Bordeaux bike tour. Medoc vineyard and ocean coast
Description
Tour description
Self-guided cycling tour in France across the Medoc area near Bordeaux in Gironde. Cycle through the impressive Medoc in the famous Bordeaux wine region. The West 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, located on the side of the Gironde estuary, offers views of the winegrowing region. Beginning of your bike tour on the “wines road”, cycle past well known chateaux: Giscours, Margaux, Latour and go through the winegrowing areas which produce some of the most prestigious wines in the world. The Explore by cycling through the diverse landscapes of the Medoc, visit superb Romanic churches in the villages, windmills, old castles and discover some unique Gallo romanic sites. This biking journey follows a mixture of bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside largest Europe estuary, atlantic coast and vineyards, allowing discovery of the exceptional natural and diverse surroundings of the region. After each day’s cycling, stay in some of the region’s best hotels and charming guest houses.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Bordeaux and transfer to Pian Medoc.
Taxi transfert from Bordeaux train station or airport to Le Pian Medoc. Welcome pack of the area and circuits will be given. The quality and the service of this hotel created a climax of peace and quiet which explains the “Grande histoire” of this traditional 18 bedrooms house with pool and a 6 acres park. Night and breakfast.Day 2 : The chateaux’s road from Pian Médoc to Margaux or Moulis– 25 to 38 km
Departing from Pian Medoc to Macau, the chateaux’s road goes alongside the Gironde toward Margaux, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis...wine and spirit houses are waiting for you. The Medocan area is well known worldwide because of the name of every village and every chateau make amateurs and wine passionate dream. One must stop in the little harbours such as St Julien in order to imagine that in times past, the “gabares” were rolling on the stream charged with barrels. This chateaux’s road which crosses the Medoc is assuredly one of the most beautiful! You will start your bike itinerary by crossing the vineyards of Margaux, Haut-Médoc et Moulis-en-Médoc with strolls among some of the most well known Chateaux. If you go on jaunt toward the estuary, you will make the most of this itinerary without any difficulty whilst encountering pleasant and diversified landscapes whatever the season. This circuit will lead you to the heart of the “Medoc rouge”. Night and dinner in guesthouse in Margaux or MoulisDay 3 : Reflection of the vineyards on the river from Margaux or Moulis to Saint-Yzans– 50 to 60 km
Departure from Moulis for a cycling day into famous vineyards, among the hills covered of vineyards and across the marshes that separate them. You will also discover the history of Medoc through its remnants such as walking across the archaeological site of Brion in St Germain d’Esteuil, the Chateau of Castera, the Abbey of Vertheuil and the Fort Medoc built by Vauban. The route will follow the “Road of the Chateaux” well known for their wine… and some Chateaux for their unusual architecture. You will go to Paulliac, the Medocan capital. Its 18 “grands Crus Classes” and its charming little harbour make this place an inescapable destination with glorious chateaux , from Latour to Lafite Rothschild. In the late afternoon you will be welcomed in a “3 epis”charming guest house located in the middle of the vineyards. Night and dinner in guesthouse.Day 4 : The lowland with the multiple facets – 40 to 50 km
Loop tour. Warning : This step is not included in the 6 days tour.
This part of the Medoc fascinates those who take the risk to devote themselves to its charms. The incredible landscape offers to the cyclist new sensations, which only the sailors have in memory. Easy journey across the vineyards and marshes along the little Medocan villages. You will first go alongside the longest estuary of Europe. Wilder Medoc where fish and migrating birds find sanctuary. On the banks of the Gironde the scenery of tiny fishing ports remind the land of Carmargue. Some short stops are recommended by the banks of the estuary such as in St Christoly or La Marechale, small ports full of charms with their grounded boats. The lighthouse of Richard offers an outstanding view of the estuary. Do not miss the visit of Lesparre and its monuments and the visit of « Les Noisettines du Médoc », a small company made by craftsmen creating sweets with hazelnuts as a main ingredient, exclusively using natural products. Return to your housing at the end of the afternoon. Dinner, night and breakfast.Day 5 : Towards the ocean track from Saint-Yzans to Lacanau Océan - 62 Km
Warning : For the 5 days tour : End of tour and taxi transfer to Bordeaux train station or Airport
Trip Code : Cyclo 06
Trip activity
Self-guided cycling tourLocation
Bordeaux Médoc - FranceDuration
5 to 7 daysTrip grading 
40 to 65 km per day
Departures
Daily from April to October
Capacity
Minimum 2 people
Price per person
- 5 days - 4 nights : 720 €
Including services
- 4 to 6 overnights with breakfast in Hotel 3* and charming guesthouses (in double / twin room)
- 2 to 3 dinners (wine included)
- Route notes & maps, regional inforrmation
- Luggage transfer hotel to hotel
- Taxi transfer first day or/ and last day
- Emergency phone call support 7/7
Extra charges
- 2 or 3 dinners : 30 € per dinner
- Touring bike : 90 to 110 €
- Electric bike : 135 to 185 €
Additional Information
- Duration: 5 days
- Minimum Age Required: Ask us
- Language: English
- Activity Conditions
