Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast

Trip codeCyclo 06
Trip activity :Self guided bike tour
Location :Bordeaux - France
Duration :6 to 7 days
Departure :Daily from April to October
Trip grading :
Capacity :Minimum 2 people
Price per person :
Discover our other Self guided bike tour in Bordeaux area ici
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast
  • Bike tour in Medoc area: Bordeaux vineyard and ocean coast

Tour description

Bike and wine tour in Medoc area.

The Bike and Wine Médoc tour is a self-guided  tour in France across the Medoc area near Bordeaux in Gironde. Cycle through the impressive Medoc in the famous Bordeaux wine region.

The West section of the Medoc is shrouded in light and sun. Moreover the Atlantic Ocean beaches are bordered with an immense forest. You will rest in Lacanau who is one of the biggest seaside resorts in the Gironde region. It is located at approximately 50 kilometers of Bordeaux and at the heart of the Médoc Peninsula. Lacanau was one of the first cities to attract tourist looking for sea bathing in the 20th century. Lacanau beach in the summer is reminiscent of southern California with its vibrant atmosphere, sunning families, ample laughter and casual restaurants in a town catering to different price preferences.

The east, located on the side of the Gironde estuary, offers views of the winegrowing region. Médoc is one of the best wine area in France. Besides the oldest classification in te world was etablished in 1855 in Médoc. More than 1000 châteaux produce wine and they are waiting for you! Beginning of your bike tour  on the “wines road”, cycle past well known chateaux: Giscours, Margaux, Latour and go through the winegrowing areas which produce some of the most prestigious wines in the world! With the bike and  wine Médoc tour the Exploration by cycling through the diverse landscapes of the Medoc, visit superb Romanic churches, windmills, old castles and discover some unique Gallo romanic sites. This biking journey follows a mixture of bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside largest Europe estuary, atlantic coast and vineyards, allowing discovery of the exceptional natural and diverse surroundings of the region.

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!

Highlights
  • The famous Grands Crus of Médoc in Margaux, Saint-Julien and Pauillac
  • The gentle cycle paths along the Great Lakes of Hourtin and Lacanau
  • The incessant breaking waves of the ocean coast, a surfer’s paradise
  • Warm welcome nights in guest rooms with swimming pool
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Program

Day 1Arrival in Bordeaux, Aquitaine and transfer to Pian Medoc.

Taxi transfert from Bordeaux train station or airport to Le Pian Medoc.  Welcome pack of the area and circuits will be given.

The quality and the service of this hotel created a climat of peace and quiet which explains the “Grande histoire” of this traditional 18 bedrooms house with pool and a 6 acres park.Night and breakfast.

Day 2The chateaux’s road from Pian Médoc to Margaux or Moulis 25 to 38 km - 44 m

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

Day 3Reflection of the vineyards on the river from Margaux or Moulis to Saint-Yzans 50 to 60 km - 120 m

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.

Day 4The lowland with the multiple facets 43 to 55 km - 70 m

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.

Day 5Towards the ocean track from Saint-Yzans to Lacanau Océan 62 km - 200 m

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

Day 6Back to the hearth of haut Medoc vintage 53 km - 60 m

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.

Day 7Taxi transfer to Bordeaux’s train station or airport.

Practical details

Need more informations ? +33 (0)5 56 79 25 05

We take care of transporting your luggage to the next accommodation so that you fully enjoy your daily ride.

You leave your luggage at the reception desk before your departure.
At the end of the afternoon, you recover them in the next accommodation (at the reception or directly in your room).

Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (20 kg maximum) + 1 hand luggage.

We remind you that rental bikes are equipped with saddlebags to be used to bring your belongings useful for the day.

Your travel pack corresponds to the documents or numeric files that you receive before your trip (usually one month before) and upon your arrival at the first accommodation.

It includes:

  • A welcome letter with the main practical information:
  • The time slot for luggage transport
  • Details of the delivery and recovery of rental bikes if necessary
  • Your local contact and telephone number(s) in case of emergency
  • Any additional information

The travel book including a map with the route (at the appropriate scale) and directional, tourist and practical indications

The voucher(s) to be given to the service provider(s) (only if requested)

On request and depending on the tours:

The “Evazio” application to download to your Smartphone for a “GPS” guidance. This guidance is visual (reading of the track on the Smartphone’s screen) and vocal.

The application also contains practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no internet connection is necessary

The loan of a GPS device with pre-loaded tracks

GPX traces of every step for use with your own navigation device

On this circuit, we suggest that you provide you with the choice and by reservation:

  • A hybrid bike suitable for hiking and for the route
  • An electric bike adapted to the route

With its equipment:

  • 1 rear bag
  • 1 handlebar bag
  • 1 set of repair
  • 1 helmet (on request)
  • 1 anti-theft device
  • 1 charger (for the electric bike)

For the youngest, we can offer depending on age and size

  • A child’s bike
  • A baby seat
  • A trailer
  • A follow-up bike

The bike is delivered to the first accommodation and is adjusted to your size.

At the end of the tour, the bike must be left at the last accommodation with its equipment. We will take care of their recovery.

This tour is available in a superior version.

The type of accommodation is classified into 3 ranges:

  • Comfort : The trip mainly presents hotels classified 2 and 3 stars (or equivalent) and guesthouses.
  • Superior : The tour mainly presents hotels classified 3 and 4 stars (or equivalent) and charming guesthouses.
  • Luxe : The tour mainly presents hotels classified 2 and 3 stars or equivalent

Our assistance remains available for the duration of your stay.