France : Bordeaux

Cycling The Grand Crus of Bordeaux

Trip code: C05BO 4.5 (4 reviews)

Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • A ride through the most prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux
  • Numerous opportunities of wine tasting in prestigious wine estate
  • Explore the medieval town of St Emilion listed as World Heritage by UNESCO

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Get carried away by the sweet atmosphere and follow an itinerary which will guide you from the 'Entre deux mers' area to the land of 'Haut Medoc'. Smell the delicate and fruity fragrances spreading from the famous wine properties bearing suggestive names, and dream about the glorious & turbulent past of the old properties you will cross.

The vines of Bordeaux are some of the most famous in the world. Blaye, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, 'Entre deux mer' : these are prestigious appellations and terroirs that you will explore. The diversity of the wine-growing districts allows for the production of many different types of wines such as reds, dry or sweet whites, roses, light reds and sparkling whites. The Bordeaux vineyards include 6,000 chateaux, historic villages, medieval cities, archeological sites and ancient Roman churches. The winegrowers open up their vineyards for wine tastings, wine courses and numerous cultural and gourmet discoveries.

Unbottle the Bordeaux vineyards and take off on a spirited discovery of this iconic wine-growing region.

Terrain

The route takes you on quiet country lanes and well marked paths through vineyards to sleepy villages. Well marked cycling paths are also used throughout.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux

A world-renowned city, Bordeaux is famed for its vineyards, gastronomy, and unique art de vivre. The newly redesigned banks of the River Garonne provide the setting for a stroll and the Old Town, listed by UNESCO, is a treasure box of 18th Century architectural gems.

You stay at Novotel St Jean.

hotel details

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Novotel St Jean, Bordeaux

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The fully refurbished Novotel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean is near the Tauzia tram stop, 450m from the train station and the Place de la Bourse. The rooms are very comfortable, with an understated elegance, and some have a terrace with patio view.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Bordeaux - Cadillac (48km/29.8mi)

Today discover the taste of 'Entre deux Mers' appellation: the Garonne River to the south, the Dordogne River to the north makes incredible diversity of relief, exposure and soils also mean that the wine come here in all colors. Dry and sweet whites, reds, roses, Clairets, Cremants and even a spirit, the Fine de Bordeaux, all add to the variety.

Leave Bordeaux on the cycling path which will lead you to the fortified village of Creon. Then continue through the vineyards of Cadillac and the surrounding wall of the village.

elevation

You stay at Chateau de la Tour.

hotel details

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Chateau de la Tour, Cadillac

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The Hotel Restaurant Chateau de la Tour is located in the centre of a peaceful 3 hectares park. Walk along the alleys, enjoy the verdant nature surrounding you, and admire the wonderful view at the Cadillac Castle. The rooms are comfortable, modern and bright.

Day 3: Cadillac - St Emilion (50km/31.1mi)

Ride through the 'Entre-deux Mers' vineyards, between the Garonne and the Dordogne River. Visit Rauzan, overlooked by its dignified medieval chateau, before reaching the prestigious village of Saint-Emilion, with its rich historical testimonies.

Legend tells that the town bears the name of a Breton monk that performed miracles while living an exemplary life. In order to retire from social life, he settled in a natural grotto in 750, which can still be visited nowadays in the heart of the town. Meet the winemakers and taste exceptional wines and vintages.

elevation

You stay at Auberge de la Commanderie.

hotel details

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Auberge de la Commanderie, St Emilion

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The Auberge de la Commanderie is ideally located in the heart of the medieval town with a panoramic view of Saint-Emilion’s monuments and vineyards. It offers the peaceful charm of a family-run hotel.

Its warm, cosy atmosphere is filled with memories of travels: pilgrims on their long trek, colourful journeys to far-off lands and crazy adventures. A particular decorative feature in the hotel is the combination of wood and rattan. This wicker furniture calls to mind a different hemisphere in shades of indigo blue. Its presence gives warmth to the bedrooms and lounges and an exotic elegance that makes your stay even more pleasant.

The Auberge de la Commanderie is steeped in history. The annexe of this ancient Templar’s house was even known to be the last hide-out of the Girondins deputies during the French Revolution. It was acquired in 2017 by the de Boüard de Laforest family, who have been the owners of nearby Château Angélus for 8 generations.

Day 4: St Emilion Blaye (64km/39.8mi)

A ride along Bordeaux and Cotes de Blaye vineyards. Explore the 17th century citadel, in Blaye, overlooking the Gironde River. The Blaye - Cote de Bordeaux appellation offers white and reds wines. Red wines aromas are strong and fruity for a young wine, with musk and spice notes developing with age.

The dry whites are intense and powerful, with notes of boxwood and citrus (lemon, grapefruit).

elevation

You stay at Hotel de la Citadelle.

hotel details

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Hotel de la Citadelle, Blaye

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon


Housed within the citadel, in the heart of this surprising and remarkable natural and architectural heritage site, the charming Hotel La Citadelle stands at the gates of Bordeaux, Blaye on the banks of the Gironde. In this mansion nestlng above the river overlooking the ramparts, you will find 21 comfortable rooms, private parking, a swimming pool, a lovely terrace, a bar and a panoramic restaurant overlooking the Gironde estuary.

Day 5: Blaye - Bordeaux (61km/37.9mi)

Take a deep breath of iodined air. Start this ride by crossing the Gironde river by boat to reach Lamarque and its famous Médoc vineyards and chateaux wine cellars. Over on the other side, you can discover the jewel in the crown of the Verrou Vauban (the Vauban defensive system): Fort Médoc. Next, it's time to explore the Bordeaux Wine Route in Médoc as you pass through the world-renowned Margaux area. The route continues along small roads which pass through the Médoc's vineyards, small hedged fields and moorland as far as Bordeaux.

elevation

You stay at Novotel St Jean.

hotel details



Novotel St Jean, Bordeaux

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


The fully refurbished Novotel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean is near the Tauzia tram stop, 450m from the train station and the Place de la Bourse. The rooms are very comfortable, with an understated elegance, and some have a terrace with patio view.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 6: Leave Bordeaux

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Novotel St Jean, Bordeaux.

hotel details



Novotel St Jean, Bordeaux

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe


The fully refurbished Novotel Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint Jean is near the Tauzia tram stop, 450m from the train station and the Place de la Bourse. The rooms are very comfortable, with an understated elegance, and some have a terrace with patio view.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from C$709.

TRAVEL DETAILS

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

REVIEWS

The holiday was extremely well organised, and the navigation app made sure we didn't take too many wrong turnings. All the hotels were to a good standard, well located, and the food was great.

Mr Barr, 14 Sep 2024

 

Great team at Headwater especially Helen and the lovely chap who explained GPX files brilliantly. Would travel with Headwater again - Umbria or Loire or Vietnam or Thailand. But the price is relatively high we thought.

Andrew Merriman, 5 Sep 2023

 

Great trip well supported and will book again

Mr Macewan, 11 Sep 2022

 

Wow wow wow! Wonderful scenic routes, amazing hotels in St Emillion and Blaye! Great cycling on good routes and very good quality bikes

Mr Dickinson, 18 Jul 2022

 


Self-guided cycling

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

9.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

5 nights from C$2460

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: +44 1606 720199

 

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