The Gironde estuary by bike, on the great wine route

Gironde by bike

The Gironde Estuary by bike tour is made for lovers of nature, culture, leisure and sport! Discovery of the South West of France between marshes, vineyards, forests, lakes, rivers, ports, villages and wine châteaux! This tour of the estuary is known for its vineyards and its production of wines and spirits, in particular cognac and pineau des charentes. You will also take the boat to cross the Gironde estuary. You will be warmly welcomed every evening in *** hotels and charming guest rooms.
 
Point of interest of the stay :

• Vineyards and Grands Crus
• Meeting with producers
• Medieval villages
• Castles
• Charming guest room
• Blaye, Royan

 
 
Day 1 : Arrival in Bordeaux and transfer to Pian Médoc

 
Arrival at the SNCF train station or at Bordeaux airport and taxi transfer to Pian Médoc and welcome at the hotel ***. You will be given your bike, documentation on the region and a logbook on which will be indicated your circuit.
Night and breakfast - Optional dinner.

 
Day 2 : The Route of the Castles 25 to 40 km

 
Go on this first day of excursion to discover the Pian Médoc, passing through Margaux, Saint-Estèphe and Moulis! It is also nicknamed the castle route. You start your cycle route by crossing the Margaux and Haut-Médoc vineyards. You admire the many castles present on your route. Continue your journey with a getaway to the estuary, this route takes you to the heart of the "Red Medoc" where you spend your night in a charming guest room.
Dinner, night and breakfast.

 
Day 3 : Reflections of vines on the river - 50 to 60 km

 
From the morning, continue your stay by going along many vineyards through hills planted with vines and marshes. Discover the history of the Médoc, passing through places such as the archaeological site of Brion in Saint Germain d´Esteuil, the Château Castéra or the Abbey of Vertheuil and the Fort Médoc. You will also pass by Pauillac, the capital of the Médoc, renowned for its Grands Crus and its charming marina. In the early evening, you will be welcomed into a charming guest room in a magnificent stone house in the middle of the vineyards. For dinner, your hosts will offer you specialties and refined cuisine using fresh, quality products.
Dinner, night and breakfast.

Day 4 : The end of the lands and the Estuary - 55 to 60 km

 
Crossing along the estuary in a wilder Médoc, in which fish and migrating birds find refuge. Admire the Richard Lighthouse which offers a beautiful panorama over the Gironde estuary! You continue your journey to the extreme tip of the Médoc, passing through Soulac, a charming little seaside resort. From the boat, enjoy a splendid view of Royan and its Cordouan lighthouse. You will thus reach the Charente shore of the Gironde estuary. You will arrive at your accommodation in Royan at the end of the afternoon.
Night and breakfast.

 
Day 5 : The cliff trail - 35 km

 
Go on a visit to the city of Royan, a city offering an infinite variety of landscapes. Between pine forest, cliff, rocky coast, small port, oyster landscapes, rural space there is something for everyone. Its city center is distinguished by its incredible architecture and modern homes. You leave from Royan to stop at the Parc de l'Estuaire, the “nature center” of Charente Maritime. You will also cross a forest overlooking the ocean on the Gironde estuary, take advantage of this magnificent view to take breaks! Further south, cross Saint-Seurin-d'Uzet, the former capital of Caviar and visit the producers' cellars to learn all about Pineau and Cognac! Welcome in a charming guest room.
Dinner, overnight and breakfast

Day 6 : Charente "Land of culture" Pineau and Cognac - 35 to 45 km

 
For this excursion, you move away from the edges of the estuary and come back inland to discover the Cognac and Pineau châteaux as in St-Dizant-du-Gua. Here a warm stopover awaits you through landscapes of sunflower fields, pretty fountains and sumptuous castle. Then join the edges of the estuary to reach the Bordeaux vineyards of Côtes de Blaye then Côtes de Bourg. You will be accommodated in charming guest rooms in mansions or mansions.
Dinner, overnight and breakfast
 
NOTE: If no availability on day 6, stage in BLAYE (60 km) then day 7, stage in SAINT-ANDRÉ DE CUBZAC (35 km).

Day 7 : The marshes and the corniche road - 50 to 60 km

 
Today, you resume your journey along the edges of the estuary and discover Blaye and its famous citadel. Finally, you will head towards Bourg-sur-Gironde, along the "Corniche Fleurie", where the presence of countless palm trees, oleanders and holm oaks translates a friendly climate. A visit is a must for lovers of beautiful stones: Bourg sur Gironde is an architectural gem. Clinging to its rock, surrounded by walls, the village is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in the Estuary.
Night in a guest room and dinner in a restaurant in Bourg or Saint-Gervais.

 
Day 8 : Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Saint-André de Cubzac station BEFORE 10:00 am.
If arriving by car at the first accommodation, transfer back to your vehicle, with a supplement.

General informations :

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Accommodation comfort level: 3 and 4 * (local standards)
• Prices for children: contact us.

The dates :

Achievable between April and October 2024.

Included :

• Self-guided online tour
• Assistance in case of breakdown (except puncture).
• Luggage transfer at each stage
• Crossing the estuary by the BAC (luggage and people)
• Taxi transfer from Bordeaux to the hotel (1st day)
• Transfer by car from the last accommodation to St André de Cubzac station around 10:00 am
• 7 nights with breakfast in *** hotels and charming Bed and Breakfast
• 5 dinners (and 4 dinners if a stopover in Blaye)
• GPS application

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Dinner at Pian Médoc and Royan (and Blaye if a stopover in Blaye)
• Drinks at dinners except in certain guest rooms.
• The train from Saint-André de Cubzac to Bordeaux - around 5 euros.
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Tourist tax to be paid on site.

The options :

• VTC or VAE rental
• Transfer on the last day in Bordeaux to the train station or to the airport (in the morning): + 50 euros per person.
• roadbook paper version
• Half-board formula the first night at Pian Médoc: + € 35
• Extra night (s) in Bordeaux
• Theft insurance for the rented bike
• cancellation insurance

Levels :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat terrain, which does not exclude some hills.

Weather :

Shaded, mild sun, a little wind on the coast and pleasant temperatures.

Technicality :

Cycling: 35 to 55 km per day or 3 to 4 hours of cycling.
Partly marked itinerary, useful roadbook and map reading.

Bibliography :

- The Gironde Tour by bike - chamina
- Guide to the Gironde estuary - South West

Comfort accommodation :

*** hotels and charming guest rooms, with bedroom equipped with shower and toilet.

Additional nights :

An additional night is offered to you at the start and end of the tour.

Meals :

- Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch: not included
- Dinner: at the host's, at the hotel or in restaurants near the accommodation (except in Pian and Royan).

The bike : 

- Rental bicycle: If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you on the day of your arrival at the 1st hotel. A security deposit will be requested.
At the end of the tour, you will have to leave this bike at the last hotel and notify reception. We will take care of his return.

- Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off.
At the end of the tour, you will need to take care of your own bicycle.

Assistance :

- Assistance in the event of a breakdown (except for punctures for which we do not intervene).

Return transfer :

You are in the train : We will bring you back to St André de Cubzac station. You come back with your luggage. (and your bikes).

You are by car : This transfer brings you back from Bourg sur Gironde to your car in Pian Médoc. Supplement if arriving by car : Possibility of leaving the car at the first accommodation during the stay. On the last day, morning transfer to the vehicle.

Luggage:

They are transported by a courier or by our team and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kg).

Roadbook :

You'll receive travel documents with practical information before your departure by post, as well as access to our hiking application by e-mail. The documents include hotel and restaurant vouchers and luggage tags.

Transportation:

- By train: TGV station in Bordeaux
- By road: Bordeaux is 600km from Paris A10 motorway from Paris and A62 from Toulouse.
- By plane: Bordeaux international airport.

Your car :

A parking space is available at the first hotel.

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.