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Bike and Wine: Cycling Bordeaux's Medoc
offered by supplier M09630 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 4
- 5
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 20
people
Destination(s):
France
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Season: March - November
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 590 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 590 Euro (EUR)
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This route provides ideal traffic-free, flat roads through stretches of vineyards, charming villages, forests and the quaint ports of the Gironde. It’s more tempting to take this ride, when there is such a welcoming invitation by the queen of beauty herself!
One of the most historic wine regions in the world, the Medoc's past reveals that grape varieties aren't the only ones harmonized here. Since Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine married King Henry II of England in 1152, the English Speaking Anglophones have felt more than welcome on this land. You’ll be able to take a step back into the 12th Century and feel more than comfortable riding this peninsula of prosperous wines.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux and transfer to Pian Medoc
You will arrive at Bordeaux’s train station or airport. Our taxi partner will then transfer you to Pian Medoc, where you can relax at the 3-star “Grande Histoire hotel”, surrounded by natural beauty and excellent service. You will have time to indulge in exquisite tastes of French cuisine and Bordeaux’s wines. Why not try the local red wines of Haut- Medoc, take a dip in the pool and a stroll across the 6 acres of park? Just a treat of what’s still to come!
Day 2: ‘Route des Châteaux’(40 km)
The ‘Route des Châteaux’ is Bordeaux’s most famous open road with magnificent views over sheets of vineyards. From Pian Macau to the base of the Gironde estuary, you’ll glide alongside a path toward Margaux, Moulis and St. Julien while passing streams, Romanesque churches and quaint village streets. St Julien is home to one of the most beautiful Châteaux in Medoc - the 17th Century Chateau Beychevelle is planted in the pretty harbor village, offering wonderful views over the calm lake. You’ll spend the night in a charming French guesthouse at the heart of “Medoc Rouge.”
The precision and expertise of wine making up the Route des Châteaux is so captivating, you’ll want to take a sweet taste of Bordeaux home with you. Why not choose from 60 of the most prestigious wines in the world all situated in this area?
Day 3: Reflection of the Vineyards on the River – 53 km
Today’s ride is the longest stretch so far, however with the diversity of landscapes and sights, the distance will be the last thing you’ll notice on the open road!
In Moulis, you can hop off your bike and escape into the realm of famous vineyards, amongst magical castles, windmills and meadows of beautiful greenery. The “Road of Chateaux” is a chest of architectural treasures, dating from the 12th and 13th Centuries, including L’eglise St Germain d’Esteuil d’Arsac, chateau of Castera and the Fort Medoc. The crown jewel of the Medoc, Pauillac, presents a circlet of 18 spectacular chateaux, such as “Chateau Mouton Rothschild” and “Chateau Latour.” After exploring, you can relax in a 3 star charming guest house, comfortably nestled amongst plains of vineyards.
Day 4: The lowland with the multiple facets – 40 to 50 km
Picture this, “petite” boats floating upon the calm coast and a backdrop of rolling verdant landscapes stretching before you.
Today, you’ll take an easy ride alongside the left bank of the Gironde. This journey grasps the cyclist with sensational views over the vineyards and glistening water landscapes that only sailors have in memory.
St-Estèphe, on the edge of the estuary is the largest commune in the Médoc. Blanketed by sand, the terrain creates a smooth surface to roll upon.
Visit the best of the ports at St Christoly or La Marechale, taking your bike onto ‘The Lighthouse of Richard’ at the charming Jau-Dignac-Loirac village. The balcony offers a magnificent view of the glistening Gironde.
Day 5: Our taxi partner will transfer you to Bordeaux’s train station or airport.
Optional additional Day: We offer some possible additional days in Bordeaux, with four star treatment in the heart of “Bordeaux Historic.” You will have time to ride through the quaint streets of Bordeaux’s city centre (close to the “Grand Theatre” and the Tourism Office), a brand new renovated quarter with many pedestrian streets.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 4 nights in a 3-star hotel and 3 guesthouses
- Daily breakfast
- 4 dinners
- Marked maps and/or cue sheets
- Route notes
- Tourist information
- Assistance if necessary
- All tax and service charges.
Price Excludes:
- Expenses of personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Bicycle rentals. Hybrids are available at the rate of 60 euros per bike.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
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