Bordeaux Cycling Tour
Self-guided cycling tour across the Gironde region in France and its various richenesses. With
you road book and a touring bike (with all the equipment), you will ride through the area
starting by the Entre deux Mers and famous Sauternes vineyards, going on by the pine forest
of the Gascogne Regional Park and reaching the Arcachon bay and the ocean. You will take
cycling tracks as well as small roads, quite flat and will enjoy the evening in charming hotel
and guesthouses.
Bordeaux Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
If you like to cycle through our gentle France at your own pace, this Tour de Gironde is for you … Exceptional landscapes, historical sites and white sand beaches will make you succumb to the charms and the richness of this endearing region. .
Arrival at the railway station or at the airport. Transfer by Taxi to
Cadillac in hotel***, where you will receive a guidebook indicating
your tour.
Dinner, night and breakfast.
40 km
You will start your trip by cycling through the Premières Côtes de
Bordeaux winegrowing area and arriving in the Côtes de Bordeaux
Saint-Macaire area. This day gives you the opportunity to enjoy a
superb view of the Garonne River and to visit the heart of the old
merchant town of Saint-Macaire. Your tour will take you to the
bastide town of Cadillac and its castle, as well as the former residence of the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec at Château Malromé and that of the writer François Mauriac at Domaine de Malagar.
Accommodation in a charming hotel*** in the medieval town of Saint-
Macaire.
Dinner, night and breakfast.
45 km
Departure from Saint-Macaire to cross over to the left bank of the
Garonne River. The tour follows the twisting roads through the world-
famous vines of the Sauternes areas, including the jewel in its crown :
Château Yquem. The itinerary goes on to Budos, then through the
valleys carved out by the River Ciron, to Leogats and Nouaillan. You
then carry on to Balizac where you enter the Landes de Gascogne
Regional Nature Park, before reaching Origne for the night.
Stay in the charming little village of Origne in a charming guest house
by Mr and Mrs De Rochefort or by Mrs Merle which will welcome you
in the center of the village offering a range of services here in the heart
of the Gironde countryside.
Dinner, night and breakfast.
35 km
You will be riding along a lovely little forest road offering great variety
and taking you westwards. Heading towards Louchats, the pine forest
becomes denser and the scent of pine resin richer. Leave your bicycle at
the site of the lagoons of Gât-Mort and discover the water beneath the
carpet of fern.
Make a stop at the lakes of Hostens offer plenty of shade by the shore,
perfect for an afternoon nap.
The road will then take you, between pine trees and heather, to the
small town of Le Barp.
Stay in a charming little hotel**, stone built, with a swimming pool. Mr
Bourrissoux, the owner, with an irreproachable reception, may serve
you a very appreciated local food on the terrace shaded by suspended
vines and cooled by a fountain.
Night and breakfast. Dinner not included
50km
You will cycle gently along the cycling track to Mios, where the itinerary follows a little road
as the pine forest gradually thins. Crossing over the railway line takes you to Le Teich, where the Park
meets the sea. Enter the ornithological park and take a break. The
landscape opens out to the light of the Bay of Arcachon.
Take the coastal path with the salt from the bay under your wheels and
follow the scent of the sea air to Gujan-Mestras.
Arrival at you last Hotel*** in Arcachon for an evening on the
seafront or at the casino.
If you want to ride again, you can climb the dune du pyla (20km one
way and return).
Night and breakfast. Optional dinner
20km
Take the boat to cross the Bay of Arcachon to reach the Cap Ferret and
ride throughout the other side of the Bay. Leave your bicycle to walk
up to the top of the lighthouse. Keep going cycling to reach the very
pretty oyster village of l’Herbe, the reservoirs as well as the Tapper’s
Shack. Do not miss the last departure of the boat to cross back the bay
and return to your hotel.
Night and breakfast.
25 à 60 km
You can choose to follow the cycle track along the coast up to the
Sand Dune du Pyla (Amazing !) or in the opposit way to take the
cycling track via the Port of La Teste. Leave the track and take the “7
oyster ports of Gujan Mestras” small road that runs round the bay
alongside the railway station.
A cycling track will take you then to Le Teich, Biganos and Audenge.
Possible choices : Stopp-off at the port of Biganos
Stopp-off at the Ornithologic Parc of Le Teich
Stopp-off at the Domaine de Certe in Audenge
Back to your hotel for your last night.
Night and breakfast.
Take the train from Arcachon to Bordeaux.
