medoc to Macau along the Gironde towards Margaux, Saint-Estephe and Moulis, where wine and spirit houses await you. You will cycle past vineyards and chateaux that are famous worldwide. Take the time to stop at the little harbours along the route, including St Julien, and imagine in times past the 'gabares' (flat-bottomed boats) that transported wine barrels to Bordeaux. As you head toward the estuary, the landscape is pleasant and diverse. Dinner and overnight in a charming guesthouse in Moulis or Margaux. Ascent: 55m/180ft

Meals:  B,D

Today you will continue along the 'Road of the Chateaux', well known for its chateaux and wine, among hills covered with vineyards and across the marshes that separate them. You can discover the history of Medoc at the archaeological site of Brion in St Germain d'Esteuil, the Chateau of Castera, the Abbey of Vertheuil and at Vauban's Fort Medoc. Cycle to the capital of the Medoc, Pauillac. With its stellar wines - three of the First Growth chateaux are here - and with a charming harbour, this town is an unmissable destination. Continue to your charming guesthouse located among the vineyards near the village of Saint-Yzans. Ascent: 120m/394ft

Meals:  B,D

After passing the marsh landscape you will reach an area between the lake and the ocean, then Hourtin beach, with its wide coast and dunes. Following marked paths you cycle across pine forest and some wild and protected territory with a diverse flora and fauna. The dunes shelter some vast natural freshwater lakes, and you cycle between the Hourtin lake, one of France's largest, and the coastal beaches. The Contaut lagoon, set within the nature reserve, is an ideal stop for a picnic lunch. From Carcans, the paths leads you to Lacanau and your hotel, located in the pine forest. Ascent: 200m/656ft

Meals:  B

Your day starts in the natural landscape of forest and between the lake and picturesque beaches. The 'Green Way' of Lacanau Ocean was built on an old railway and goes straight through the forest, where the pine trees create a corridor that can be a little drafty if the wind is blowing from the sea. It's a beautiful and easy ride, and you can stop along the way in a shaded picnic area. At the end of the day you arrive back in Pian Medoc, at the same hotel as your first night, in the heart of the Medoc. Ascent: 60m/196ft

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to Bordeaux's train station or airport.

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

  • 5 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. 2 dinners – usually 3 courses with regional specialties featured
  • 5 nights in 3 star hotels and charming guesthouses with private facilities on a twin share basis
  • Hybrid rental bike including lock, repair kit, helmet, handlebar bag and pannier (e-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 Application
  • Arrival & departure transfer between Bordeaux airport or station and your hotel
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Bordeaux
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • A dinner package is available - supplement applies
  • 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 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

Accommodation


Bike information


Grading

moderate  

GRADE 3 - Daily cycling distances from 25-65km/15.5-40.5mi over hilly terrain typical of river valleys. 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


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 24 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 1 Jul to 31 Aug. Supplement applies to high season departures.
Note:
This trip is not suitable for solo travellers. Please contact our team for alternative tours.

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

$1540USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Optional bike insurance - standard bikeUSD$26
  • Optional bike insurance - E-bikeUSD$50
  • E-bike supplementUSD$120
  • Optional dinner package (for dinner on all nights)USD$140
  • Single supplement - low seasonUSD$430
  • Single supplement - high seasonUSD$490
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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