Bordeaux Vineyard Walk
8 Days Starting in Bordeaux, France and ending in Barsac, France
Visiting: Bordeaux, St Emilion, Saint-Émilion, Garonne Valley, Saint-Macaire, Sauternes, Barsac
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UBV
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Bordeaux Vineyard Walk, a captivating journey through France's renowned wine-growing region. This self-guided tour offers a blend of scenic walks, exquisite cuisine, and superb wine tastings. Explore the historic town of St Emilion, with its underground galleries and Roman vestiges, and enjoy guided visits to prestigious wineries like Couvent des Jacobins. Wander through the picturesque Entre-Deux-Mers area, discover the medieval charm of Saint-Macaire, and savor the wines of Sauternes. Stay in charming guesthouses and chateaux hotels, with luggage transfers and taxi services included. This tour promises an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Bordeaux And Transfer To St Emilion
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Hotel in St Emilion
On arrival at the train station or airport of Bordeaux, you will be transferred by taxi to your accommodation in St Emilion, in the heart of one of the most prestigious wine growing areas of the world. Built in an amphitheatre shape, the town of St Emilion is an open air museum. Its troglodyte tradition is fascinating with more than 70 hectares of underground galleries dug in the calcareous rock. View the monuments and vestiges of Roman times found in the winding lanes of the village. Your information pack with route notes and maps will be waiting for you at your hotel.
Day 2 : St Emilion Vineyards Walk (2.5 Or 4Hrs)
Location: St Emilion
Accommodation Name: Hotel in St Emilion
Meals Included: Breakfast
St Emilion is surrounded by vineyards, grand chateaux and wine cellars. Famous wine estates such as Petrus, Château La Clotte and Beau-Séjour can be found here. There are two options for your walk today, each a circuit through the lovely landscape of rolling vine covered hills. You can (usually) visit and taste at the Château du Clos de la Madeleine (Grand Cru) during the walk. Overnight St Emilion.
10 or 15 km/6.2 or 9.3mi, ±70m/230ft
Day 3 : Guided Visit Of St Emilion Winery, Transfer To Entre-Deux-Mers Area
Location: Saint-Émilion
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse in St-Martin-de-Lerm or Camiran
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning is a treat as you have a private guided visit of one of the oldest wineries of St Emilion and one of its jewels, Couvent des Jacobins, after which there will be a wine tasting of 2-3 great wines of St Emilion and/or Pomerol (approx. 1.5hrs). In the afternoon you will have a guided tour of the Monolithic Church (approx. 1 hr).
Later in the afternoon a taxi transfer will take you to St-Martin-de-Lerm or Camiran in the Entre-Deux-Mers area for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 : Garonne Valley Walk To Caudrot Village, Transfer To Hotel (4Hrs)
Location: Garonne Valley
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse in St-Martin-de-Lerm or Camiran
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you explore the Entre-Deux-Mers area, between the Dordogne and the Garonne Rivers, passing vineyards that reap the rewards of their perfect position on the slopes of the Garonne. You'll pass the winery of Domaine de Bouillerot, established in 1874 and vine growers for 3 generations, where you can usually enjoy a wine tasting. Later in the afternoon transfer from Caudrot back to Camiran or St-Martin-de-Lerm. Your hosts will serve dinner again this evening.
**Note: we recommend ordering a picnic lunch from your hosts on the evening of Day 3 to take with you this morning as lunch supplies and options are limited today (cost is approx EUR15pp).
15km/9.3mi, ±100m/328ft
Day 5 : To The Medieval Town Of Saint-Macaire (Or Langon) (3Hrs)
Location: Saint-Macaire
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Saint-Macaire
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you transfer back to Caudrot to begin your walk. In a landscape of greenery, passing vines and along the estuary of the Gironde, you'll view the sights of the area, from castles to fishermen’s huts. Take a break at the port and its locks, marking the start of the famous “Canal du Midi” which links the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The trail takes you directly to the medieval town of Saint-Macaire, a site protected for its historic buildings.
10km/6.2mi, ±25m/82ft
Day 6 : Loop Walk To Ste Croix Du Mont, Transfer To Sauternes (2.5 Or 4.5Hrs)
Location: Sauternes
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse or Hotel in Sauternes
Meals Included: Breakfast
The hills above Saint-Macaire offer splendid views. In this landscape of hills and small valleys you will pass many mills and castles. The trail takes you to the “Domaine de Malagar”, which was the residence of the writer François Mauriac, and to the tomb of the famous painter Toulouse Lautrec. You can visit Château Laurette (a sweet white wine producer) or Château Loubens before reaching the village of Sainte Croix du Mont, perched on a slope and offering a spectacular view of the Garonne Valley. The area is remarkable for its wines and caves. Later in the afternoon, return to the hotel at St Macaire and transfer by taxi to Sauternes. Overnight in a guesthouse or hotel in Sauternes.
*As accommodation in Sauternes is limited, if not available you will stay for two nights in Barsac/Illats.
8 or 16km/5 or 9.9mi, ±100m/328ft
Day 7 : Sauternes To Barsac Exploring Vineyards (4.5Hrs)
Location: Sauternes
Accommodation Name: Chateau Hotel of Camperos or Guesthouse in Barsac
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Located on the left bank of the Garonne, the wines of Sauternes are here to be discovered. Throughout the route today you will walk amongst well-known wine producers such as Château La Tour Blanche and Château Rayne Vigneau, and appreciate the small local landmarks (churches, mills) and natural landscapes of vine and forest. The Ciron river is a small, wild river, formerly used for transporting timber. The soil in this area is particularly conducive to vine cultivation, which together with over two hundred years of know-how results in the quality and prestige of the local wines. Dinner and overnight in either the chateau hotel of Camperos, with its preserved 18th century elegance and 19th century Néo-Renaissance charm, or a comfortable guesthouse which is surrounded by vineyards (dependent on availability). The guesthouse has a pool and serves mainly vegetarian cuisine, with produce from their garden or the local market.
Note: If you stay in Barsac/Illats on day 6, a short transfer takes you to the start of today's walk.
15km/9.3mi, ±60m/196ft
Day 8 : Trip Ends With Transfer To Barsac Or Langon Train Station
Location: Barsac
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast a transfer is provided to the train station of Barsac or Langon, where arrangements conclude. The train to Bordeaux is approx EUR7.
An optional extension in Bordeaux can be arranged, staying in a 3 star hotel in the heart of the city's historic region - please ask us for details.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses -
7 breakfasts
Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices.
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4 dinners
Usually 3 courses with regional specialties featured.
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7 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses and 2 & 3 star hotels
Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Optional upgrade to 3-4 star hotel in St Emilion (supplement applies).
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Information pack
Includes route notes and maps per room booked plus smartphone GPS Application.
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Luggage Transfer
1 piece maximum 20kg plus 1 small daypack. Supplement applies for excess.
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Guided visits
Includes Couvent des Jacobins visit and wine tasting, and a tour of St Emilion underground.
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Taxi transfers
Transfers include a taxi from Bordeaux to St Emilion, and various taxi transfers as per the itinerary.
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Emergency hotline
Available for assistance during the trip.
What's Not Included
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Travel to Bordeaux and from Barsac or Langon station
Travel to the starting point and from the ending point is not included.
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Meals not listed as included
Lunches, drinks, and dinners not noted as included are excluded.
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Travel insurance
Mandatory travel insurance is not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday.
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Single room supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
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Entrance fees not listed as included
Entrance fees to museums, chateaux, parks, and archaeological sites are not included.
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Wine tastings not mentioned as included
Wine tastings not specifically mentioned as included are excluded.
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess luggage
Supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Hotel taxes if applicable
Payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal expenses are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses and chateaux hotels, specially chosen for their friendly staff and ideal location. Triple share rooms are usually possible on all nights except in St Emilion.
Grading
This trip involves 6 days walking along undulating to flat trails and some small roads. You need to be sure footed. The trip requires a reasonable level of fitness to fully participate in this adventure. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements in a day pack such as waterbottle, camera, waterproofs and lunch.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc
Mode of Transport
Transfers include a taxi from Bordeaux to St Emilion, and various taxi transfers as per the itinerary. Travel to Bordeaux and from Barsac or Langon station is included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Bordeaux Vineyard Walk?
The tour includes 7 nights in a combination of charming guesthouses and chateaux hotels, specially chosen for their friendly staff and ideal location. Accommodation is on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, and there is an optional upgrade to a 3-4 star hotel in St Emilion for an additional supplement.
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Are meals included in the Bordeaux Vineyard Walk tour?
Yes, the tour includes 7 continental breakfasts and 4 dinners, which usually feature 3 courses with regional specialties. Lunches, drinks, and dinners not noted as included are excluded.
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What kind of support is available during the walking stages of the tour?
The tour is a self-guided walking holiday, but it includes an information pack with route notes and maps, a smartphone GPS application, and an emergency hotline for assistance during the trip. Luggage transfer is also provided, with a limit of 1 piece of luggage (maximum 20kg) plus 1 small daypack.
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What kind of guided visits are included in the tour?
The tour includes a private guided visit of the Couvent des Jacobins winery in St Emilion with a wine tasting of 2-3 great wines of St Emilion and/or Pomerol. Additionally, there is a guided tour of the Monolithic Church in St Emilion.
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What transportation is included in the Bordeaux Vineyard Walk tour?
Transfers include a taxi from Bordeaux to St Emilion, and various taxi transfers as per the itinerary. Travel to Bordeaux and from Barsac or Langon station is included.
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What should I carry during the walking stages of the tour?
During the walking stages, you will need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. It is mandatory and must be arranged separately.
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Are there any optional activities or extensions available?
Yes, an optional extension in Bordeaux can be arranged, staying in a 3-star hotel in the heart of the city's historic region. Please ask for details.
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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.