Bordeaux Culture & Vineyards

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 | Explore Bordeaux on foot or by bike

This city, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, deserves a day of exploring. It has seen a big regeneration effort over the last 20 years, leading it to become of the worlds most bike-friendly cities. Just strolling the streets and parks, absorbing the enlightenment era architecture and thriving caf culture is enthralling. We also suggest visiting La Cit du Vin for an immersive education on the history and science of the winemaking. Fancy a longer cycle? Ask our team for some ideas.

Day 3 | Cycle to Libourne

Time to leave the city for a few days and to explore the Entre Deux Mers region. The route starts by crossing the Gironde and picking up a Voie Verte cycle path to the town of Creon, where we suggest a stop for lunch. From Creon you turn north, cycling through vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see, until reaching the river port town of Libourne, the winemaking capital of the Northern Gironde.

Day 4 | Optional Round Trip to St Emilion

This ride takes in two of the regions most recognised wine appellations in St Emilion and Pomerol, so make sure you leave some room in your panniers to bring a bottle or two back with you. The route takes you north from Libourne, passing through Pomerol and past the famous Petrus estate. From here you snake through the sea of vines to St Emilion, another UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a maze of beautiful cobbled streets. Youll no doubt want to lock up your bikes and explore on foot, perhaps sampling some of the famous reds before a flat 10km cycle back to Libourne.

Day 5 | Cycle to Cadillac

Today you will ride from river to river, from red wines to white wines, away from the Dordogne and toward the Garonne. Youll spend the day riding through the vineyards on small roads and farm tracks. We love packing a picnic on days like today and having a long lunch amongst the vines. Your destination is Cadillac, home to a 17th-century chteau that sits overlooking the Garonne.

Day 6 | Optional Round Trip to Sauternes

South of Cadillac lies the village of Sauternes, where some of the worlds most revered sweet white wine is produced. The route roughly follows the route of the Ciron river, offering mostly flat cycling. Sauternes itself is perched on a hilltop offering a nice panorama of the vines that make this village world famous. The village has some nice restaurants where you can refuel before returning to Cadillac on the other bank of the Ciron river.

Day 7 | Cycle to Bordeaux

The city lights are calling for your final night of the tour and a lovely cycle route will get you there. Youll start by roughly following the Garonne before leaving the river temporarily to pick up the cycle path at Creon. From here youll cruise back into the city over the St Jean bridge and arrive in time to celebrate your cycling exploits with a few glasses of wine and a delicious dinner in one of Frances best foodie cities.

Day 8

We say Au Revoirbefore you depart for your next destination.