Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast

Departing from Pian Medoc to Macau, the chateaux’s road goes alongside the Gironde toward Margaux, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis… Red wines, winemakers and spirit houses are waiting for you in one of the best french wine regions.

The Medoc area is well known worldwide for the  “Grand Cru Classés 1855” who is a really famous classification for every wine lover! Towns an Appellations bear the same name in the left bank.

One must stop in small fishing ports such as St Julien in order to imagine that in times past, the “gabares” (small barge of the estuary) 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 appellation of  Margaux, Haut-Médoc et Moulis-en-Médoc with  strolls among some of the most well known Chateaux. We recommand tastings!

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 bicyle tour will lead you to the heart of the “Medoc rouge”. You can make a wine tasting in a Grand cru estate to learn everything about winemaking, tannins, appellation, Grand Cru, the “terroir” , and of course grape varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc,Petit Verdot or Malbec. The best moment still be the tasting of course you will taste red and white wines!  Or just take a leisurely moment between the vines.

Night and dinner in guesthouse in Margaux or Moulis

Departure from Moulis for a cycling day into famous vineyards, among the hills covered of vines 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” like Château Mouton-Rothschild, and its charming little port with the barges make this place an inescapable destination with prestigious chateaux , from Latour to Lafite Rothschild. In the afternoon you will be welcomed in a “3 epis”charming guest house located in the middle of the vineyards.

Night and dinner in guesthouse.

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 vineyard and marshes along the little Medocan villages. You will first go on your two wheels 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 trip 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.

Warning : For the 5 days tour : End of tour and taxi transfer to Bordeaux train station or Airport

After cycling through the marsh landscape you will reach the encounter between the forest and the ocean, Hourtin plage with its wide coast and its dunes is a paradise for lovers. You will then arrive on marked paths across the pine forest and will cross a wild and protected territory with a rich and incredibly diversified fauna and flora. Thus, the Lagune du Contaut will be an ideal stop to picnic.

The Medoc also shelters behind its dunes some vast fresh water lakes. You will cycle alongside the lake of Carcan-Hourtin one of the biggest natural fresh water lake of France, and the coastal beaches. From Carcan you will go down to Lacanau passing by the pond of Cousseau La forêt. The lakes, the pathways and the cycle paths are just harmony to your hotel, itself located in the heart of the 100 acres of pines, between lake and ocean.

Night and breakfast in hotel 3 stars

You will start your journey in a wild landscape; in the forest, in the border of the lake and alongside little picturesque beaches. The “green track” of Lacanau-Ocean was built on the top of the old railway. It goes straight ahead in the forest where the pine trees draw a corridor which can sometimes be quite drafty when the wind is blowing on the seafront. It’s a beautiful and safe circuit. You can stop half way through where the area has been laid out with tables, benches and a fountain; it’s in the shadow and very pleasant to shelter from the sun.

At the end of the day you will arrive at Le Pian Médoc and will be welcomed in the same three stars hotel as your first night . You will then end your circuit the same way as you’ve started it: in the heart of the Medoc.

Night and breakfast.