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Short break in Bordeaux Vineyards

Price per person

From 785€

Type of stay

Bicycle trip

Location

Bordeaux, Blaye, Saint-émilion - France

Duration

3 or 4 days

Difficulty

Departures

On request from April to October

Capacity

2 people minimum

Reference

Cyclo 12-2

Your stay

A cycle tour to discover Bordeaux’s grands crus

A cycling tour along the Bordeaux Wine Route, exploring the region’s most prestigious vineyards. Margaux, Pauillac, Pomerol and Saint-Émilion… Three or four days of cycling, taking in some of the world’s finest wines alongside exceptional historical and architectural heritage.

In this region, where the waters of the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Atlantic converge to form Europe’s largest estuary, this holiday has something to satisfy every taste – whether you’re seeking nature and culture, leisure and sport, a friendly atmosphere or fine dining. Marshes, vineyards, forests, rivers, small harbours, charming towns and villages, a citadel, wine-producing châteaux and Romanesque churches make up the landscape under the south-western sun!

The roads and cycle paths on this route take you through landscapes and sites that are as varied as they are remarkable. First, the left bank of the estuary and the Médoc vineyards. Then, after a boat crossing, the right bank with the citadel of Blaye and the beautiful village of Bourg-sur-Gironde. Further east, the Fronsadais region on the slopes of the Dordogne, followed by the Pomerol vineyards, not far from Libourne. You’ll pass by the famous Château Petrus and Château Cheval Blanc before staying in the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At last, a cycle path with a pleasant, undulating route – a former railway line – will take you through the Entre-deux-Mers region towards the bastide town of Créon and the Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure. You’ll round off your cycling holiday by cycling along the Garonne and its ‘carrelets’ before heading along Bordeaux’s majestic quays – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – for a spectacular finale!

Every evening, you will be welcomed into charming hotels and guesthouses, and you are sure to be delighted by the comfort of the accommodation we have selected, as well as by the quality of the regional cuisine you will enjoy at dinner.

You'll enjoy :

The world’s finest wines: Margaux, Mouton Rothschild, Petrus, Cheval Blanc.
The magnificent wine estates of the Bordeaux region, blending tradition and modernity.
The vineyards and village of Saint-Émilion, both listed as World Heritage Sites.
The delightful Entre-Deux-Mers cycle route.
Bordeaux and the ‘Cité du Vin’, a leading venue for exhibitions in the international wine world.

Back to travel

Daily program

Day 1 - Arrival in the Bordeaux region

Arrival at Bordeaux railway station or airport.

Bordeaux, the ancient Roman ‘Burdigala’, inextricably linked to its vineyards… radiates a natural splendour in its stone-clad splendour, needing no artificial embellishments. The River Garonne, at the heart of the city, welcomes walkers along its banks or for boat trips. Everyone can make the quays their own, in the hope of witnessing a cruise liner calling at the port – an ‘astonishing spectacle’ of a giant of the seas right in the city centre.

Taxi transfer to Pian Médoc or Pauillac, depending on the option chosen, and a welcome at your hotel. You will be given your bike, information about the region and a route map showing your itinerary.

Dinner at your leisure, overnight stay and breakfast at the hotel.

Day 2 - Route des Châteaux du Médoc to Blaye

Setting off from Le Pian-Médoc or Pauillac towards Blaye.

Do stop off – the wine cellars await you.

This ‘Route des Châteaux’, which winds its way through the Médoc, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful! It is as surprising and winding as the Garonne, which it follows in places.

You’ll begin your cycle route by riding through the vineyards of Margaux, Haut-Médoc and Moulis-en-Médoc, with a ride along the edges of the vineyards belonging to some highly renowned châteaux and others that deserve to be better known.

One Grand Cru follows another, and the landscapes unfold before the eyes of the most curious travellers.

The route will take you to Lamarque, where you’ll board a ferry to cross the Gironde estuary. You’ll arrive at the magnificent citadel of Blaye. Imposing and
majestic, the citadel overlooks the estuary, covering 33 hectares in the heart of the town and offering a splendid view of the Gironde.

Accommodation in Blaye.
Bed and breakfast in a guesthouse or a 3* hotel.

Day 3 - From Blaye to Saint-Emilion

You’ll cycle through the vineyards of the Côtes de Blaye AOC, Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur.
You’ll cycle towards Bourg-sur-Gironde along the Corniche Fleurie, where the countless palm trees, oleanders and oak trees reflect the region’s exceptionally mild climate.
A visit is a must for lovers of beautiful stone buildings: Bourg-sur-Gironde is an architectural gem. Perched on a rock and surrounded by walls, the village is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved in the estuary.
On the road leading to the vineyards of Saint-Emilion, you will pass through two other appellations: Fronsac and Pomerol.
The Pomerol appellation, neighbouring Saint-Emilion, covers a small plateau to the north of Libourne. Small in area, but with a great reputation… Pomerol wines are amongst the most highly regarded in France, including the famous ‘Petrus’.
This tour will take you to the heart of the finest wines of Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, such as Château Angélus, Château Petrus and Château Cheval Blanc! Let’s talk about Fronsac: it is Bordeaux’s most historic vineyard, as Fronsac was served at the court of King Louis XIV…

At the confluence of two rivers, the Dordogne and the Isle, the great wine-growing regions of Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Fronsac blend seamlessly with magnificent landscapes of hills and plateaus, forming a beautiful mosaic of plots, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see.
During this tour, you will discover magnificent estates, often set amongst the vineyards and home to the winegrowers and their families.

Overnight stay with breakfast at a 3- or 4-star hotel in Saint-Emilion.

Day 4 (optional) - Saint-Emilion ! Vineyards, architecture and landscapes

A cycle ride through historic sites and vineyards: this route in the Saint-Emilion area takes you through the eastern part of the Saint-Emilion region, taking in vineyards and villages…
The route features historic buildings and stunning scenery. You can cycle to Castillon-la-Bataille and return along the banks of the Dordogne.

Overnight stay with breakfast in a 3- or 4-star hotel in Saint-Emilion

Day 4 or 5 - Saint-Emilion - Bordeaux

After passing through Branne-sur-la-Dordogne, you’ll join the ‘Roger Lapébie’ cycle route and enjoy an ideal route for a cycle ride, set amidst natural landscapes but featuring several designated rest stops and water points. You’ll follow this pleasant cycle path, which is in very good condition, as it takes you to Créon, a typical regional bastide village. This charming bastide is well worth a visit, and the small villages are full of chapels and churches.

A natural and architectural heritage that remains well-preserved, featuring varied, rolling landscapes that are accessible to all. A rich architectural heritage, including medieval towns, fortified towns, fortified mills, abbeys and Romanesque churches.

This route will take you to the majestic Place de la Bourse in the heart of Bordeaux. From there, you’ll have a panoramic view of the quays, the Garonne and the Pont de Pierre, which you’ll have crossed just a few minutes earlier!

Accommodation in a 4-star or 3-star hotel in Bordeaux.

The hotel is situated in the heart of ‘Old Bordeaux’, where elegant 18th-century buildings showcase the sophistication of the city’s golden age.

Opposite the Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe, and opposite the Grand Théâtre…

Dinner at your leisure

Day 5 or 6 - Departure

Departure after breakfast.

rates

Price per person

Departure from Pian-Médoc	5 days- 4 nights	6 days – 5 nights
Comfort version in Saint-Emilion : Superior version in Saint-Emilion :	785 € 820 €	900 € 950 €

Departure from Pauillac	5 days – 4 nights	6 days – 5 nights
Comfort version in Saint-Emilion : Superior version in Saint-Emilion :	880 € 915 €	995 € 1045 €

Price includes

4 or 5 nights in 3 or 4* hotel and guesthouses with breakfast (double / twin room)
Roadbook (with a map and directions)
GPS app for smartphone
Luggage transfer at each steps
Estuary crossing by boat
A taxi transfer on arrival or departure (if arriving by car)
Hotline 24/7

Extra charge

Departure from Pian Médoc	5 days – 4 nights	6 days – 5 nights
Touring bike (VTC) Electric bike (VAE) Gravel bike	115 € 205 € 205 €	130 € 235 € 235 €

Departure from Pauillac	5 days – 4 nights	5 days – 4 nights
Touring bike (VTC) Electric bike (VAE) Gravel	130 € 235 € 235 €	145 € 265 € 265 €

Further information

We’ll take care of transporting your luggage whenever you change accommodation, so you can travel light and make the most of your daily hike.

You leave your luggage at the reception of your accommodation before you set off.

By late afternoon, you’ll find it at the reception of your new accommodation or directly in your room.

Luggage allowance per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (maximum 23 kg) + 1 piece of hand luggage.

Your travel pack consists of the documents or files you receive before your trip (usually one month beforehand) and/or on arrival at your first accommodation.

It includes:

A welcome letter containing key practical information:

The time slot for luggage transport
Details of the delivery and collection of hire bikes, if required
Your on-site contact and telephone number(s) in case of emergency
Any further information

The roadbook, including a map showing the route (to a suitable scale) and directions, tourist information and practical advice

Any vouchers that may need to be given to the service provider(s)

On request and depending on the tours:

The ‘Evazio’ app, which can be downloaded onto a smartphone for ‘GPS’ navigation with visual guidance (viewing the route on your smartphone screen) and/or voice guidance. The app also contains practical and tourist information. Once the route has been downloaded, no internet connection is required
Loan of a GPS device with pre-recorded routes
GPX tracks for each stage, to be used with your own navigation device

On this tour, we can provide you with a choice of options, subject to booking:

A hybrid bike suitable for touring and cycling routes

An e-bike suited to the route

A gravel bike suited to the route

With his kit:

Antivol

Casque

1 rear pannier
1 handlebar bag
1 repair kit
1 helmet (on request)
1 anti-theft device
1 charger (for the electric bike)

For younger children, we can offer options depending on their age and height

A children’s bike
A baby seat
Trailer
A tag-along bike

The bike will be adjusted to suit your height and delivered to your first accommodation.

At the end of the tour, the bike must be left at your final accommodation along with all its accessories. We will arrange for them to be collected.

This tour is offered in the ‘superior’ category

Overview of hotel categories:

Comfort: The tour mainly features 2- and 3-star hotels (or equivalent standard of comfort) and guesthouses.
Superior: The tour mainly features 3- and 4-star hotels (or equivalent standard of comfort) and charming guesthouses.
Luxury: The tour mainly features 4- and 5-star hotels (or equivalent standard of comfort)

Throughout your stay, our helpline is available: