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Cycling in the Médoc – Bordeaux vineyards and ocean coast
Price per person
From 800€
Type of stay
Bicycle trip
Location
Bordeaux - France
Duration
5 to 7 days
Difficulty
Departures
Daily from April to October
Capacity
2 people minimum
Reference
Cyclo 06
Your stay
Cycling in the Bordeaux region: The Médoc
A cycling tour of the Médoc and its vast peninsula, with the sun-drenched Atlantic Ocean and its endless beaches bordered by an immense forest to the west, and the wine-growing Médoc on the slopes of the Gironde Estuary to the east. First of all, a few days of cycling along the wine route that takes in the most famous châteaux: Giscours, Château Margaux, Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. You’ll criss-cross the wine-growing villages of Margaux, Moulis and Pauillac, home to some of the world’s most prestigious crus.
The Médoc also boasts a striking diversity of landscapes: bike rides through marshes, horse-breeding and aquaculture. The hillsides are home to windmills and ancient fortified castles. In the villages, superb Romanesque churches and, somewhere inland, the remains of a Gallo-Roman site. Finally, you’ll cycle along the Atlantic coast, between the ocean and the great lakes of the Médoc, to Lacanau Océan, a temple to surfing.
This journey through varied landscapes, alternating between small vineyard or country roads, flat relief, cycle paths through woods and forests, along the estuary, the vineyards and the ocean, will enable you to discover an exceptional natural setting that will delight you with its diversity. You’ll receive a warm welcome every evening in charming*** or **** hotels and bed & breakfasts.
To complete your cycling trip in the Médoc, why not spend 1 or 2 days in Bordeaux, the emblematic wine capital and historic city with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed quays.
You'll enjoy :
- The famous Médoc grands crus at Margaux, Saint-Julien and Pauillac
- Gentle cycle paths along the Grands Lacs médocains of Hourtin and Lacanau
- The relentless breakers of the ocean coast, a surfer’s paradise
- Warm and welcoming B&B accommodation with swimming pool
Daily program
Day 1 - Arrival in Bordeaux and transfer to Le Pian Médoc
Check-in at your hotel in Le Pian Médoc
We’ll provide you with documentation on the region and a road book indicating your route.
The quality of service and the comfort of this hostelry have created an atmosphere of relaxation and rest, which explains the “Great Story” of this traditional 18-room house with swimming pool set in 6 hectares of parkland.
If arriving by train or plane: Taxi transfer to Le Pian Médoc.
Overnight stay and breakfast.
Day 2 - The Route des Châteaux from Pian Médoc to Margaux or Moulis
- 25 à 38 km
- 55m
Leaving Le Pian Médoc towards Macau, the châteaux route follows the Gironde to Margaux, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis…
Stop off at the winery.
If the Médoc is known the world over, it’s because the name of each village and château is the stuff of dreams for wine lovers and enthusiasts alike. Stop off at small ports like Saint-Julien to imagine how gabares once sailed down the river, loaded with barrels.
This châteaux route through the Médoc is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful!
You’ll start your cycling itinerary by crossing the vineyards of Margaux, Haut-Médoc and Moulis-en-Médoc, riding along the vine rows of famous châteaux and those that deserve to be better known. With an escapade towards the estuary, you’ll enjoy this easy itinerary through diverse landscapes that are pleasant in all seasons. The route takes you to the heart of the “red Médoc”,
Bed and breakfast accommodation in Margaux or Moulis
Table d’hôte dinner or restaurant
Day 3 - Reflections of vines on the river From Margaux or Moulis to Saint-Yzans
- 50 à 60 km
- 120m
Depart Moulis for a stroll through famous vineyards, over hills planted with vines and through the marshes that separate them. You can also discover the history of the Médoc through its vestiges, visiting sites such as the Brion archaeological site in Saint Germain d’Esteuil, Château Castéra, the Vertheuil Abbey and the Médoc Fort built by Vauban.
The tour then takes in châteaux renowned for their wines…and a host of châteaux with unusual architecture. You’ll pass through Pauillac, the capital of the Médoc. Its 18 Grands Crus Classés and charming little marina make it a must-see destination. From Latour to Lafite Rothschild, the names of the châteaux are glorious.
At the end of the afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into a charming 3 épis bed and breakfast set amidst the vineyards,
Bed and breakfast accommodation. Table d’hôte dinner
Day 4 - The multi-faceted flat country
- 43 à 55 km
- 70m
Loop stage. Please note: This stage is not included in the 6-day tour.
This part of the Médoc fascinates those who take the risk of indulging in its charms. Undiscovered landscapes offer cyclists a range of new sensations, probably remembered only by sailors. An easy route through vineyards, marshes and small Médoc villages. You’ll first cycle along Europe’s largest estuary, the wilder Médoc, where fish and migratory birds find refuge. On the banks of the Gironde, dotted with carrelets on stilts, tiny fishing ports and Camargue-like landscapes.
Short stops along the estuary are recommended at Saint-Christoly or La Maréchale, charming little harbours with their old beached boats. The Richard lighthouse offers a magnificent panorama of the Gironde estuary. Don’t miss a visit to Lesparre, with its monuments and “Les Noisettines du Médoc”, a company that creates delicious artisanal hazelnut-based confectionery made exclusively with natural products.
Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast.
Day 5 - On the ocean trail from Saint-Yzans to Lacanau Océan
- 62 km
- 200m
Note: For the 5-day stay: End and cab transfer to Bordeaux airport or train station.
After crossing a marshy landscape, you’ll reach the forest and the ocean. Hourtin Plage, with its wild coastline and age-old dunes, is a paradise for swimmers. You’ll then take small, signposted lanes and paths through the pine forest, crossing a wild, unspoilt territory rich in incredibly diverse flora and fauna. The Lagune de Contaut, ideal for observation and daydreaming, will be the ideal spot for your picnic stop.
Behind its dunes, the Médoc is also home to large freshwater lakes.
You’ll follow the trail between Lac de Carcans Hourtin, France’s largest natural freshwater lake, and the coastal beaches. From Carcans, you’ll “descend” to Lacanau via the Etang de Cousseau. The forest, as majestic as it is welcoming, the lakes, the hiking and cycling trails – everything is in harmony until you reach your hotel, itself set in the heart of 100 hectares of pine forest, between the lake and the ocean.
Hotel accommodation.
Overnight stay and breakfast.
Day 6 - Back to the heart of the Haut Médoc appellation from Lacanau Océan to Le Pian Médoc
- 53 km
- 60m
You’ll start your journey in a wild and very pleasant setting in the morning; in the forest, by the lake and along picturesque little beaches.
The Lacanau-Ocean greenway is built on a former railroad line. It runs straight through the forest, where, on the long straights, the pine trees form a corridor that channels the wind that can sometimes blow in from the sea. It’s a nice, safe, rolling course. There’s a possibility to stop halfway along the route, where you’ll find an area equipped with a table, benches and a working fountain!
It’s in the shade, which is great in hot weather.
At the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Le Pian Médoc and be welcomed in the same hotel as on your first evening. You’ll end your stay just as you began it: in the heart of the Haut Médoc appellation.
Overnight stay and breakfast.
rates
Price per person
| Half board 2 or 3 nights | Full half board | July and August | |
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Price includes
- 4 to 6 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels and bed & breakfasts (in double/twin rooms)
- 2 dinners (6-day version)
- 3 dinners (5 and 7-day versions)
- Route book (with map and directions)
- 1 Smartphone app for GPS navigation
- Luggage transfer at each stage
- 24/7 technical assistance
- Cab transfers on first and last day (if arriving by train or plane)
Supplement
| 5 days – 4 nights | 6 days – 5 nights | 7 days – 6 nights | |
| Touring bike (VTC) | 135 € | 130 € | 145 € |
| Electric bicycle (VAE) | 200 € | 215 € | 245 € |
| Gravel bike | 200 € | 215 € | 245 € |
| If arriving by car | – 40 € (1 transfer only) | – 55 € (no transfer) | – 55 € (no transfer) |
Further information
We take care of transporting your luggage every time you change accommodation, so you can travel light and enjoy your day’s hiking.
Leave your luggage at the reception desk of your accommodation before departure.
At the end of the afternoon, you’ll meet them at the reception desk of your new accommodation or directly in your room.
Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (maximum 23 kg) + 1 carry-on.
Your travel file corresponds to the documents or files you receive prior to your trip (generally one month before) and/or on arrival at your first accommodation.
It includes :
A welcome letter with key practical information:
- Baggage transport times
- Details of delivery and collection of rental bikes if required
- Your local contact and emergency telephone number(s)
- Any additional information
Travel logbook including map with route (at the appropriate scale) and directional, tourist and practical information
Any necessary vouchers to be given to the service provider(s)
On request and depending on the tour:
- The “Evazio” application, downloadable onto your smartphone, for GPS navigation with visual (reading the route on your smartphone screen) and/or spoken guidance. The app also contains practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no Internet connection is required.
- Loan of a GPS device with pre-recorded tracks
- Send GPX tracks of each stage for use with your own navigation device
On this tour, we can provide you with a choice of the following, upon reservation:
- A VTC bike adapted to the ride and the route
- An electric bike adapted to the route
With equipment :
- 1 rear bag
- 1 handlebar bag
- 1 repair kit
- 1 helmet (on request)
- 1 anti-theft device
- 1 charger (for electric bike)
For younger children, depending on age and size, we can offer
- A child’s bike
- A baby seat
- A trailer
- A follower bike
The bike is adjusted to your size and delivered to the first accommodation.
At the end of the tour, the bike must be left at the last accommodation with its equipment. We’ll take care of collecting them.
This tour is offered in the “superior” category
Hotel categories :
- Comfort: The tour features mainly 2 and 3-star hotels (or equivalent comfort level) and bed & breakfasts.
- Superior: The tour features mainly 3- and 4-star hotels (or equivalent level of comfort) and charming bed & breakfasts.
- Luxury: The tour features mainly 4- and 5-star hotels (or equivalent level of comfort).
For the duration of your stay, our telephone assistance service is available:
- 7 days a week
- from 07:30 to 20:30.
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