Bordeaux Vineyard Cycle
7 Days Starting and ending in Bordeaux, France
Visiting: Bordeaux, Pauillac, Blaye, St Emilion
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Bordeaux Vineyard Cycle tour and immerse yourself in the prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux, France. This self-guided cycling adventure takes you through stunning chateaux, UNESCO-listed sites, and the historic appellations of Fronsac and Pomerol. Enjoy the scenic Roger Lapebie path to the heart of Bordeaux, explore the citadel at Blaye, and cycle along the picturesque Corniche Fleurie. With charming guesthouse and 3-star hotel accommodations, optional upgrades, and included bike rentals, this tour offers a perfect blend of luxury, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Indulge in regional specialties with included breakfasts and dinners, and let the beauty of Bordeaux captivate you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bordeaux And Transfer To Pauillac In The Medoc
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: hotel in Pauillac
On arrival at Bordeaux train station or airport, you'll be picked up and transferred by taxi to your hotel in Pauillac (approx 60km). Here you you will receive your bike and route information. In the heart of the Medoc wine region, Pauillac is home to three of the five Grand Cru class chateaux - an excellent starting point for your vineyard cycle!
Day 2 : Cycle From Pauillac To Margaux, Route Of The Grand Crus (40 To 50Km/25-31Mi)
Location: Pauillac
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Today you will discover the biggest stars of the Bordeaux 1855 wine ranking, along with stunning architecture and other jewels of this fine vineyard region. You will pass by Pauillac's famous Premier Cru/First Growth status Chateaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Also Chateaux Pichon Longueville (2nd cru/Second Growth) and Pontet Canet and Lynch Bages (5th classified growth). Stop at the entrance of the famous Chateau Margaux to admire the classical facade dating from the early 19th century. Truly a wonderful cycling day along the Grand Cru route, from Pauillac via St Julien and Moulis to Margaux. Dinner at the hotel.
+100m
Day 3 : Cross The Gironde Estuary To The Citadel Of Blaye, Cycle To Bourg (40-55Km/25-34Mi)
Location: Blaye
Accommodation Name: guesthouse
Meals Included: Dinner
The route today will lead you to Lamarque, where you embark the 'bac' (ferry) and cross the Gironde estuary. Reach the magnificent citadel at Blaye before continuing along the banks. Imposing and majestic, the citadel overlooks the estuary with its 33 hectares, offering a splendid view over the Gironde. You will pass through the vineyards of the Cotes de Blaye AOC Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur then cycle towards Bourg-en-Gironde, along the 'Corniche Fleurie' where the countless palm trees, pink laurels and oaks reflect the sweet climate. Bourg is an architectural jewel. Built on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by medieval walls, the village is one of the most beautiful and best preserved of the estuary. Dinner at your guesthouse.
+165m
Day 4 : Via The Appellations Of Fronsac And Pomerol To St Emilion (40-50Km/25-31Mi)
Location: St Emilion
Accommodation Name: hotel in St Emilion
On the road to St Emilion's vineyards you will cycle through two other appellations: Fronsac and Pomerol. Fronsac is the most historic vineyard of Bordeaux, with wines having been served at King Louis XIV's court. The appellation Pomerol, near to St Emilion, covers a small plateau north of Libourne. It's a small area with a great reputation - the wines of Pomerol are among the most appreciated in France and include the famous 'Petrus'. Today's cycle will lead you into heart of the best wines of Pomerol and St Emilion such as Chateaux Angelus, Petrus, Cheval Blanc... At the confluence of two rivers, the Dordogne and the Isle, these three great terroirs marry beautiful landscapes of hills and plateaux, forming picturesque mosaics and seemingly endless vines. You will discover beautiful domains inhabited by growers and their families. Overnight in St Emilion.
Option to upgrade for the 2nights in St Emilion: must be requested at the time of booking - supplement applies.
+240m
Day 5 : Explore The Vineyards, Architecture And Landscapes Of St Emilion (25-35Km/15.5-22Mi)
Location: St Emilion
Accommodation Name: hotel in St Emilion
Today's cycling is a circuit around St Emilion, enjoying the vineyards, architecture and landscape. The trail heads east from St Emilion, through vineyards and villages, to Castillon la Bataille and returns to St Emilion along the banks of the Dordogne River.
+100m
Day 6 : Follow The Roger Lapebie Path Via Creon To The Heart Of Bordeaux (50Km/31Mi)
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: hotel in Bordeaux
After cycling through Branne on the Dordogne, you will reach the 'Roger Lapebie' bike path and enjoy an ideal route through natural landscapes, taking several rest and water stops. Follow this pleasant track to Creon, a typical bastide village of the region. The area has a rich architectural heritage of medieval towns, country houses, fortified mills, abbeys and Roman churches. Continue past wharves and over the stone bridge spanning the Garonne to the majestic Place de la Bourse in the heart of Bordeaux. Overnight in Bordeaux.
+220m
Day 7 : Trip Concludes
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast.
What's Included
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Meals
6 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinner is typically 3 courses featuring regional specialties.
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Accommodation
6 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses and 3-star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. There is an option to upgrade to a 4-star hotel in St Emilion for an additional supplement.
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Bike Rental
Rental bike equipped with helmet, lock, repair kit, panniers, and handlebar bag. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is included for 1 piece of luggage (maximum 20kg) and 1 small daypack. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Information Pack
An information pack including route notes and maps per room booked, plus a smartphone GPS app, is provided.
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Taxi Transfer
Taxi transfer from Bordeaux station or airport to Pauillac on day 1 is included.
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Ferry Crossing
The ferry crossing from Lamarque is included.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Bordeaux
Travel to and from Bordeaux is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included, such as lunches and dinners in St Emilion and Bordeaux, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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E-bike Hire
E-bike hire is available for an additional supplement.
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Bike Theft Insurance
Bike theft insurance is not included but can be purchased separately.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday; a tour guide is not included.
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Solo Traveller Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers Not Listed
Transfers not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers for Skipping Stages
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included; a supplement applies.
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Handlebar Phone Holder
A handlebar phone holder is not included but recommended for easier route navigation using the app.
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Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Grading
The cycling is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily cycling distances from 20 to 53 km (12.5 to 33mi) which should take between 3-6 hours. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. The journey alternates between following bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside streams and vineyards. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be worn. You need only carry your camera and water bottle etc as your luggage is transported for you between hotels.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes a taxi transfer from Bordeaux station or airport to Pauillac on day 1, a ferry crossing from Lamarque, and rental bikes equipped with helmet, lock, repair kit, panniers, and handlebar bag. Luggage transfer is also provided.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses and 3-star hotels, all with ensuite facilities. Option to upgrade to a 4-star hotel in St Emilion is available for an additional supplement.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses and 3-star hotels, all with ensuite facilities. There is also an option to upgrade to a 4-star hotel in St Emilion for an additional supplement.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinner is typically 3 courses featuring regional specialties.
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A rental bike equipped with a helmet, lock, repair kit, panniers, and handlebar bag is provided. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
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Is luggage transfer included in the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included for 1 piece of luggage (maximum 20kg) and 1 small daypack. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available for support during the tour.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included are travel to and from Bordeaux, meals not listed as included, travel insurance, e-bike hire, bike theft insurance, solo traveller supplement, entrance fees not listed as included, transfers not listed as included, transfers for skipping stages, excess luggage, handlebar phone holder, hotel taxes, and items of a personal nature.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will be picked up from Bordeaux train station or airport and transferred by taxi to your hotel in Pauillac. You will receive your bike and route information. Pauillac is in the heart of the Medoc wine region and is home to three of the five Grand Cru class chateaux.
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What is the cycling route on the second day?
On the second day, you will cycle from Pauillac to Margaux, covering a distance of 40 to 50km (25-31mi). You will pass by famous chateaux such as Lafite Rothschild, Latour, and Mouton Rothschild, and admire the classical facade of Chateau Margaux.
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What can I expect on the third day of the tour?
On the third day, you will cross the Gironde estuary by ferry to the citadel of Blaye and cycle to Bourg-en-Gironde, covering 40-55km (25-34mi). You will pass through vineyards and enjoy the scenic 'Corniche Fleurie' with its palm trees and pink laurels.
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What is the focus of the fourth day's cycling route?
On the fourth day, you will cycle through the appellations of Fronsac and Pomerol to St Emilion, covering 40-50km (25-31mi). You will pass by famous vineyards and chateaux such as Angelus, Petrus, and Cheval Blanc.
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What will I explore on the fifth day?
On the fifth day, you will explore the vineyards, architecture, and landscapes of St Emilion on a cycling circuit of 25-35km (15.5-22mi). The route heads east from St Emilion to Castillon la Bataille and returns along the banks of the Dordogne River.
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What is the route for the sixth day of the tour?
On the sixth day, you will follow the 'Roger Lapebie' bike path via Creon to the heart of Bordeaux, covering 50km (31mi). You will pass through natural landscapes, medieval towns, and architectural heritage sites before reaching the majestic Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
The trip concludes after breakfast on the last day.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.