Bordeaux is synonymous with exceptional wine. Top-notch, quality, famous wines and wineries. But beyond this liquid gold, this picturesque region in France is also known for its stunning landscapes—making it an ideal destination for a self-guided cycling tour. Bordeaux is not to be rushed, you come here for a chance to slow down, savor each moment, and embrace the local way of life. Over a week, you’ll get to glide past some of the region’s most prestigious vineyards, flow along the shimmering Gironde Estuary, marvel at gorgeous chateaus and cloisters, and indulge in as many wines as your heart desires. For a relaxing vacation in the French countryside, nothing tops this adventure.
Embark on a self-guided cycling adventure through the heart of Bordeaux’s wine country, where every pedal brings you closer to serenity and a glass of something extraordinary! The flat terrain makes for easy riding, leaving plenty of energy to savor the scents of ripe grapes and the sound of birdsong. To make this adventure as carefree as possible we made sure to organize all the logistics for you—accommodation in hotels and guesthouses, luggage transfers, breakfasts, routes, maps, and support every day of the week.
Today is all about arriving to the charming Pauillac. You’ll receive your bike and a route booklet. In the afternoon, settle into the accommodation that the guiding company arranged for you. Spend the rest of your day at your leisure and get some rest for tomorrow, as that’s when you’ll start cycling!
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
This day will take you through the famous Margaux’s vineyards. This is one of Bordeaux’s favorite wine regions, situated on the left bank of the Gironde. You’ll also pass by the gorgeous Château Margaux. Take your time exploring the region and end your day in Médoc.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Cycling: 40-50 km (25-31 miles)
Elevation gain: 100 m (330 ft)
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
From Lamarque, you’ll embark on a picturesque boat journey across the majestic Gironde Estuary, offering sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards and tranquil waters. Upon reaching the historic Citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll have the chance to explore its impressive fortifications. From there, the adventure continues as you travel towards Bourg-sur-Gironde, a charming riverside village known for its cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and rich winemaking heritage.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Cycling: 40-55 km (25-35 miles)
Elevation gain: 165 m (540 ft)
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
On your way to the famed vineyards of Saint-Émilion, you’ll pass through the distinguished appellations of Fronsac and Pomerol. Fronsac is known for its scenic hills and bold red wines, while Pomerol, though small, boasts some of the world’s most prestigious wines, including the legendary Château Pétrus. Once you reach St.-Émilion, you’ll also visit the magnificent cloister.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 40-50 km (25-31 miles)
Elevation gain: 240 m (790 ft)
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
Today is optional—you can sit this one out and stroll through the area on foot. If you’re eager to hop back on your bike, you’ll take a loop tour through the picturesque vineyards of Saint-Émilion, immersing yourself in the beauty of this renowned wine region. Use this extra day to indulge in an optional wine tasting experience right in the heart of Saint-Émilion’s charming village, surrounded by its rich history and world-class wines.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 25-35 km (15-22 miles)
Elevation gain: 100 m (330 ft)
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
Cycle from Saint-Émilion to Bordeaux along the scenic “Roger Lapébie” bike path, a route that winds through vineyards, forests, and charming villages. Conclude your journey in the magnificent city of Bordeaux, renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and world-famous wine heritage.
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 50 km (31 miles)
Elevation gain: 220 m (720 ft)
Accommodation: 3 or 4-star hotel or a guesthouse
After your final breakfast, it’s time to pack up and leave.
Meals: Breakfast
fantastic bike ride – great accommodation and details. The app used work ed a treat and was easy ++. Great recommendations for places to eat. Bikes were excellent. Needed all the tubes! – maybe 2 more would have been nice. Accommodation all good. highly recommend. booked late, no issues. very happy indeed.
I combined three back-to-back Evazio tours that took me from Bordeaux to Montpellier. This was my 2nd year with Evazio and every tour I’ve been on has been excellent. Good attention to detail. I asked for upgraded hotels and I also asked for upgraded rooms within all hotels. Andrea did a great job contacting each hotel and getting the upgrades I requested. This tour group really listens to you and tries to satisfy your needs, unlike other tour groups where you are just another number on a spreadsheet. I’m already thinking about what Evazio tour I’ll be doing in 2025.
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This self-guided Bordeaux cycling wine tour is easy and beginner-friendly—you can find day-by-day distances in the itinerary. Additionally, your guides offer e-bike rental, which will make the tour even easier!
As this is a self-guided adventure, you can move at your own pace and stop whenever you want. This is not a race, it’s all about taking in the gorgeous views and enjoying the journey!
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Please note that your luggage may still be on its way by the time you reach your accommodation—it’s best to take spare clothes with you each day in your bike pannier.
Indeed you can! Skip the hassle of bringing your own bike with you and simply rent one with your guides. You can choose between three types of bikes, add your preferred one(s) upon checkout:
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as a travel book (containing routes, maps, and tourist information) and a GPS app for a smartphone.
Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as support, accommodation, and luggage transfers. They also offer bike rentals to make your journey go as smoothly as possible.
One of the best things about this self-guided Bordeaux cycling wine tour is that your luggage will be transferred for you—you travel light and enjoy the day’s cycling!
Every morning, you’ll leave your luggage at the reception desk of your accommodation before departure. After a day of cycling, you’ll get to your accommodation and either pick it up at the reception desk or it will have already been delivered to your room. Please note that if you arrive a bit earlier on some days, your luggage may not already be there.
Keep your luggage to one suitcase/travel bag (maximum 23 kg) and one carry-on.
Group sizes and pricing
Self-guided Bordeaux cycling wine tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has cyclists under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Bordeaux cycling wine tour is Pauillac, France. To get there, most people fly into Bordeaux Airport (BOD). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Pauillac—it will take you anywhere between 1 to 2 hours.
Day 1 is all about arrival (no cycling), so feel free to arrive whenever suits you, but we always recommend arriving on time so you can have a stroll around the town and rest before your adventure begins. Note that one taxi transfer is included in the price of the tour—either from Bordeaux airport/train station to the hotel in Pauillac or on the last day from the hotel in Bordeaux to Pauillac (if you arrive by car).
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Great experience ! A fabulous stay in the Vineyards of Bordeaux. I think that cycling is the best way to discover charms of France.