North-west of Bordeaux by bike. Great lakes, ocean and estuary!
Trip code : Cyclo 20-3
Trip acivity
Self guided bike tourLocation
Bordeaux - Lacanau - Royan - Blaye - FranceDuration
8 joursDifficulty 
35 to 60 km per day
Départs
Capacity
Price per person
- 8 days - 7 nights : 825 €
- July & August : + 20 €
Including service
- 7 overnights & breakfast in Hotel 3* & 4* (1 hotel 2*) & charming guesthouses (in double / twin room)
- 1 dinner (drinks not included)
- Route notes & maps, regional inforrmation
- 1 GPS App on smartphone
- Luggage transfer hotel to hotel
- Emergency phone call support 7/7
Extra charge
- Touring bike : 95 €
- Electric bike : 210 €
Tour description
Itinerary
Practical details
Information request
Booking request
Discover the northwest of Bordeaux by bike in Gironde. Great lakes, ocean and estuary !
Starting from Bordeaux for the discovery of the North-West of Bordeaux by bike, in Gironde, a territory flooded with water and sun! Cycli,ng holidays for lovers of nature, natural reserves and beaches.
You will successively follow the lakes of Lacanau, the pond of Cousseau and the lake of Hourtin. These large lakes of the of Gironde first bordered the Atlantic Ocean before being separated by a sand dunes. Wild and unspoiled, they form an ideal space for family swimming. You will find fine sandy beaches in the shade of pine trees. (except the Cousseau pond, a natural reserve not to be missed!).
Your cycling trip will also follow the Atlantic coast on the “Vélodyssée”, a famous bicycle route along the ocean. Very pleasant and rolling bike path between Lacanau Océan and Le Verdon at the end of the Medoc peninsula. The opportunity for regular relaxing stops on the endless ocean beaches bordered by dunes, a paradise for surfers. Here, little shade but a permanent show!
After having crossed the mouth of the Gironde estuary (the largest in Europe!), between Le Verdon and Royan, change of scenery. This cycling journey then leaves the ocean and its long beaches to crisscross the limestone cliffs overlooking the waters of the estuary. Pleasant bike road lined with “Carrelets” (small fishermen’s huts on stilts), punctuated by fishing villages and small coves carved into the rock. The blue waters of the ocean gradually turn brown as they sink into the estuary. Then come the marshy plains of the estuary, true paradise for birds, between Mortagne sur Gironde and the Citadel of Blaye.
To end your cycling holiday, a final crossing of the Blaye estuary will land you on the wine-growing lands of the Médoc. You will cross the vineyards of Moulis and Margaux and finally reach Bordeaux along the majestic quays of the Garonne, classified by UNESCO, to your hotel.
You will be welcomed every evening in 3 and 4* hotels (one 2 * hotel) and charming guest rooms.
Day 1: Welcome to Bordeaux
Arrive at your 3-star hotel in Bordeaux, where you will find the road book and bikes waiting for you.
« Bordeaux », named before "Burdigala", is a Roman city, inseparable from its vineyards and prestigious stones architecture. The river Garonne, heart of the city, welcomes walkers on the left bang and offers boat trip. The quays suit everyone, hoping to witness the stop of a cruise ship, "amazing show" of a giant of the seas in the city centre. Capital of wine, Bordeaux is endowed with a rich history and architecture. Take a guided tour of the city to have more informations.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included.
Day 2: From Bordeaux to Lacanau: ~ 64 Km
Your bicycle tours in Aquitaine takes you from Bordeaux, to « Lacanau-Ocean », seaside town. Take the road bike, a cycle path that follows a former railway track « Bordeaux-Lacanau ». It is a beautiful itinerary, easy and secured that goes through the pine forest where you can listen songs of the cicadas. Ride on a cycle path but also sometimes on backroads or forest trails.
« Lacanau-Ocean » in the Médoc Ocean region, where cycling is a way of life, is much appreciated for its long sandy beaches sheltered by dunes and forests, its lakes and its unspoilt natural areas. The seaside resort is also famous for its surfing spots. Its early 20th century villas bear witness to a rich past.
Overnight in a 3-star hotel with breakfast included
Day 3: The Great Medoc Lakes from Lacanau to Montalivet – 40 Km
Get on your bike and go on the journey to the north following the Vélodyssée. Here the road bike continues on a bike path among the pines, between lakes and oceans.Leave the lake of Lacanau and join a charming shady trail cut in the dunes of the seaside resort of Carcans Maubuisson and the lake of Hourtin. Follow the lake and then the « route des phares » and after a last ocean break at Hourtin Plage, head north to Montalivet baths.
Night and breakfast in hôtel**.
Day 4: From Montalivet to Royan – 40 Km
Sandy beaches as far as the eye can see,. The seaside resorts of Le Porge, Lacanau, Carcans, Hourtin, Vendays-Montalivet and Soulac-sur-Mer are just some of the stops along the way where you can explore and relax. You can then cross the Gironde Estuary from Verdun in a unique ferry ride to discover Royan in the evening (its marina, cathedral considered as a masterpiece of modern architecture)
Night and breakfast in hôtel***.
Day 5: From Royan to Mortagne – 35 Km
You will leave Royan by taking the “boulevard Garnier” and its beautiful villas from the XIX century.
You will stop at the Park of the estuary, « pole nature » de la Charente Maritime. You will enjoy its unique feel and wooden area, dominating the estuary. The Park offers interactive exhibition and animations allowing you to discover “everything” about the estuary.You will cross Saint-Seurin-d’Uzet, the old capital of Caviar, with its port almost located in the centre of the village. More south, you will visit the wine-maker of Mortagne to discover all about the Pineau, Cognac and Charentais wine. Mortagne-sur-Gironde, lays on the with cliffs, its fishing and sailing port make it a unique site in the area.
Night, dinner and breakfast in charming guest-houses
Day 6: From Mortagne to Blaye – 60 Km
Go on along the Estuary on a very nice cycling path between marshes and dykes until Vitrezay, the gateway to Gironde. After a visit to the «Terres d’Oiseaux» bird sanctuary, a beautiful «Voie Verte» cycle track leads to the Blaye Citadel, built by Vauban and listed by UNESCO world heritage (alongside Fort Pâté and Fort Médoc) as the Vauban lock”. A ferry crosses the estuary from Blaye to Lamarque the next day. It's maybe time to do a tasting or a guided tour? In Blaye you'll learn everything you need: winemaking, appelllations, tannins, Wine regions, Grands Crus, grape varieties like Cabernet sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec. And of course The most important white & red wines tastings!
Night and breakfast in hôtel*** or Charming guesthouse.
Day 7: From Blaye to Bordeaux – 50 Km
After crossing the Gironde Estuary, the itinerary leads directly to the heart of the Médoc vineyards, where villages and world-famous wine-making châteaux abound. Fort Médoc is not to be missed. A visit and wine-tasting break is an absolute must before heading on towards more urbanised, but equally interesting areas. The route’s grand finale is the approach to Bordeaux along the quays of the Garonne.
Night and breakfast in hôtel****.
Day 8: END
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