Cycling holidays around the Gironde estuary
Trip Code : Cyclo 02
Trip activity
Self-guided cycling tourLocation
Bordeaux Royan - FranceDuration
8 daysTrip grading 
30 to 60 km per day
Departures
Capacity
Price per person
- 8 days - 7 nights : 1025 €
Including services
- 7 overnights with breakfast in Hotel 3* and charming guesthouses (in double / twin room)
- 5 dinners (wine included)
- Route notes & maps, regional inforrmation
- GPS App for smartphone with vocal guiding as well.
- Luggage transfer hotel to hotel
- Ferry transfer acroos Gironde estuary
- Taxi transfer first day
- Emergency phone call support 7/7
Extra charges
- Touring bike : 115 €
- Electric bike : 217 €
Tour description
Itinerary
Practical details
Information request
Booking request
Cycling tour around the Gironde estuary
During the Gironde estuary cycling tour, you’ll explore one of the most beautiful famous and beloved parts of France. The region of Bordeaux, located in sun drenched. South-western part of France is the perfect setting for a bike and wine tour. This cycling holiday leads to the biggest European estuary. Explore 2 different areas: first bike through the prestigious vineyards of the Medoc in the famous Bordeaux region. Take the “Wine road” of Médoc by bicycle, home of the most famous wine-growing chateaux in the world. Then cross the Gironde estuary by ferry to « Royan ». Continue your bike tour and enjoy the landscapes of « Charente-Maritime », « Haute-Saintonge » and « Haute Gironde ». Typical cliffs, villages of Talmont, Blaye or Bourg.
Meet winemakers of the famous “Cognac” and “Pineau” in « Charente ». Explore the diverse landscapes of the French countryside, visit superb Romanic churches in the towns, windmills, old castles and discover Gallo romanic sites. This cycle tour follows a mixture of bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside streams and vineyards allowing discovery of the exceptional natural and diverse surroundings of the region.
Set at the confluence of the Garonne River and the Gironde estuary. It is the most prolific and famous wine growing regions in Aquitaine. Caressed by Atlantic breezes, the vineyards that cover the rolling hills of the region have for centuries produced France’s most remarkable wines. Appellations such as Saint-Émilion, Margaux, Sauternes, Médoc and Pauillac have made Bordeaux wines world famous.
The Gironde estuary cycling tour through these famous wine regions: you will visit many of them and probably taste various excellent wines. Bordeaux does not only offer the finest wines; it is also home to finest, scrumptious, distinct tasting culinary specialties!
After each day’s cycling stay in some of the region’s best hotels and charming guest houses. To be more confortable during your cycling tours, we can Bike hire or an E-bike as you prefer!
Day 1: Arrival in France and transfer from Bordeaux to the Medoc
Arrive at the train station or at Bordeaux Airport. A taxi takes you to your 3-star hotel in « Pian Medoc » where you will find the road book and bikes waiting for you. This cycling tour is perfect for everyone who wants rise up their wine knownledge! You'll learn everything about French wine, appellations, tannins, winemaking, Gran cru, grape varieties like Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec or Petit Verdot. Brdeaux wine region is perfect for a cycling tour!
Night and breakfast included.
Day 2: Biking day through the heart of the “Medoc rouge” to Macau – 40 km
Today’s cycle to « Macau » takes you on the “Road of the Chateaux” along the estuary toward « Margaux », « Saint-Estephe » and « Moulis », where wines, spirit houses and wineries await you. Every village, every chateau is a dream for everyone in this well known area! The route des chateaux is certainly one of the most beautiful road! Start your holiday cycling across « Margaux » vineyards, « Haut Medoc », « Moulis-en-Medoc » and past renowned chateaux. Make red wines tastings, we recommend tasting of Grand Cru Take the time to stop in the little port along backroads, including « St Julien ». Head toward the estuary and encounter pleasant and diverse landscapes. This stage leads to the heart of the “Medoc rouge” as far as « Moulis-en-Medoc ».
Overnight in a charming guesthouse, a superb residence, located in the middle of the vineyards and ideally situated 200 m from prestigious chateaux.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 3: Cycling along the Wine route in the Medoc – 53 km
Today continue cycling along the “Road of the Chateaux” which is well known for both its unusual chateaux and its wine. Explore the many historic sites along your bike route such as « Brion » in « St Germain d’Esteuil », the Chateau of « Castera », the Abbey of « Vertheuil » and the « Fort Medoc » built by Vauban. On your two wheels, cycle to the capital of the Medoc, « Pauillac », one of the greatest red wine region in Bordeaux with the famous cabernet sauvignon grapes. Its 18 “Grand Crus Classes 1855” and its charming port make this town an unmissable destination. Take a leisurely time and discover the appellation of most famous chateau of Medoc starting with Chateau Latour, chateau Mouton-Rothschild or Lafite Rothschild.
Overnight in a charming bed and breakfast located in the middle of the vineyards. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 4: Cycle towards the mouth of the estuary and Royan - 55 to 60 km
Follow an easy route across the vineyards and marshes that lead to a fascinating and charming part of the « Medoc ». Cycle alongside the longest estuary in Europe and discover a Wilder Medoc, where many fish and migrating birds find sanctuary. Make some short stops along the banks of the estuary in small charming harbour towns such as « St Christoly» or « La Marechale » and explore huts built on stilt, small fishing ports and landscapes such as CAMARGUE. Don’t miss “Richard’s Lighthouse” that offers an outstanding view of the estuary.
At the top of the « Medoc » area, cycle to « Soulac », a pretty seaside village boasting pine perfumed landscape and sandy beaches. Take the ferry across the estuary to « Royan » and enjoy the view of the « Cordouan » lighthouse and the cliffs of « Meshers » on the right. Welcome to the other side of the river for holidays in « Charente-maritime » country!
Overnight in a 3-star hotel in « Royan located in the heart of the seaside town. Breakfast included. Dinner is not included but many restaurants are situated next to your hotel. Take an optional extra night here to explore the beach and the Ocean.
Day 5: Cycle in the Charente-Maritime region from Royan to Mortagne- 35 km
Today ride throughout the Charente countryside and discover its treasures.
With the Bordeaux wine tour, you'll cycle through beautiful landscapes from the coastal marshes, cliffs and forests, oyster farms and fishing ports. Discover the pretty village of Talmont-sur-Gironde, its church and blooming streets, the caves of Meshers-sur-Gironde, the archaeological site of Fa and the retreat of St Martial. Many stops to enjoy!
Ideally located on a headland at the entrance to the « Gironde », « Royan » has been a seaside town for about two centuries. Royan’s seafront curves around the northern end of the « Grande Conche » Beach – an imposing crescent of buildings where contemporary and “belle époque” villas alternate.
Leave « Royan » and take the “boulevard Garnier” with its beautiful villas from the XIX century.
Stop at the Park in the estuary, « Pôle nature » of the « Charente Maritime » and enjoy interactive exhibitions and activities in order to know everything about the estuary.
Cross « Saint-Seurin-d’Uzet », the old capital of Caviar, with its port. Then discover all about the Pineau, Cognac and Charentais wine, (They produce white wines and especially Sauvignon blanc) with the winemaker in « Mortagne ».
End your bike journey in the exceptional site of « Mortagne-sur-Gironde », a pretty hill-top village with its fishing and sailing port.
Overnight in a charming bed and breakfast, opposite the port. Dinner and breakfast included.
Day 6: Cycling in the Charente - Pineau and Cognac - 40 to 45 km
Leaving the banks of the estuary discover the estates producing Cognac and Pineau de Charente. Pass fields of sunflowers, windmills and châteaux before returning to the estuary and the vineyards of the «Côtes de Blaye » and «Côtes de Bourg ». Cycle along small roads and feel the wildness and immensity of the area. Follow the hills covered with wheat and vineyards.
Overnight in a lovely bed and breakfast. Dinner and breakfast included.
Day 7: Biking day along the Corniche road - 50 to 60 km
Following the estuary marshes through historic « Blaye » and medieval Bourg.
Imposing and majestic, the citadel at «Blaye » has a commanding view over the river. Continue along the banks of the Gironde Estuary and cycle through the vineyards of the Cotes de Blaye, AOC Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur. Follow the little road called the "Corniche Fleurie",with its countless palm trees, pink laurels and oaks as far as «Bourg-sur-Gironde ». This attractive small town is an architectural jewel. Clinging to a rock, surrounded by walls, the village is one of the most beautiful and best preserved of the Estuary. Discover prehistoric caves with ancient wall paintings.
End of your cycling holiday in the heart of the vineyard in the village of «Bourg-Sur-Gironde ».
Overnight in a beautiful house. Dinner and breakfast included
Day 8: Departure
After your breakfast, the owner of your guest house will drive you to the train station. With this cycling holiday, we share you the best of Bordeaux, and Bordeaux wines! Add some extra-day to your holiday to explore Saint-Emilion or the Graves area (Chateau Haut-Brion is one the best chateaux to visit!).
Train journey, (without the bikes) to Bordeaux.
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