Day 1 | Arrive at Bordeaux
Transfer to your hotel in St Macaire, by taxi. Take some time to stroll around this quaint Bordelais village, before a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep ahead of your first days cycling.
Day 2 | Optional Round Trip to La Reole | Distance 26 miles (43 km)
After a hearty continental breakfast in our boutique hotel, a ride to the riverport town of La Reole is on the cards. You’ll follow the Garonne valley to Castets-en-Dorthe before following a canal side cycle path to La Reole itself. La Reole was once the second city of the region but these days is a charming small town that sits perched above the Garonne on a hillside. The ride back to St Macaire winds through backroads and passes through the town of Langon.
Day 3 | Cycle to Cadillac | Distance 25 miles (41 km)
Today we head south, crossing the Garonne at Langon and picking up a cycle path and heading towards Chateau de Roquetaillade. Here we suggest parking up the bike and taking a visit to learn about the region’s connections to Charlemagne, English royals and the papacy. After getting your fill of history for the day, we turn back west and head for the village of Sauternes, where you can sample some of its famous sweet wines after a spot of lunch. From Sauternes we descend back to the Garonne, before crossing into Cadillac.
Day 4 | Optional Round Trip to St Croix du Mont | Distance 13 miles (22 km)
Today’s optional round trip takes you out of Cadillac through some more prime Bordeaux vineyards such as Montprimblanc before reaching St Croix de Mont, a superb but less well-known appellation located on a panoramic plateau made up of vast fossilised oyster beds. Then heading back to Cadillac, you’ll pass through Loupiac, where wines have been produced since Roman times.
Day 5 | Cycle to St Emilion | Distance 25 miles (40 km)
Your next day in the saddle, will take you through a valley towards Targon, through the heart of the Entre Deux Mers. A picnic lunch is recommended next to the remains of a Knights Templar Commanderie before continuing onto Branne, crossing the Dordogne river and cycling into Saint Emilion. Arriving at your last hotel situated at the top of the town, relax with a dip in the pool or drinks in the garden before exploring this spectacular town.
Day 6 | Optional Round Trip to Castillon-la-Bataille | Distance 16 miles (27 km)
There is plenty to see, do and taste in St Emilion, but for those looking for an extra ride, the town of Castillon-le-Bataille is just a short ride away. This picturesque riverside town was the scene of the last battle of the 100 years war between England and France. We love picking up picnic supplies in the town and taking a long, lazy lunch by the river, before a leisurely ride back to St Emilion for the evening.
Day 7 | We say au revoir before a recommended departure from Bordeaux TGV station or airport. Looking for a longer break? Ask us about extending your trip with a few nights in Bordeaux.
What not to Miss
- The chateaux of Roquetaillade for a glimpse into the regions past
- The world class red wines of Pomerol and St Emilion
- The sweet and dry white wines of Sauternes and Cadillac
- The spectacular scenery of the Entre Deux Mers vineyards
