Itinerary
Average / Day : Distance : 54.17 Km / 33.67 Miles - Elevation gain : 559.67 Metres
Arrive in Bordeaux - a large city with good rail access and commercial airline flights from several European capitals. The historic city center is picturesque and offers a variety of attractions including wine museums and shops for local wines. Orientation in the evening with bike delivery and set up at your hotel.
Overnight in Bordeaux at the Hotel de Normandie.
Distance 1 : 40 Miles - 64 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 583 Metres
Start your tour by riding out of Bordeaux on a bicycle path alongside the Garonne river and out to the vineyards. Along the way you will pass the famous wine town of Cadillac where you can stop at the chateau. Arriving at St Macaire you can relax at the hotel and stroll around the town in search of a good wine aperitif! Discover the charming medieval village of Saint Macaire, which used to be a rich merchant town in the Bordelais area.
Overnight in Saint-Macaire at Hotel Les Feuilles D'Acanthe.
Distance 1 : 29 Miles - 47 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 650 Metres
Ride through the Entre Deux Mers region and its vineyards. You will use both bicycle paths and some small country roads during your ride. Numerous small towns and bastides are along the route and each is worth exploring.
Overnight in Duras at Hostelleries des Ducs.
Distance 1 : 34 Miles - 55 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 710 Metres
Ride through the quiet country roads and vineyards of this widely unknown area. You can see the Chateau des Ducs in Duras, as well as the vineyards of the Cotes de Duras. From there, you will head back to the Gironde department through the Dropt Valley, back to your hotel via Monsegur, where you can stop at the Bastide of Monsegur, an ancient Medieval village.
Overnight in Duras at Hostellerie Des Ducs.
Distance 1 : 35 Miles - 56 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 610 Metres
A ride to one of the most famous vineyards of the region: Saint Emilion! Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site, with fascinating Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets. The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Emilion as early as the 2nd century AD. The town was named after the monk Emilion, a travelling confessor, who settled in a hermitage carved into the rock during the 8th century. It was the monks who followed him that started the wine production in the area. Take some time to explore this charming town and visit the Tour du Roy which dates back to 1237.
Overnight in Saint Emilion at Auberge De La Commanderie.
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 52 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 376 Metres
Loop tour around the region to Castillon La Bataille and among the vineyards for a great wine day! You can also take the day off to explore the village and taste the local produce. Optional ride - approx 52 km. Wine tastings, shopping, and cultural visits are abound in this famous town.
Overnight in Saint Emilion at Auberge De La Commanderie.
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 51 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 429 Metres
Ride back to Bordeaux through the vineyards and the charming town of Creon where you will pick up the cycling path back to Bordeaux. Dinner out on your own in Bordeaux, perhaps with an excellent bottle of local wine to celebrate your journey!
Overnight in Bordeaux at Hotel de Normandie.
Departure after breakfast, trains run from Bordeaux to Paris frequently.
Hotel options
Bordeaux
The Hotel de Normandie is located in the heart of the 18th-century centre of Bordeaux, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Garonne riverfront, the Grand Théâtre opera house and the city’s other main monuments are only a short walk away. The CIVB (Bordeaux Wine Trade Council), situated opposite the hotel, will allow you to discover the Bordeaux wine country. The windows of the hotel de Normandie offer a view of Bordeaux’s famous Esplanade des Quinconces, a short distance from the Grand Théâtre and the Place Tourny square.
Saint-Macaire
Les Feuilles D'Acanthe is located in the very heart of the medieval city of Saint Macaire. It is housed within the walls of a magnificent merchant's house dating from the 16th century, which has been completely renovated to provide a perfect combination of the beauty of the local heritage with the latest modern facilities. The interior of the hotel such as the carreaux de Gironde (tiling typical of the region), the bare stone walls, oak furniture and crossed mullion windows will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time to the Middle Ages. The guest rooms offer every comfort plus fabulous views over the old town of Saint Macaire, making your stay an unforgettable experience. The centrepiece of the sunny internal courtyard is a covered swimming pool and Jacuzzi, where guests can relax, alone or as a family, before going on to enjoy the creative gourmet menus that are prepared by the chef from the finest produce of the region.
Duras
The Hostellerie des Ducs is a 19th century convent, which inspired the Blanchet family to share their passion for this amazing region. The restaurant prides itself on blending subtle flavours, that if the Dukes of Duras were to return, they would certainly book the best table in the restaurant. They would also marvel at the welcoming, calm bedrooms, the magificent floral garden and the swimming pool, before coming inside for a game of billiards.
Saint Emilion
The Auberge de la Commanderie is one of the historic sites located at the heart of the medieval town. The main part of the building was of templar origin and the annex was used as a last hiding place by the counter revolutionary Girondin deputies. Both buildings are unique of old Saint-Emilion and were renovated in 2003 with modern amenities.
Important notes
Please note that pricing is based on a “from price” which varies on each departure and is subject to change without notice. Please contact our friendly team for exact pricing, availability, and upgrade options.
Our hotels or B&B provide amenities that are ideal for active vacations, located in easy walking distance to downtowns, restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritise family-owned, authentic accomodations over large chains. If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another hotel similar in category.
Excluded
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Accommodation before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
