Boat and bike cycling holiday around Bordeaux - France

Cruise from Castets en Dorthe to Loupiac

After a restful night on board, the first town you will discover by bike is the lovely Saint Macaire and its wonderfull gate and walls. There is opportunity to visit the former residence of the writer Francois Mauriac as well as having your first wine tasting at a château. Riding along korn and sunflower fields you reach La Réole, using an Eiffel style bridge over the river Garonne. This town is famous because in 1190 Richard Lionheart, on his way to the holy Land, gave the town hall building to thank the locals for their loyalty to the English crown. This historical place holds two castles, an impressive church as well as narrow cobbelstoned streets. To end the day you will enjoy the bike path along the « canal de la Garonne » and its deep blue water, built in Napoleon times. You can either go directly back to the ship or ride to Meilhan-sur-Garonne and the amazing scenery it has to offer.

Cruise from Loupiac to Bordeaux

Today we will discover the Sauternes region, where sweet dessert wines are made. We start by enjoying the view from Sainte-Croix du Mont before having a look at the grave of painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Then the backroad follows the winding banks of the Ciron River, whose icy waters flow into the warmer waters of the Garonne. In the autumn, when the climate is warm and dry, the combination of the two different temperatures produce the mist that descends on the vineyards, promoting the perfect conditions for the famous Sauternes wine. You will pass the famous vineyards of  Grands Crus like Château d’Yquem, Château Guiraud, Clos Haut Peyraguey, and many more. Wine tastings are offered here! You’ll learn a lot about appellations, white wines process, winemaking, grape varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, Malbec or Cabernet Franc.

Cadillac is located in the region of Graves, also known as the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. It is a fortified medieval village known as the Bastide in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region in between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.

Once back on board, you will travel along the Garonne River towards the enchanting city of Bordeaux,

reaching the passage of the Stone Bridge and the pier in the city center, facing the region’s most prestigious panorama : the Stone Bridge, Place de la Bourse and Quai des Chartrons.

Docked in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a UNESCO world heritage for a reason. The list of buildings, place and hidden gems is worth seeing : Walk into the city via La Porte Cailhau, the royal entrance. We suggest a thorough tour: Bordeaux is a City that doesn’t just glow due to its individual buildings, but through the grandiose well preserved old city. Worth seeing is the Capuchine Market (perhaps with tastings of wine and oysters), the basilica, the Pont de Pierre, the first bridge of the city, which was built back in the day on Napoleons orders. You may admire the many squares and old train trollies. In and around Bordeaux are many opportunities for sightseeing and shopping.

Cruise from Bordeaux to Lamarque, then from Lamarque to Bourg

Today we arrive in one of the most famous french wine regions of the world where we prodcuce only red wines appellation, the left bank of Bordeaux : the Médoc. Quickly you will get to the Château Lamothe Bergeron. Tourism and wineries are developing around here. The most famous vineyards are: :

Maucaillou, Poujeaux Rauzan Ségla Palmer, Issan, Priorat Lichine, Kirwan and the Château Margaux who is classified first growth 1855. They offer many opportunities for a stop, with or without wine tasting. You also have the opportunity to extend today’s trip to Margaux, the “Grand cru” area. You will pass by many vineyards, Chateaux Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Lynch-Bages, Cos d’Estournel, Pontet Canet, Pichon Longueville and other classified Grands Crus Lagen.

A romantic route will be traveled in the evening on the ship We will move further to Bourg sur Gironde.

Navigation de Bourg à Libourne / Fronsac

Cette région offre un paysage vallonné recouvert de vignes interminables et parsemé de châteaux, d’élégants monuments comme l’église romane de Bayon. Vous avez le choix de visiter quelques Châteaux comme Tayac, Eyquem, Monconseil-Gazin, Marquis de Vauban et bien d’autres. Au détour de la très belle et paisible route de la Corniche le long de l’Estuaire, tombez sur les ruines d’une Villa Gallo-Romaine, à Plassac. Puis une boucle à travers la Citadelle de Blaye classée au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO. Ne manquez pas la visite guidée des souterrains de cette forteresse de l’architecte Vauban. De retour à Bourg, le typique lavoir à proximité du port vous permet de vous rafraîchir au retour de votre excursion du jour. En soirée, nous naviguererons en direction de Libourne/Fronsac.

Docked in Libourne

At the beginning of today’s roundtrip, you will discover the small town of Libourne, as well as the famous vineyards of Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. You should take your time in St-Emilion. The medieval village is also a UNESCO world heritage. Enjoy the amazing view of the medieval streets and surrounding vineyards. Visit the monolithic church and indulge in the small town flair with its wonderful bistros and restaurants.

Your trip will continue to scenic country roads, where you will have a nice overview of many well known chateaux of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. Angelus, Beausejour, Ausone, Cheval Blanc, Dominica, Trottevieille, Gaubert, Barde-Haut Clos La Madeleine, Bel Air Monange Laroque, Fombrauge Grand Corbin, Gazin, Petrus, a small village, Nenin … Here are growing some of the most famous wines of the world. A real paradise for wine lovers and winemakers. Your ship will wait for you at the end of the day, at the dock of Libourne.

Transfer back to Bordeaux (optional) after your last breakfast on board, it is time to say goodbye. Around 9am you will take the bus back to the train station of St Jean in Bordeaux for 10h00.