France
Cycling Bordeaux’s Vineyards: Scenic Routes for the Adventurous
Pedal through Bordeaux to discover rolling vineyards, sleepy villages and cities whose ancient landmarks date back 2,000 years – all at your own pace.
Bordeaux: a region made for two-wheeled discoveries
There’s nothing quite like exploring by bike, a method of travel synonymous with freedom that allows you to take in the sights, sounds and scents of your surroundings on a more visceral level. The city and wine-growing region of Bordeaux is often considered a cyclist’s dream destination. Why? It offers 1,182 kilometres of cycle paths criss-crossing gentle hills studded with ancient settlements and world-famous vineyards. Bordeaux cycling routes invite visitors to immerse themselves in a wine-making heritage that dates back to Roman times – all while avoiding imbibing and driving. Discover approximately 60 different appellations and more than 6,000 châteaux as well as Bordeaux landmarks ranging from cutting-edge viticulture museums to hushed Franciscan cloisters.
Top tip: When choosing bike-friendly hotels in Bordeaux, keep an eye out for the Accueil Vélo label. This certification guarantees that your hotel is within 5 kilometres of a cycle route and has useful amenities such as a bicycle repair kit and secure storage.
Bordeaux city cycling
You don’t have to venture outside the provincial capital for a memorable Bordeaux bike excursion. There are 200 kilometres of designated cycle paths within the city itself, where sights as diverse as glass-encased wine museum La Cité du Vin and famous foodie destination Marché des Capucins await. Many of the loveliest routes focus on the banks of the Garonne River. One particular favourite starts and ends at the iconic Place de la Bourse, taking in both banks of the river in a loop that crosses the ultra-modern Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas and the historic, multi-arched Pont de Pierre. Alternatively, you can ride from Place de la Bourse northwest to Bordeaux-Lac, an idyllic spot complete with a sandy beach, an ecological reserve and abundant watersports.
How long are these Bordeaux cycling routes? The first is just 9 kilometres while the second is 23 kilometres. For cycling accommodations in Bordeaux itself, consider Accueil Vélo-certified Mercure Bordeaux-Lac with its pool, secret garden terrace and plentiful family rooms; or Mercure Bordeaux Gare Atlantic, housed in a former bourgeois residence in lively Saint John. The former is ideally situated for cycling around the lake, while the latter is located just across from the train station for travel to other cycle routes across the region.
Bordeaux to Saint Émilion
If you have time for a bike tour beyond the city limits, consider an adventure to Saint-Émilion – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fabled red wine-making region on the right bank of the Dordogne. The route from Bordeaux is approximately 50 kilometres. It follows the Roger Lapébie cycle path (an amazing, flat road that extends on to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne) out of the city before transitioning on to quiet back roads to reach hilltop Saint-Émilion. It's one of the most scenic cycling routes for exploring Bordeaux’s captivating vineyards, stopping at a multitude of estates with open-door tasting rooms.
Once you reach your destination, don’t miss Eglise Monolithe de Saint-Émilion with its catacombs and historic frescoes; or the Cloître des Cordeliers, a 14th-century monastery that produces a fine, sparkling Crémant. We also recommend stopping at the bar in Mercure Libourne Saint Emilion Hotel, where you'll find the best of local wines and nibbles.
Bordeaux to Médoc
Can’t get enough of the Bordeaux vineyards? This 29-kilometre wine route starts and ends at Blanquefort train station in the north of the city and takes you on a journey through the Médoc wine region on the left bank of the Gironde. You’ll pass by the gates of six grand châteaux, including the gorgeous, pink-hued Château Saint Ahon with its family-friendly garden trail and boutique wine shop; and turreted Château d’Agassac, one of the oldest in the Médoc region.
Insider tip: If your adventure coincides with a Thursday, be sure to stop in at the Nadalié cooperage for a workshop experience designed to give you an insight into the age-old tradition of barrel-making.
Canal des Deux Mers
For serious road biking enthusiasts with the time to pursue the ultimate cycling adventure in Bordeaux and beyond, there’s always the Canal des Deux Mers. This 800-kilometre route traverses the country from Royan on the Atlantic coast to Sète on the Mediterranean coast. The entire route takes at least a week to complete; however, there’s nothing to stop you from choosing a section according to your time and interests. The stretches between Royan and Bordeaux or Bordeaux and Toulouse are particularly beautiful, following the Gironde estuary and the Canal de Garonne respectively.
Bringing or hiring a bike
Bringing your bike to France for your Bordeaux cycle tour is easy enough if you’re driving. Alternatively, you can book space for your bike on the Eurostar although it will need to be disassembled and packed in a box or bag. Airline rules (and fees) vary. Bordeaux bike rental is sometimes an easier option. In the city itself, more than 2,000 V3 bikes are available for rent at stations across the metropolitan area. They’re free for subscribers for up to 30 minutes at a time, and from €1 per hour thereafter. You’ll also find bike rental shops throughout the region while guided Bordeaux cycle tour companies like Bordeaux Bike Experience include rental in their prices.
Final planning considerations
We recommend spring and autumn for your Bordeaux cycling holiday, when the roads are quieter than in summer and the weather is fair but not too hot. Staying safe also means ensuring your bike is in good working order, wearing a helmet, packing a pump and puncture repair kit and of course, plenty of water and sun protection. You’ll also need a welcoming place to stay at the end of each day.
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