Bordeaux Wine Tour
This cycling tour of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine vineyards include some of the most famous wines : Saint Emilion, Entre Deux Mers, and other small wine villages throughout the region.
You will start in Bordeaux, which is easily accessible from Paris. Then cycle along the charming Garonne river, you will make your way to the Entre deux Mers, a famous wine region and then to Saint Emilion. This tour brings you back to Bordeaux where you can visit the Cathedral and shop on the rue Sainte Catherine.
You will enjoy cycling around Aquitaine, a region known for its wine, its food, and a rich heritage of walled towns, abbeys, and medieval castles.
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Bordeaux
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :
or 
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : Arrive in Bordeaux
Arrive in Bordeaux - a large city with good rail access and commercial airline flights from several European capitals. The historic city center is picturesque and offers many visits including the wine museums and shops for local wines. Orientation in the evening with bike delivery and set up at your hotel.
Accommodation : Hotel de Normandie - "Bordeaux"
Accommodation : Burdigala - "Bordeaux"
Day 2 : Ride to Saint-Macaire
Distance 1 : 40 Miles - 64 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 583 Meters
Start your tour by riding out of Bordeaux on a bicycle path alongside the Garonne river and out to the vineyards. Along the way you will pass the famous wine town of Cadillac where you can stop at the chateau. Arriving at St Macaire you can relax at the hotel and stroll around the town in search of a good wine aperitif ! Discover the charming medieval village of Saint Macaire, which used to be a rich merchant town in the Bordelais area.
Accommodation : L'Abricotier - "Saint-Macaire"
Accommodation : L'Abricotier - "Saint-Macaire"
Day 3 : Cycle around the Entre Deux Mers Vineyards to Duras
Distance 1 : 29 Miles - 47 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 650 Meters
Ride through the Entre Deux Mers region and its vineyards. You will use both bicycle paths and some small country roads during your ride. Numerous small towns and bastides are along the route and each is worth exploring.
Accommodation : Hostellerie Des Ducs - "Duras"
Accommodation : Hostellerie Des Ducs - "Duras"
Day 4 : Loop Ride in the Vineyards
Distance 1 : 34 Miles - 55 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 710 Meters
Ride through the quiet country roads and vineyards of this out of the beaten path area. You can see the Chateau des Ducs in Duras, as well as the vineyards of the Cotes de Duras. From there, you will head back to the Gironde department through the Dropt Valley and head back to your hôtel via Monsegur, where you can stop at the Bastide of Monsegur, an ancient Medieval village.
Accommodation : Hostellerie Des Ducs - "Duras"
Accommodation : Hostellerie Des Ducs - "Duras"
Day 5 : Ride to Saint Emilion
Distance 1 : 35 Miles - 56 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 610 Meters
A ride to one of the most famous vineyards of the region: Saint Emilion! Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site, with fascinating Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets. The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Emilion as early as the 2nd century AD. The town was named after the monk Emilion, a travelling confessor, who settled in a hermitage carved into the rock during the 8th century. It was the monks who followed him that started the wine production in the area. Take some time to explore this charming town and visit the Tour du Roy which dates back from 1237.
Accommodation : Auberge De La Commanderie - "Saint Emilion"
Accommodation : Grand Barrail - "Saint Emilion"
Day 6 : Loop Ride Around Saint Emilion Vineyards
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 52 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 376 Meters
Loop tour around the region to Castillon La Bataille and among the vineyards for a great wine day! You can also take the day off to explore the village and taste the local produce. Optional ride - approx 52 km. Wine tastings, shopping, and cultural visits abound in this famous town.
Accommodation : Auberge De La Commanderie - "Saint Emilion"
Accommodation : Grand Barrail - "Saint Emilion"
Day 7 : Cycle Back to Bordeaux
Distance 1 : 32 Miles - 51 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 429 Meters
Ride back to Bordeaux through the vineyards and the charming town of Creon where you pick the cycle path back to Bordeaux. Dinner out on your own in Bordeaux, perhaps with an excellent bottle of local wine to celebrate your journey!
Overnight in Bordeaux.
Accommodation : Hotel de Normandie - "Bordeaux"
Accommodation : Burdigala - "Bordeaux"
Day 8 : Departure Day
Departure after breakfast, trains from Bordeaux to Paris all day long. We can help with extra nights, car rentals...
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 7
The Hotel de Normandie is located in the center of 18th century Bordeaux now classed as a World Heritage site.The quay side of the Garonne, the Grand Theatre and the principal monuments are within easy walking distance.From the hotel you can enjoy the beautiful vistas over the Esplanade des Quinconces to the Port de la Lune.
Day : 2
Offering a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant a garden and a terrace, Chambre d'Hôtes de l'abricotier is located 2 km from Langon. The bedroom has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower, a bath and a hairdryer. At Chambre d'Hôtes de l'abricotier, continental breakfast includes homemade bread and pastries, coffee, tea and orange juice. The restaurant appears in the Michelin guide.
Day : 3, 4
The Hostellerie des Ducs is a 19th century convent, which inspired the Blanchet family to share their passion for this amazing region. The restaurant prides itself on blending subtle flavours, that if the Dukes of Duras were to return, they would certainly book the best table in the restaurant. They would also marvel at the welcoming, calm bedrooms, the magificent floral garden and the cool swimming pool, before coming inside for a game of billiards.
Day : 5, 6
The Auberge de la Commanderie is one of the historic sites located at the heart of the medieval town. The main part of the building was of templar origin and the annex was used as a last hiding place by the counter-revolutionary Girondin deputies. Both buildings are unique of old Saint-Emilion and were renovated in 2003 with modern amenities.
Day : 1, 7
Situated just a short walk from the historic center, the Burdigala Hotel owes its name to the ancient Gallo-Roman city now known as Bordeaux. Completely refurbished in summer 2011, its decor is contemporary and refined. Once over the threshold, forget the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a warm and peaceful atmosphere. The staff are attentive and discrete, and the 83 rooms and suites are decorated with luxurious materials in complementary colors, to inspire calm and tranquility. And of course, being in Bordeaux, the wine cellar next to the restaurant offers an excellent selection of prestigious Bordeaux wines to accompany the exquisite cuisine on offer, featuring regional products.
Day : 2
Offering a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant a garden and a terrace, Chambre d'Hôtes de l'abricotier is located 2 km from Langon. The bedroom has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower, a bath and a hairdryer. At Chambre d'Hôtes de l'abricotier, continental breakfast includes homemade bread and pastries, coffee, tea and orange juice. The restaurant appears in the Michelin guide.
Day : 3, 4
The Hostellerie des Ducs is a 19th century convent, which inspired the Blanchet family to share their passion for this amazing region. The restaurant prides itself on blending subtle flavours, that if the Dukes of Duras were to return, they would certainly book the best table in the restaurant. They would also marvel at the welcoming, calm bedrooms, the magificent floral garden and the cool swimming pool, before coming inside for a game of billiards.
Day : 5, 6
Emilion's most famous wine-producing châteaux at its doorstep. Surrounded by a 7-acre park, Château Grand Barrail Hôtel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the world (SLH). It offers gorgeous guest rooms, split between the château and its outbuildings, and a gourmet restaurant. Run by Chef Romain Gondras, it serves innovative, mouth-watering cuisine matched with carefully selected Bordeaux's fine wines to tempt every palate.Indulge in the hotel's spa, offering a comprehensive array of Cinq Mondes body treatments to relax you, pamper your body and delight your senses.The hotel's friendly and committed staff is always on hand to cater to your every need. Offering each guest a warm and personalized welcome, Château Grand Barrail Hôtel is sure to meet most demanding expectations.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure. Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The SCOTT EA-SUB Active 10 make getting around easier. With comfortable geometry, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, those bikes are the ideal touring bike and are ready to provide many kilometers with no worries.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride. Included with your bike rental : -Helmet -Lock -Hand pump -2 spare tubes -Rear pannier -Toolkit -Tire levers -Patch kit -1 souvenir water bottle -Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Electric assist bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 10 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (145€) 
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (145€) 
The SCOTT E-Spark 710 applies proven electric assist technology to a capable off-road package. Powered by the Shimano STEPS drive system, and in unison with our patented TwinLoc technology, the E-Spark 710 brings another element to the mountains. Trails will never look the same. Available in the 27.5" wheel size. FRAME : Alloy Frame / single pivot / Trunnion shock mount 27.5x2.8 / Boost 148x12mm / 120mm travel Tapered Headtube E2 / Shimano E-8000 Int. DT Battery FORK : FOX 34 Float Performance Elite Air FIT4 3-Modes with low Speed adj. / 15x110mm QR axle tapered steerer / Reb. Adj. / Lockout / 130mm travel / E-Bike REAR SHOCK : FOX NUDE EVOL Trunnion SCOTT custom w. travel / geo adj. 3 modes: Lockout - Traction Control -Descend DPS / Reb. Adj. / Travel 120 - 85 - Lockout / 165X45mm E.DRIVE SYSTEM : Shimano STEPS E8000 250W w/integr. 500Wh Battery / Shimano Charger Helmet Computer Pump 2 new bottles Tire levers, Spare tube, Patch kit, Multi-tool, Lock included, keep an eye on the bike all times & leave it in a safe place at night Pedal included (flat, cages or own available)
Electric Mountain Bikes - Performance
SCOTT E-SPARK 710 - ( or equivalent) with supplement 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Premium
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Hybrid bike - Standard
SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT SUB Sport 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty trekking geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 30 speed transmission, integrated front and rear lights, a custom Racktime carrier and compatibility with Snap'it accessories, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Available in men and women versions. Available sizes : Men's M, L, XL ; Women's S, L
- Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
- Included with your bike rental :
- Helmet
- Lock
- Hand pump
- 2 spare tubes
- Rear pannier
- Toolkit
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 1 souvenir water bottle
- Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 40 Miles - 64 Km Elevation gain 1 : 583 Meters
Option 1: 29 Miles - 47 Km Elevation gain 1 : 650 Meters
Option 1: 34 Miles - 55 Km Elevation gain 1 : 710 Meters
Option 1: 35 Miles - 56 Km Elevation gain 1 : 610 Meters
Option 1: 32 Miles - 52 Km Elevation gain 1 : 376 Meters
Option 1: 32 Miles - 51 Km Elevation gain 1 : 429 Meters
Included
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- 4 Dinners included (version Updgraded), 2 dinners included (version Standard).
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets (no cue-sheet on day 3,4 & 5)
Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
Train: From Paris Montparnasse - Bordeaux St Jean; 3 hours 20 min TGV in both directions.
Flights to Bordeaux possible from many European cities; from Paris Orly 1 hour 5min.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1550 € | 320 € | 2320 € |
| Upgraded | 2190 € | 680 € | 3290 € |
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Hybrid Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 145 € |
| Premium | 300 € |
| Electric assist bike | |
| Standard | 145 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 50 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
Reid
United States
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Anderson
United States
It’s hard to believe that it has been a few weeks since we were enjoying the last day of biking the Bordeaux Wine Tour. High praise for all that you did to insure that our holiday would be memorable with beautiful routes among the vineyards and top-notch accommodations. Art and I knew the tour would be hilly and we were physically prepared; all 27 speeds on the bikes were definitely used! Our cardiorespiratory systems were exercised and the hard climbs were rewarded by exciting downhill runs. We even sneaked in a little “cross training”, aka walking, on a few hills :-) Art and I encourage you not to make any changes to the tour’s hotel/B&B selections. Unlike Ann and Fred’s assessment of the location of Le Manoir de Gaboria, we were very pleased with the quiet and peaceful surroundings that this beautiful B&B offered after a rigorous day of cycling. And Emilie is a warm and gracious hostess and an absolutely amazing cook. We enjoyed discovering the unique charms of Bordeaux, Saint Macaire and Saint Emilion and feel fortunate that we could explore by bike this (new-to-us) region of fabulous France.
United States
this tour has been all kinds of wonderful!! Everything has gone smoothly. The bike and GPS are working great. I love the routes! I loved the stay in Camiran, I love how cozy and ‘cultural’ it was! The hosts were very kind and served great food. I like how I got to stay there 2 nights and had a loop bike ride. Makes me feel a bit more settled, I think it’s great that you guys do that. Thank you for organizing this all for me! It’s quite a nice experience for me after booking all of my own stuff for this 2 month Europe trip I’m currently on.
United States
This was the highlight of out trip to France. 8 days of easy cycling in a beautiful part of France and stunning hotels.
United States
This was our 14th self-directed cycling tour in Western Europe. Three of us were in our mid to late 60s, two were in their 40s and one was 30. The nuts and bolts: The booking of the tour was straight forward and efficient. The materials were informative and quite useful. The bikes were virtually new, solid Scott hybrids. The luggage was moved expeditiously. The map books were detailed and easy to use. The route was a bit more challenging than we expected. There were a lot of ups and downs. That said, the scenery was gorgeous. Our one suggestion is that the day 3 itinerary shoud indicate an shorter option for those wishing it. (We constructed our own.) The lodgings were first rate. Almost all were renovated stone buildings with modern bathrooms and WiFi. The beds were very comfortable. Where provided, the dinners were quite good. The innkeepers were friendly and helpful. Ste. Emillion had excellent restaurants. Recommendation - go online in advance and get a reservation at one of Bordeaux's Michelin starred restaurants.
United States
We had a great trip - the weather improved spectacularly and the scenery was really great. The only major thing I'd like to signal is that for the Sainte-Gemme to Saint-Émilion stage the GPS route was different from the roadbook one. But at the end it was great. Thanks
United States
Discover France is a very organized tour planner. On a self-guided tour you have to be resourceful and flexible. Every day is an adventure. Riding on open roads is different than spin class, so its best to get a few open road rides before you arrive. Also, most of us trained riding around 60 miles a week. They email you a pdf document of the itinerary about 2 weeks ahead. It includes the hotel contact info, recommended restaurants and museums along the way, when to purchase lunch in the morning for the day's ride. Upon orientation they provide a garmond and cue sheet. As others have noted, they provide an excellent orientation. They go over how to change a flat, the garmond, the bike route, and make sure you are comfortable on your bike. After one day of riding, we had one group member switch out to an e-bike for an extra fee. Most of our six day tour the garmond route matched up with the written cue sheet provided. Garmond was much more reliable though. They gave us enough batteries. The bike came with a front handlebar pouch/rain cover and pannier with rain cover, water bottle and holder. Also an extra tube and tire changing tools and bike lock. I brought a mirror to attach to my bike. Some of us brought our own helmets, others used theirs which were fine. For the most part, the bikes worked out fine. We had a couple of issues though. One group member's brakes broke and they replaced it with a new bike within 24 hours. Another member's gear shifts were skipping and they switched out the bike. We were on a
Gillman
United States
We had a wonderful time on our bike tour. The countryside was beautiful. There were a few more big hills than we expected but we welcomed the challenge. The bikes worked well-heavy but we all liked the shock absorbers on the bikes. We would recommend providing each group with a good bike pump. The ones provided were difficult to use and did not pump well. We loved all the places we stayed. We especially liked the Les Feuilles d'Acanthe and Manoir de Gaboria. The dinner prepared by the sisters who own Les Feuilles d'Acanthe was probably our favorite meal on the bike tour, and Emilie, the proprietor of Manoir de Gaboria, was lovely.
Canada
We had a great trip and want to do another one. Bordeaux is beautiful. The accommodations were all fantastic. Everyone was friendly and expecting us (a worry when you travel like this). Bikes were really good except the tires were quite bald and yes, we had a flat tire. But we got it fixed with the equipment you supplied. The luggage transfers went without incident and are a great relief when you are traveling. Tony did a great job briefing us and giving us confidence that everything was organized. The routes were terrific. Mostly easy riding with just enough hills to keep you huffing and puffing a couple of times per day. The Abricotier location was terrific. Staff were friendly. The meal was Michelin great. The main thing for us was that everyone took in our bikes without a problem. The combination of GPS and printed directions is a good strategy. Over the course of 4 days there were a few times where one of them was dead wrong, but a little common sense usually prevailed. For example, the road out of St. Macaire is closed for construction. We needed some experience and a bit of luck to figure that one out.
Canada
We enjoyed the tour! The weather was abnormally rainy for Bordeaux region this time of year, we heard from several people. But we were pretty lucky in how little wet we actually got. We loved the hotel in Saint Macaire, with a lovely director /hostess, and great rooms. And the dinner there was amazing. Wandering around Saint Macaire was our favorite of the towns. Florian and Emilie and their estate in St Gemme were great! Good dinners, friendly hosts, and a wonderful estate- we really enjoyed having a couple quiet days in the countryside, balancing nicely the Saint Emilion touristy town. The bikes were rather like tanks - pretty heavy. But once you got them going they rolled pretty well. And the panniers were essential, to hold those wine and baguettes... The routes were generally good- we especially liked the really tiny roads. Initially we didn't think we'd need to use the GPS much, but it was good to have it, as the paper directions were often confusing. The directions had too many steps to weed through, too many Straight Ons. It seemed like no one had actually biked the routes to know what they were like and what information you need to know for directions on a bike. It was great to have those small roads you found though. Thanks for your help in planning the trip -We enjoyed it!
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions