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Tour of the Gironde Estuary by bike

Price per person

From 1200€

Type of stay

Bicycle trip

Location

Bordeaux, Royan - France

Duration

8 days

Difficulty

Departures

Daily from April to October

Capacity

2 people minimum

Reference

Cyclo 02

Your stay

Free cycling in Gironde and Charente Maritime.

This trip around the Gironde estuary by bike will first take you through the vast Médoc peninsula, starting with its prestigious vineyards. Haut Médoc, Moulis, Margaux, Pauillac… The famous wine route! Further north, you’ll cross the “petite Camargue” before reaching Soulac sur Mer and the ocean coast. You’ll then take the boat across the estuary, with your bike, to Royan, the famous seaside town with its “grande plage”, its marina, its contemporary cathedral and its “art deco” notes.

Your tour continues along the right bank, into Charente Maritime, then Haute-Saintonge and Haute Gironde. The road runs along beautiful cliffs offering superb views of the estuary and the many carrelets (fishermen’s huts) that line it. You’ll pass through the typical ports of Meshers and Mortagne, and a few parcels of the famous Charentes “Cognac” and “Pineau”. Finally, you’ll visit the imposing citadel of Blaye and the historic village of Bourg sur Gironde.

Over the course of 6 days, you’ll cycle through marshes, visit windmills and ancient castles, magnificent Romanesque churches, caves and Gallo-Roman sites. Stroll through charming towns and villages such as Royan, Talmont or Bourg.

This tour around the Gironde estuary by bike, alternating between cycle paths and small, easy roads along waterways, vineyards and cliffs, will enable you to discover an exceptional natural setting and will delight you with the diversity of its landscapes. You’ll receive a warm welcome every evening in 3-star hotels and charming bed & breakfasts.

You'll enjoy :

The Médoc wine route: Margaux, Moulis, Pauillac
Crossing Western Europe’s largest estuary by boat
The limestone cliffs of Meschers and their picturesque fishing huts
The Vauban Citadel at Blaye

Back to travel

Daily program

Day 1 - Arrival in Bordeaux and transfer to Portes du Médoc

Arrival at Bordeaux train station or airport. Transfer by cab to Le Pian Médoc and welcome at the hotel***. You will be given your bike, documentation on the region and a route booklet indicating your itinerary.

The quality of service and the comfort of this hostellerie have created a climate of relaxation and rest, which explains the “Grande Histoire” of this traditional house with 18 rooms and a swimming pool, set in 6 hectares of parkland. Refined gastronomic cuisine, local specialities and a cellar containing several hundred of the region’s great vintages.

Dinner at the hotel, overnight stay and breakfast.

Day 2 - The Route des Châteaux

Leaving Le Pian Médoc towards Macau, the route des châteaux runs along the Gironde to Margaux, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis… Stop off at the wine cellars.

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 and pleasant landscapes. This route will take you to the heart of the “red Médoc”, where you’ll spend the night in charming bed & breakfasts, on estates or in superb stone mansions: comfortable surroundings, spacious rooms with bathroom and WC, table d’hôtes or restaurants, combining tradition and contemporary cuisine.

Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast.

Day 3 - Reflections of vines on the river

Depart from Moulis or Listrac 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 archeological 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.

In the late afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into a charming 3 épis bed & breakfast, in magnificent stone residences set amidst vineyards. Parks planted with trees and flowers. The owners are charming and friendly. Each room offers a high level of comfort, with private bathroom and toilet. For dinner, your hosts will propose specialties and refined cuisine using fresh, quality produce.

Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast.

Day 4 - Land's End and the Estuary

This part of the Médoc fascinates with its little-known landscapes, offering cyclists a range of new sensations. Journey to the extreme tip of the Médoc; an easy ride, entirely dedicated to the Atlantic ambience right to the end of the land.

You’ll first travel along the estuary, in a wilder Médoc, where fish and migratory birds find refuge. Along the banks, you’ll find “carrelets” on stilts, tiny fishing ports and landscapes reminiscent of CAMARGUE.

Short stops along the estuary are recommended at Saint-Christoly or La Maréchale, charming little ports with their old beached boats. The Richard lighthouse offers a magnificent panorama of the Gironde estuary. Continue on to the extreme tip of the Médoc, passing through Soulac, a charming little seaside resort. It blends into a lush, fragrant setting of pine trees and fine sandy beaches.

From the boat, you’ll enjoy views of Royan, the Cordouan lighthouse offshore and the Meschers cliff to the right. You’ll then reach the Charente side of the Gironde Estuary.

You will arrive at your accommodation in Royan in the late afternoon.

Night and breakfast in a 3-star hotel facing the sea.

Day 5 - The cliff trail

The Royannais region offers an infinite variety of landscapes to delight walkers. Pine forests, marshes, rocky coasts, cliffs, picturesque little ports, oyster beds, rural areas – the eye is constantly surprised, and cyclists’ legs are lighter for it. The artisan village of Talmont-sur-Gironde, with its church and flower-filled streets, the troglodytic caves carved into the limestone cliffs of Meschers-sur-Gironde, the archaeological site of Le Fâ and the monolithic hermitage of Saint Martial are all choice stops on this eye-popping ride:

Located at the entrance to the Gironde, Royan has been a seaside resort for almost two centuries. Its town center is distinguished by its incredible architecture. Around the Grande Conche beach, Belle Epoque villas alternate with modern mansions.

You’ll set off from Royan along Boulevard Garnier and its beautiful 19th-century villas.

You’ll stop off at the Parc de l’Estuaire, Charente Maritime’s “Nature Pole”. You’ll enjoy a unique setting, with a wooded area overlooking the estuary, interactive exhibits and events to help you find out all about the “Estuary”.

You’ll pass through a forest overlooking the ocean and the Gironde estuary.

The road follows the top of the cliff. The views over the estuary are superb.

You’ll pass through Saint-Seurin-d’Uzet, the former Caviar capital, with its port practically in the center of the village.

Further south, visit the cellars of the Mortagne producers to learn all about Pineau, Cognac and Charentais wines.

Mortagne-sur-Gironde, perched on its white cliffs, is a unique site in the region, a marina and fishing port.

You’ll stay in charming guest rooms facing the port …

Bright, spacious bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms and toilets.

Table d’hôte or restaurant dinner, overnight stay and breakfast

Day 6 - Charente "Land of culture" Pineau and Cognac

As you move away from the estuary, you’ll head inland to discover cognac and pineau-producing châteaux such as St-Dizant-du-Gua. At every bend in the winding roads, at the foot of ancient windmills, beyond fields of sunflowers, you’ll see pretty fountains, bourgeois houses and sumptuous châteaux.

Small roads through the marshes take you to the banks of the estuary. A feeling of wilderness, immensity and tranquillity before reaching the Bordeaux vineyards of Côtes de Blaye and Côtes de Bourg, following the hillsides covered with vines and cereals.

You’ll be accommodated in charming guest rooms in manor houses. Comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms with en-suite shower rooms and toilets. Parks planted with trees and flowers in the heart of the vineyards.

Table d’hôte dinners to sample local cuisine and wines. Night and breakfast

Day 7 - The marshes and the Corniche road

Continue along the estuary and discover Blaye and its famous citadel built by Vauban.

Imposing and majestic, it overlooks the estuary with its 33 hectares in the heart of the town, offering a splendid panorama of the Gironde.

Finally, you’ll head for Bourg-sur-Gironde, along the “Corniche Fleurie”, where countless palm trees, oleanders and holm oaks reflect the mild climate.

For lovers of fine stonework, Bourg sur Gironde is a jewel of architecture. Clinging to its rock, encircled by walls, the village is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved in the Estuary.

Your tour will take you to one of the oldest decorated caves in the world. It is a remarkable testimony to the artistic expressions of prehistoric man.

Final accommodation in the heart of the Côtes de Bourg vineyards or in the village of Bourg sur Gironde: bed & breakfast in magnificent estates and pleasure homes. You’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of huge parks, and superb walks among the flowers and trees. Bright, traditionally furnished rooms with private bathrooms and toilets.

Dinners at our tables d’hôtes or restaurants, served with market produce and rich in flavor.

Day 8 - Departure

Departure

rates

Price per person

8 days – 7 nights: €1,200

Price includes

7 nights in 3-star hotels and bed & breakfasts (in double/twin rooms)
5 dinners excluding drinks
Route book (with map and directions)
1 Smartphone app for GPS navigation
Luggage transfer at each stage
Crossing the estuary by ferry
Cab transfer on arrival
Transfer from last accommodation to St André de Cubzac train station
24/7 technical assistance

Supplement

VTC bike rental: €165
Electric bike rental: €295
Gravel bike rental: €295

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:

Download the “Evazio” application onto your smartphone for GPS navigation with visual (reading the route on your smartphone screen) and/or spoken guidance. The application 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

VTC Trek Women VTC Trek Homme

An electric bike adapted to the route
A gravel bike adapted to the course

With equipment :

Bag 1

Handlebar bag

Repair kit

Anti-theft device

Headset

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

Children's bikes

Bicycle follower

Trailer

Second trailer

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: