Cycling Tips for Beginners
Posted: 22/06/22
When you’re just starting out cycling, it can be hard to know what to do or what you’ll need. That’s where Cycling for Softies can come in.
Read moreAverage Temperature 25 degrees (April to October)
The city of Bordeaux, the 6th largest in France, offers a heady mix of a rich history, world-class architecture, excellent gastronomy and of course, fine wines. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, valued as an inhabited historic city and an icon of the Enlightenment era. The beautiful Arcachon Bay offers a classy, classical seaside feel making it a popular summer spot for those in the know. The beautiful sandy beaches, delicious fresh seafood and an excellent network of cycle routes make this one of France’s best kept cycling secrets.
We love
Bordeaux City – Its architecture, culture, food and wine. The grand wine chateaux of the Margaux appellation. The sand, sun and seafood of the Arcachon Bay and the spectacular views from the top of Dune du Pilat.
What's included
• Delightful 3-star and 4-star hotels & 3 evening meals
• Fully serviced touring bikes with panniers
• Daily route maps and cycling instructions
• Expert on the spot support
• Luggage transferred between your hotels
• E-Bikes available upon request
• 100% financial security through ABTA and ATOL
Day 1 Arrive at Bordeaux by plane or TGV and transfer to your hotel in the city centre, by shuttle bus or taxi. Enjoy a stroll or cycle about town. We suggest a walk along the river, taking in the Place des Quinconces and Place de la Bourse, with its impressive water feature.
Day 2 Optional Round Trip to the Entre Deux Mers Vineyards | Distance 28 miles (45 km)
This route takes you out of the city by the Saint-Jean bridge and into the Entre Deux Mers appellation. The route follows a converted railway line out of the city, to the town of Lignan-de-Bordeaux, before looping through vineyards and re-joining the cycle path back into Bordeaux. This appellation is exclusively for white wines, but you will find reds too under the Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superior labels.
Day 3 Optional Round Trip to the Medoc Vineyards | Distance 40 miles (65 km, can be shortened by train)
Today you will have the chance to cycle out into the famous winelands of the Medoc and to ride through the world-famous estates of Margaux. You’ll first make your way out of the city to the north and then find you’ll find yourself cycling through a mix of woodland and vast vineyards. The landscape here is pan flat, meaning the miles will fly by in no time. After exploring the village of Margaux, and perhaps sampling some of the wine, you can either take a train back to the city or ride back following the route of the estuary.
Day 4 Train transfer to Arcachon
Leave the city behind and take a regional train with your bikes to Arcachon (50 minutes). Arcachon itself is a charming resort town with a Californian feel to it and your day is free to explore it. Take a dip in the sea, treat yourself to fresh local oysters or take a cruise on the bay before checking into your hotel in the afternoon and soaking up the atmosphere on the boardwalk.
Day 5 Optional Round Trip to Dune du Pilat | Distance 16 miles (27 km).
This round trip follows some of the excellent cycle paths in this part of the world to take you to the highest sand dune in Europe, the Dune du Pilat. Park up your bikes in the visitor centre and take a walk up and along the dunes perfect sand for some spectacular panoramas of the Atlantic coast. The route takes you back to Arcachon via the forest on an excellent, smooth cycle path, but you may prefer to retrace your steps along the coast if the wind is favourable.
Day 6 Optional Round Trip to Cap Feret | Distance 20 miles (32 km)
Hop on the ferry from Arcachon to Andernos to start this ride (payable locally, 5.50€ with a bike). The ride itself is a pleasant cruise across the calm, blue waters of the bay. Upon disembarking you head westwards, following cycle paths out to the coast and down the Cap Ferret peninsula towards its iconic lighthouse. We suggest stopping here for a long lunch and a lazy afternoon before taking the ferry back to Arcachon from Jetée Bélisaire (payable locally, 5.50€ with a bike).
Day 7 Train transfer to Bordeaux
After checking out, take the short spin up to Arcachon station and hop on the train back to Bordeaux. You have the afternoon free to explore the city by bike. We suggest a ride up to the Cité du Vin, a striking piece of architecture and home to an immersive range of exhibits on the past, present and future of the wine world.
Day 8 We say au revoir before a recommended departure from Bordeaux TGV station or airport.
Entered through a courtyard area, a haven of peace amongst the hustle and bustle of the city and set on a quiet street on the edge of Bordeaux’s ‘golden triangle’, this trendy 5* hotel is an establishment that exudes sophistication throughout. Each room has been given thorough attention by interior designers and artists, resulting in some staggeringly beautiful spaces for you to call home for a few nights.
Located on the corner of the Allées de Tourny and Rue de Sèze, in the beating heart of Bordeaux, this 4* property is the perfect base for exploring the city and its surroundings. The property has been finished with a discretely elegant style, with rooms that offer a cosy yet modern ambience. The restaurant on site offers a fantastic gastronomic experience and the spa facilities are a haven of peace in the centre of the city.
A colourful boutique 4* hotel in the heart of Arcachon and our favourite spot in the town. The hotel is situated walking distance from the beach, shops and restaurants of the town. Rooms are beautifully presented in a colourful yet classical style.
April to October 2022 Departures |
Nights |
Tour Only Adult Price |
Self-Drive Adult Price |
Package Adult Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Comfort Adult Price |
7 |
£1565 |
£1655 |
£1855 |
Luxury Adult Price |
7 |
£1915 |
£2005 |
£2225 |
Comfort Adult Price |
5 |
£1185 |
£1275 |
£1465 |
Luxury Adult Price |
5 |
£1425 |
£1515 |
£1775 |
Ebike supplement: £20 per day
April to October 2023 Departures |
Nights |
Tour Only Adult Price |
Self-Drive Adult Price |
Package Adult Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Comfort Adult Price |
7 |
£1565 |
£1655 |
£1855 |
Luxury Adult Price |
7 |
£1915 |
£2005 |
£2225 |
Comfort Adult Price |
5 |
£1185 |
£1275 |
£1465 |
Luxury Adult Price |
5 |
£1425 |
£1515 |
£1775 |
Ebike supplement: £20 per day
*Where tour pricing is displayed in your local currency, please note this is for indicative purposes and your final holiday will be confirmed and transacted at the time of booking with our team in Pound Sterling.
Posted: 22/06/22
When you’re just starting out cycling, it can be hard to know what to do or what you’ll need. That’s where Cycling for Softies can come in.
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