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This self guided cycle will take you through the impressive Medoc in the famous Bordeaux wine region. The western section of the Medoc is shrouded in light and sun, and the Atlantic Ocean and its beaches are bordered with an immense forest. The east section along the Gironde Estuary offers views of the winegrowing region. Beginning on the 'wine road', cycle past well known chateaux and through the winegrowing boroughs which produce some of the most prestigious wines in the world. You will explore the diverse landscapes of the Medoc, visit superb Romanic Churches in the villages, and discover some unique Gallo-Romanic sites. The journey follows a mixture of bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside streams and vineyards, allowing you to discover the exceptional natural and diverse surroundings of the region. After each day's cycle you will be warmly welcomed in some of the region's best hotels and charming guesthouses.
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17kg of CO2-e PP per day
(85kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in Bordeaux and transfer to Pian Medoc
On arrival at Bordeaux's train station or airport you will be transferred to Pian Medoc and your hotel. Here you will receive your welcome pack containing tourist information, maps and an itinerary. Your accommodation tonight is a traditional 18-bedroom house with pool and extensive parkland.* * Note that the accommodation description is for our first choice. If this hotel is not available we reserve the right to substitute a similar quality hotel or B&B.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle through the 'Medoc rouge' to Moulis or Margaux (25-38km/15.5-23.5mi)
Today's cycle takes you on the 'Road of the Chateaux' from Pian Medoc to Macau along the Gironde towards Margaux, Saint-Estephe and Moulis, where wine and spirit houses await you. You will cycle past vineyards and chateaux that are famous worldwide. Take the time to stop at the little harbours along the route, including St Julien, and imagine in times past the 'gabares' (flat-bottomed boats) that transported wine barrels to Bordeaux. As you head toward the estuary, the landscape is pleasant and diverse. Dinner and overnight in a charming guesthouse in Moulis or Margaux. Ascent: 55m/180ft
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Follow the 'Road of the Chateaux' to your vineyard guesthouse (50-60km/31-37mi)
Today you will continue along the 'Road of the Chateaux', well known for its chateaux and wine, among hills covered with vineyards and across the marshes that separate them. You can discover the history of Medoc at the archaeological site of Brion in St Germain d'Esteuil, the Chateau of Castera, the Abbey of Vertheuil and at Vauban's Fort Medoc. Cycle to the capital of the Medoc, Pauillac. With its stellar wines - three of the First Growth chateaux are here - and with a charming harbour, this town is an unmissable destination. Continue to your charming guesthouse located among the vineyards near the village of Saint-Yzans. Ascent: 120m/394ft
Day 4
Cycle towards the coast, continue between Lake Hourtin and Lacanau beach to your hotel (62km/38mi)
After passing the marsh landscape you will reach an area between the lake and the ocean, then Hourtin beach, with its wide coast and dunes. Following marked paths you cycle across pine forest and some wild and protected territory with a diverse flora and fauna. The dunes shelter some vast natural freshwater lakes, and you cycle between the Hourtin lake, one of France's largest, and the coastal beaches. The Contaut lagoon, set within the nature reserve, is an ideal stop for a picnic lunch. From Carcans, the paths leads you to Lacanau and your hotel, located in the pine forest. Ascent: 200m/656ft
Meals: B
Day 5
Follow the Green Way and return to Pian Medoc (53km/32.8mi)
Your day starts in the natural landscape of forest and between the lake and picturesque beaches. The 'Green Way' of Lacanau Ocean was built on an old railway and goes straight through the forest, where the pine trees create a corridor that can be a little drafty if the wind is blowing from the sea. It's a beautiful and easy ride, and you can stop along the way in a shaded picnic area. At the end of the day you arrive back in Pian Medoc, at the same hotel as your first night, in the heart of the Medoc. Ascent: 60m/196ft
Day 6
Taxi to airport or train station in Bordeaux, trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to Bordeaux's train station or airport.
What's included
What's not included
3 nights accommodation includes twin share rooms with ensuite facilities. Some properties may have a swimming pool or restaurant on site.
2 nights will be in family run guesthouses chosen for their location, charm and hospitality.
During the trip you will be provided with a 27 gear, VTC Hybrid Bike. You will receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a repair kit, lock, helmet and a handlebar bag. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a proper puncture repair kit, which will enable you to solve the problem.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies. E-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities.
GRADE 3 - Daily cycling distances from 25-65km/15.5-40.5mi over hilly terrain typical of river valleys. 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
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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