Duration
14 days
Activities
  • cycling
Accommodation
  • 13 nights in a combination of B&Bs and 3-4 star hotels
Meals
  • 10 Dinners
  • 11 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SOG6196

Trip highlights


  • Bordeaux, with its historical centre and world renowned wines
  • Cycling through the stunning and diverse landscapes surrounding the Canal
  • Cycle the Cote Atlantique south to St Jean de Luz on the velodyssey cycle path
  • Visiting walled towns and pretty villages en route
  • Stunning hanging gardens of Marqueyssac
  • Sculpted plants of Eyrignac Gardens
  • Sampling the regional food and wine
  • Trip accompanied by Trisha Dixon and Guy Sturt

On this escorted cycle across southwest France in the company of Trisha Dixon and Guy Sturt, you will visit Bordeaux, hub of the famed wine growing region, and discover the many beautiful gardens, vineyards, canals, valleys and villages as we cycle along quiet canal paths, past locks and medieval towns and coastal ports. E-Bikes are supplied so you'll be able to comfortably cover the distances each day and have ample time to take in all that's on offer in this beautiful region of France.

We hope you can join us.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your way to your hotel in the heart of Bordeaux, world renowned wine capital on the banks of the Garonne River. Welcome dinner and overnight Best Western Grand Hotel de France, Bordeaux

Meals:  D

This morning we transfer to Monpazier where we will meet and greet with our e-bikes, and receive a briefing for the tour. Monpazier is a hidden gem. A medieval town in all its splendor, constructed in 1284! Monpazier has been voted one of the most beautiful villages of France. Welcome dinner at Restaurant Eléonore. Overnight Hotel Edward 1er ****, Monpazier

Meals:  B,D

On our bikes today, we will pass the castle of Biron, an impressive stronghold, which was for over 800 years in the hands of the same family. Then we will linger through the Eden-type valley of Gavaudun, eventually arriving at its castle, before a leisurely ride back through the shady forests to Monpazier. Overnight Hotel Edward 1er ****, Monpazier

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will cycle trough the scenic countryside. We will pass by Cadouin with its beautiful Cloister and Belves, another bastide town, before we will reach the Dordogne river. We will follow the river and eventually head up towards the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat. Overnight Hôtel la Coulevrine ***, Sarlat

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we cycle to the stunning overhanging gardens of Marqueyssac. The park, designed for walking, is situated on a spur and overlooks the entire Dordogne Valley from its chalky cliffs. It reveals a spectacular panorama of Périgord. We will have lunch in the Gardens. In the afternoon we return to Sarlat, with free time in the evening. Overnight Hôtel la Coulevrine ***, Sarlat.

Meals:  B,L

This morning by bus we visit Eyrignac Gardens, set high in the Périgord Noir. Here we'll discover a unique example of Topiary Art, with 10 hectares of sculpted plants. Following our visit and lunch in the Gardens, we will transfer to Moissac, a town famous for its church and adjacent abbey, and also for its canal bridge, where the Canal du Garonne crosses the river. Dinner at La Table de nos Fils. Overnight Hotel Pont Napoleon, Moissac

Meals:  B,L,D

Leaving the town of Moissac by bike, the real canal cycling starts. We'll enjoy the boats, the locks, quiet cycle paths and the leisurely pace. Overnight Inter Hotel Confluence, Damazan

Meals:  B,L,D

Another comfortable day of canal cycling, and we will start seeing more and more vineyards not only for wine, but also for the famous digestive, Armagnac. We'll find a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Overnight Château de la Tour *** Cadillac

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will cycle along the Garonne river right into the heart of Bordeaux, the wine capital of France. Tonight is free to explore Bordeaux at your leisure. Overnight Best Western Grand Hotel de France, Bordeaux

Meals:  B,L

Today we head to the beach via an old railroad track, which was once used to bring the citizens of Bordeaux to Lacanau, their beach resort. Overnight Vital Parc Hotel & Spa, Lacanau

Meals:  B,L,D

Through the Dunes we will reach Cap-Ferret, a chic and laidback beach town. We will leave our bikes to take the little ferry over the bay to Arcachon, a town famous for it's oysters. Free night in Arcachon. Overnight Hôtel le B ‘Arcachon, Arcachon.

Meals:  B,L

A loop cycle visiting the Dune of Pyla, one of the highest sand dunes in Europe. Overnight Hôtel le B ‘Arcachon, Arcachon.

Meals:  B,L,D

After our early morning bus transfer we will get back on our bikes at Capbreton, and rideing via the coastal towns of Bayonne and Biarritz we will reach Saint-Jean de Luz, a small harbour town full of charm near the Spanish border. Overnight Saint Jean de Luz.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning is at leisure in Saint Jean de Luz. We will have an afternoon bus transfer (aim to depart at 2pm) to Bordeaux centre, where your trip concludes. Option: to stay at the Best Western Grand Hotel de France, Bordeaux (available on request, additional cost applies).

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 13 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices
  • 11 lunches - cafes en-route and some picnic style lunches
  • 10 dinners – usually 3 courses with regional specialties featured
  • 13 nights in a combination of B&Bs and mainly 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfer
  • Digital information pack (navigational App, can be used offline) including route notes and maps per room booked (smartphone required)
  • Electric Bike bike including lock, repair kit, helmet, handlebar bag and pannier
  • Detailed morning briefing on daily cyling
  • Entrance fees to Gardens and Sites outlined in the itinerary
  • 4 bus transfers provided (as per itinerary)
  • Emergency hotline
  • Trip accompanied by Trisha Dixon and Guy Sturt

  • Travel to Bordeaux to commence the tour
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Final night in Bordeaux (27 Sep, unless requested - extra night rate applies)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tour guide - you will not have a local Tour Guide ride with you each day. Trisha Dixon and Guy Sturt will be your Escorts while cycling and you will receive a detailed morning briefing for the route each day by our local French operation staff
  • Travel insurance - mandatory

About Your Leader

Trisha Dixon is a writer-photographer and passionate traveller, especially for the road less travelled. Early childhood canoeing and walking down gorges with rubber tyres to go rafting along wild rivers left its imprint and somehow Trisha’s career of writing, photography and landscape design has morphed into leading tours to some of the world’s most enticing locales…. Trisha has led tours for Academy Travel, Renaissance Travel, the Australian Garden History Society, The Historic Houses Trust and the Royal Botanic Gardens as well as her specialist private tours.

When Trisha is not taking people on tours she is off either on bicycle down the canal paths of France, trying to find her way to the top of mountains or hills that intrigue her or just loving spending time on her property and large wild garden at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.

GUY STURT

Guy Sturt is both a Landscape Architect and an Arborist and has run his own design studio since 1992. He has considerable experience in garden design, installation, care and maintenance over a broad range of environments including Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

Guy has visited an extensive range of parks and gardens in over 45 countries. He has visited and photographed many of these great gardens, public spaces and cultural landscapes and has a thorough grounding in the history, design and landscape traditions of these diverse places. Guy has both cycled and travelled extensively through France, including a short stint studying at the Sorbonne!


Bike information


Grading

moderate  

Overall, the cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycling distances from 45km - 80km/day. 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. E-bikes are provided.


Departure dates


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

$USD


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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