Short description
The city of Bordeaux, the 6th largest in France, offers a heady mix of a rich history, world-class architecture, excellent gastronomy and of course, fine wines. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, valued as an inhabited historic city and an icon of the Enlightenment era. This city bike break allows you to explore the bike-friendly streets of Bordeaux, to explore some of the more than 120,000 hectares of vineyards that surround the city and to spend a day at the beach on the beautiful Arcachon Bay.
The itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive at Bordeaux
Arrive by plane, TGV or independently and transfer to your hotel in the city centre, by shuttle bus or taxi. Enjoy a stroll or cycle about town. We suggest a walk along the river, taking in the Place des Quinconces and Place de la Bourse, with its impressive water feature.
Day 2 | Round Trip to the Entre Deux Mers Vineyards
This route takes you out of the city by the Saint-Jean bridge and into the Entre Deux Mers appellation. The route follows a converted railway line out of the city, to the town of Lignan-de-Bordeaux, before looping through vineyards and re-joining the cycle path back into Bordeaux. This appellation is exclusively for white wines, but you will find reds too under the Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superior labels.
Day 3 | Round Trip to the Medoc Vineyards
Today you will have the chance to cycle out into the famouswinelandsof the Medoc and to ride through the world-famous estates of Margaux. Youll first make your way out of the city to the north and then find youll find yourself cycling through a mix of woodland and vast vineyards. The landscape here is pan flat, meaning the miles will fly by in no time. After exploring the village of Margaux, and perhaps sampling some of the wine, you can either take a train back to the city or ride back following the route of the estuary.
Day 4 | Round Trip to the Arcachon Bay
Arcachon is just a 50-minute train ride away from the city and we can not recommend a visit highly enough. The distance is a little too much to cycle there, so we recommend a return train journey from Bordeaux St Jean to Arcachon. Your cycle route starts at Arcachon station and takes you along the coast to the Dune du Pilat, the highest sand dune in Europe that offers a spectacular panorama of the Atlantic coast. The route is short, meaning you should have plenty of time for a dip in the sea, a nap on the sand and maybe even some localmoulesfritesbefore hopping on the train back to the city.
Day 5
We say Au revoir trip extensions are available upon request.
Key information
- Highlights
- Fully serviced touring bikes water bottle and accessories
- Charming self-catering apartments
- Tour information pack upon arrival including information on off-the-bike activities
- Detailed navigational material often including GPS maps
- Local support whenever needed
- E-bikes available on request
- Flights and transfers not included as standard but available on request
- Full financial protection through ABTA and ATOL
