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| Guided and self-guided vacations in | ||||
| France, Italy, Spain, & Switzerland | ||||
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Self-guided bicycle tour: Any day – April 1 thru October 31st 6 nights/7 days Average daily mileage: 60 km (38 miles) Starts from Bordeaux. Transfer from Bordeaux to Le Pian Medoc on Day 1 is included. Bordeaux is 3 ¼ hours from Paris Level 2 (easy) Accommodations in 3- and 4-star properties |
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Cycling with Bacchus: an epicurean bike trip around Bordeaux |
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| Itinerary | ||||||
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Bordeaux in the Médoc Upon arriving in Bordeaux either by plane or train you’ll be taxied to your three-star hotel in Le Pian-Médoc. After settling in, you will be given all the necessary materials (maps, cue sheets, tourist information, etc…). At night you’ll feast on local French cuisine while sharpening your wine-toasting skills with some of the region’s famous red wines. |
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Day 2: La “Route des Châteaux” (Option A : 35 km/22 miles – Option A+ : 40km/25 miles) Today you’ll tour the Médoc peninsula, following the fabled “Route des Châteaux.” Situated along the left bank of the Gironde Estuary, this area produces more fine wine per acre than anywhere else on earth. Château Laffite-Rothschild, Château Mouton-Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion all hail from here. Throughout the ride, you’ll have plenty of wine tasting opportunities, making you feel like a sommelier in bike shorts! In between you’ll pass Cinderella-like castles, steeped with history and architectural wonder. At night you’ll lodge in Margaux (option A+) or in Moulis (option A) and enjoy a gourmet bounty of local fare. |
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| Day 3: Crossing the Estuary and the “Route de la Corniche Fleurie” (Option A+: 43 or 53 km/27 or 33 miles – Option A: 35km/22 miles) Today you’ll cross the Gironde Estuary via ferry into Blaye. The Citadel of Blaye, the town’s most famous architectural landmark, enjoys status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps equally as famous, but for different reasons, are the neighboring Côtes de Blaye vineyards. Just like yesterday, you will have plenty of chances to clink and drink. From here you’ll continue south along the Gironde, following the scenic “Route de la Corniche Fleurie” into Bourg-sur-Gironde. This timeless village, full of ancient architecture, will serve as home for the night (option A). With the option A+, you’ll lodge in a magnificient chateau in Virsac set among the Côtes de Bourg vineyards. |
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Day 4: The Vineyards of Fronsac, Pomerol and Saint-Emillion (40 km or 50km/25 or 31 miles ) You’ll exit Bourg-sur-Gironde, pedaling southeast into Fronsac, an area that’s as distinct for its hills as it is for its wines. The vineyards that terrace down Fronsac’s limestone bluffs have long produced history’s grape of choice, sating the thirsts of Charlemagne, Cardinal de Richelieu and King Louie XIV. And then from here you’ll bicycle into Pomerol, the Bordeaux region’s smallest wine producing area. Despite its limited size, Pomerol enjoys all-star status with wine aficionados, especially for its Château Petrus, one of the planet’s most highly regarded vintages. The day concludes in Saint-Emilion, perhaps the Bordeaux regions most quintessential wine village. You’ll spend two nights here, giving you plenty of time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
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Day 5: Saint-Emillion Vineyards, Architecture and Landscapes (20 km/12 miles) Today’s loop will allow you to fully experience Saint-Emilion and its surrounding villages and vineyards. Most of the wine estates you’ll visit are smaller in scope, combining rural charm with pastoral elegance. Before bending back to Saint-Emilion you’ll wheel through Castillon-la-Bataille, site of the famous battle between France and England in 1453 that ended the 100 Years War. The day’s short ride will give you plenty of time to wander Saint-Emilion’s narrow cobblestone streets and fully absorb its Old World appeal. Wine shops are many, as are cafes. And below ground, underneath Saint-Emilion, lies the world’s largest monolithic cathedral. |
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Day 6: Saint-Emilion – Bordeaux (50 km/31 miles) Today you’ll bicycle through the village of Branne, before turning west along the Dordogne River, and merging on to the “Roger Lapébie Bike Path.” Named after the winner of the 1937 Tour de France, this 58-kilometer green path was originally a rail line. Many of the old train buildings have since been converted into cafes, wine bars and bike stations, making the trail a biking nirvana. After passing through the village of Creon, you’ll eventually pedal into the heart of Bordeaux, stopping at the front steps of the Place de la Bourse – one of the planet’s true architectural masterpieces. Your downtown hotel will allow for immediate access to Bordeaux’s many attractions. |
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Day 7: Transfer to Bordeaux. Depart on your own timetable. |
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| Booking & Pricing | ||||||
| Price: From 905 Euros per person, based in double occupancy. Two options are offered for this trip: Option A: 3 nights in 3-star properties, 2 nights in guesthouses of “character.
Option A+: 3 nights in 4-star properties, 1 night in a 5-star property and 1 night in a guesthouse of “character”. Single supplement on request.
These prices include:
This price does not include:
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| Please book online at your earliest convenience as this trip is subject to hotel availability. Our e-mail address: info@cyclomundo.com | ||||||
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