Bordeaux And The Atlantic Coast

8 days - from $1311

Cycle through the blossoming vineyards of the Gironde to the dunes and pine forests by the Atlantic
The Gironde Estuary is formed by the meeting of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and, after flowing for over 80km, it makes its grand entrance into the Atlantic Ocean by the historic lighthouse of Cordouan. On this peninsula the Bordeaux vineyards have been growing for centuries around an array of prestigious architecture and undiscovered nature. We begin cycling from the peaceful harbour town of Pauillac through the diverse landscape of the Medoc passing the world famous wine growing chateaux of Margaux and Lamarque. After reaching the northern tip of the peninsula at Soulac-sur-Mer, there is a wealth of unspoilt landscape to discover; a submerged Bronze Age village, Roman remains and the modern day route of the Camino de Santiago. The ride then heads south through marshland, dunes, pine forests and the largest natural lake in France at Carcans before returning to the charming harbour of Pauillac.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Pauillac. Make your own way from Bordeaux to the hotel in Pauillac by rail. 2 Ride a circular loop through the vineyards of the Medoc, home to some of the most famous wines in the world. 3 Head northward along the Gironde Estuary, reaching the tip of the peninsula and the lovely seaside town of Soulac-sur-Mer on the Atlantic Coast. 4 Free day. There is the option for an easier ride to Montalivet Les Bains with the opportunity to relax by the beach or swim in the ocean. Alternatively cross the estuary to the stunning fortified town of Royan, returning by ferry to Soulac. 5 Cycle south through pine forests and beside the Atlantic to the village of Hourtin, with its wild coast and ancient dunes. 6 Hourtin is situated in the heart of Medoc between the forest, lake and the Atlantic Ocean. The ride today is a circuit of the Lac d'Hourtin-Carcans, which extends from north to south for 18km and is part of the Great Lakes Landes. 7 We leave the coast behind and ride east, returning to Pauillac and the Gironde Estuary. 8 End Pauillac.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 40km (25 miles) depending on routes chosen. No of days cycling: 6 (including 3 optional rides). Vehicle support: none whilst riding, luggage is transferred between hotels for you. Terrain and route: the suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads and designated cycle paths through vineyards, forests and alongside the estuary and ocean. There are no significant ascents or descents. Alternative routes are available on most days.
Group size: Self guided. Luggage is transferred, route notes and maps are provided.
Accommodation: 7 nights 2 star hotels. All rooms have en suite facilities, and some have pools.
Food: All breakfasts and 2 dinners included.
Compulsory Single Supplement: from $428.75
Trip Reference: LSB
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Start any Saturday or Wednesday from 10 March to 20 October 2012Starting 02 May - 30 June and 29 August - 06 October GBP799Starting 04 July - 25 August GBP849All other dates GBP749Prices are land only and do not include travel from LondonSupplement for single traveller GBP365 (includes single room supplement)Return flights from London, prices from GBP120Low cost flights to Bordeaux available with Easyjet.Local Bike Hire: 21 speed Gitanes bikes GBP85, paid on booking
Trip Reference: LSB