Cycling in France - Bordeaux from Garonne to Bay of Arcachon

Bordeaux from Garonne to Bay of Arcachon

Freedom Holiday

Self Guided

Grading

7 days/6 nights

Price - £705pp

Tour Code FR019

Restaurant in Bordeaux region France This cycling tour is based south from Bordeaux, in the vineyard region of Graves and Sauternes and “Bassin d’Arcachon” (Bay of Arcachon). The Bay of Arcachon is a haven for outdoor-lovers with pine forests, sand dunes, chic towns, historic oyster-farming villages, and some lovely cycle trails to discover it all by.

On the way you will have time to sample some red wines, dry white wines and sweet white wines. You will also find some of the local specialities - le boeuf de Bazas, lamprey à la bordelaise, cannelés, oysters from Arcachon. It might be the historic buildings that attract you such the Château de la Brède, Château d’Yquem, Château de Roquetaillade and Bazas’ Cathédral or you might like to rest a while on the Dunes of Pyla.

This is a gentle tour designed for relaxation and soaking up the French atmosphere. Also suitable for families.

Includes

6 nights in 2 star hotels and charming B&B’s
6 x breakfast
Bike hire
Luggage transfer
Maps and route information
Boat transfer on Day 6 to Cap Ferret

Excludes

Flights
Cycling helmets

Optional extras

Insurance £22pp
Single supplement £450
Half board £190pp
Child reductions available when sharing room with parents: 0-1 years (free), 2-3 years (40%), 4 - 11 years (20%)
Supplement for child trailer or tagalong £80

How to get there

Fly to Bordeaux with Easyjet, BMIbaby, BA

Departure Dates in 2010 - Mondays to Saturdays from March to October

To book this holiday CLICK HERE

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Martillac

Arrival in picturesque Martillac, surrounded by vineyards, just a 15-minute drive from Bordeaux Airport or city center. There is a welcome meeting in the afternoon

Day 2: Martillac to Barsac, 19 miles (30km)

You will start your cycling tour by leaving Martillac in the direction of La Brède, but do not forget to visit the château where Montesquieu was born. Then you will cross the vineyard of Graves through the villages of Saint Morillon and Saint Michel de Rieufret. You will arrive in Barsac, famous for its dessert wines, the city situated between the area of white wine production of Graves and sweet wines of Sauternes.

Day 3: Barsac to Bazas, 20 miles (32km)

This day is a Sauternes discovery day - you will cross some of the most prestigious vineyards such as Châteaux d’Yquem, Suduiraut, and Guiraud. On your way you will also see a castle dating from the middle ages - Château de Roquetaillade. On your arrival in Bazas, do not forget to visit the cathedral dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries, now part of UNESCO’s heritage sights.

Day 4: Bazas to Salles, 37 miles (60km)

You will leave Bazas and join the cycle path that leads you to Arcachon Bay. On the way you can relax by the lake of Hostens, situated in the middle of the forest in Natural Parc of Landes de Gascogne. You will stop in Salles for the night.

Day 5: Salles to Arcachon, 19 miles (30km)

After breakfast, you will head along the cycle path to the Bay of Arcachon. From Salles to Mios you will be following the Eyre river as it flows north into the Bay of Arcachon. You will see on your way the Le Teich ornithological park, a nature reserve for wild birds.

Day 6: Loop around the Bay of Arcachon, 37 miles (60km)

From Arcachon, you will be transferred with your bikes to Cap Ferret by boat. Today you will be able to appreciate the charm of oyster-farming villages that make this area so famous. Do not hesitate to taste some oysters on the way.

Day 7: Departure from Archachon