Bordeaux Cycling tour from the vineyards to the ocean and Arcachon

Day 1: Arrival in France in Bordeaux and transfer to Rions

Arrive at the train station or at Bordeaux Airport. A taxi takes you to your guesthouse or 3-star hotel in Rions or Cadillac, where you will find the road book and bikes waiting for you. Dinner in a restaurant or at your hotel. Breakfast included. Warning: 3 different hotels are possible – same quality, depending on the availability.

Day 2: Cycling in the “Entre-Deux-Mer” area. Approx: 35 km

Start the holiday by cycling through the ‘Entre-deux-Mers’ region, discovering the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux wine-making region and exploring the Côtes de Bordeaux in Saint-Macaire area. The Entre-Deux-Mers was the home of the most important characters of this area: the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec at Château Malromé and the writer François Mauriac at Domaine de Malagar, an estate covered with vineyards. The beautiful villages in the area simply invite you to cycle through them! Discover the medieval merchant town of Saint-Macaire through undulating vineyard terrain taking in the spectacular scenic views of the Garonne River. Then your itinerary will guide you to the small town of Cadillac renowned for its Chateau. Overnight in a charming 3-star hotel with a swimming pool, in the medieval town of Saint-Macaire. Dinner and breakfast included.

Day 3: Biking day through the vineyards of Sauternes and the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park. Approx: 50 km

From the village cross to the left bank of the Garonne River, then follow the twisting roads through the World famous vines of the Sauternes area, including the jewel in its crown – “Chateau Yquem”.  Cycle onto Budos then through the valleys carved out by the River Ciron to Leogats and Nouaillan, then onto Balizac where the ‘Landes de Gascogne regional Nature Park,’ is situated, before reaching Origne. Overnight in Origne. This is a charming guesthouse, which is located in the centre of the village offering a range of services. Dinner and breakfast included.

Day 4: Cycle the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park. Approx: 35 km

This ride goes through the Regional Nature Park. Cycle along a lovely little forest road offering great scenic variety and heading westwards. Towards Louchats, the pine forest becomes denser and the scent of pine resin richer. Leave your bike at the site of the lagoons of Gat –Mort. Don’t miss the detour to Hostens where you can relax for a while on the expanses of beautiful white sand bordering a large lake hidden by trees. The cycling track will then go between pine trees and heather to the small town of Le Barp. Overnight in a charming 3-star hotel, stone built. Breakfast included. Dinner is not included but you may wish to 'eat in' as your host is an accredited 'maître restaurateur'. There is a terrace shaded by suspended vines and a fountain.

Day 5: Ride towards the Bay of Arcachon and the Ocean. 45 km approx.

Today there are a mixture of cycle routes and minor roads as you approach the expanse of the Bay of Arcachon. Cycle through Le Teich ornithological park, the fishing ports and oyster beds. Join the coastal path, stopping to climb Europe’s highest sand-dune (20 km one way and return)before continuing to your 3 star hotel close to the central beach of Arcachon and the town’s casino for a two-night stay. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Arcachon. Enjoy the evening on the seafront or at the casino. Breakfast included. Dinner is not included but there are many restaurants close to your hotel.

Day 6 and more:

There is a great opportunity to spend one or two extra nights in this friendly city. This is well worth considering. Arcachon is a popular holiday destination with many attractions. There are daily cycling tours to visit both sides of the bay.

Day 6: Biking around Cap Ferret. Approx 20 km

Take the ferry across the Bay of Arcachon to reach the “Cap Ferret” and cycle on the other side of the Bay.  Leave your bicycle for a moment to walk up to the top of the lighthouse. Cycle between fishing villages and discoverthe pretty oyster village of L’Herbe, the fish reservoirs and the Tapper’s Shack. Do not miss the last departure of the boat for the return journey to the other side of the bay and your hotel!

Day 7: Cycle towards the Great Dune of Pyla or into the Domaine de Certes in Audenge. Approx 24 to 60 km

Choose either to follow the cycle track along the coast up to the Great Dune of Pyla or to take the cycling track via the Port of La Teste in the opposite way. Leave the track and take the “7 oyster ports of Gujan Mestras” small road that runs around the bay alongside the railway station. A cycling track will take you then to Le Teich, Biganos and Audenge. Many choices:

• Stop-off at the port of Biganos
• Stop-off at the Ornithologic Park of Le Teich
• Stop-off at the Domaine de Certe in Audenge

Back to your hotel for your last night.

Day 8: End of your holiday

After breakfast take one of the frequent trains from nearby Arcachon station to Bordeaux for your onward train or flight.

The bikes

Upon arrival at your first accommodation, we deliver: Your rental (VTC) adjusted to your size, with its equipment: front bag, back saddlebag, helmet, anti-theft, repair kit with pumps, patches etc. For children, we propose a baby seat, a trailer or a follow-up bike depending on their age and size, on request. On request at the time of booking, we can also deliver an electric bike

The luggage

Your luggage is transported by us from one accommodation to another. Panniers are provided for your day's business.

Travel documents

We also provide you with a travel pack with some tourist documents and especially our travel road book with color map, the route to follow, directions and tourist information.

Access to point of departure

Arrival by plane to Bordeaux Mérignac airport or Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station Our taxi will pick you up to drive you to your first accommodation. He will be waiting for you at a meeting point we will communicate to you and will have a sign in your name. Arrival by car You will go directly to the first accommodation. You can leave your vehicle for free for the duration of your stay.

Technical assistance

We provide telephone assistance every day from 8am to 8pm. Regarding a possible technical problem on a bicycle, a telephone support is also at your disposal to solve the problem. If necessary, we move to repair on site or deliver another bike. However, we do not move for a puncture and ask you to know how to repair a puncture yourself.