Cycling The Grand Crus of Bordeaux

Experience Overview

Smell the delicate and fruity fragrances spreading from the famous wine properties bearing suggestive names, and dream about the glorious & turbulent past of the old properties you will cross. The vines of Bordeaux are some of the most famous in the world. Blaye, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, 'Entre deux mer' : these are prestigious appellations and terroirs that you will explore. The diversity of the wine-growing districts allows for the production of many different types of wines such as reds, dry or sweet whites, roses, light reds and sparkling whites. The Bordeaux vineyards include 6,000 chateaux, historic villages, medieval cities, archeological sites and ancient Roman churches. The winegrowers open up their vineyards for wine tastings, wine courses and numerous cultural and gourmet discoveries. Unbottle the Bordeaux vineyards and take off on a spirited discovery of this iconic wine-growing region.
Profile
— 5 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
At a Glance
— 5 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Trip For You
Activity Level: 2 (Moderate)Average daily distance: 55kmNo. of days cycling: 4Terrain and route: The route takes you through quiet country lanes, through vineyards on well marked paths and sleepy villages. Well marked cycling paths are also used throughout. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested the minimum age for this trip is 8yrs as we feel they will be able to ride the bikes we have to offer and complete the route. These are all subject to availability, and therefore we ask that you enquire about these on booking. Please note due to the size of the bikes and distanced required to cycle, this trip is not appropriate for children aged under 15. As a guide we have suggested that 15yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please bear in mind the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be very high in the middle of summer.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
In Bordeaux, wine and gastronomy are an essential part of local heritage. They are inseparable from Bordeaux’s unique art de vivre. Blessed by the richness of its vineyards and enjoying proximity to the ocean, Arcachon Bay, and the estuary, Bordeaux is one of France’s culinary havens. Bordeaux and its surrounding regions offer a feast of delights for wine and food lovers. Do not miss to taste the local speciality, a canelé, a tiny vanilla and rum-flavoured cake that looks like a miniature fluted jelly mould. The inside is spongy and the outside is a delicate caramelised crust. Locals eat them for breakfast, elevenses, lunch and dinnertime, and they can even be paired with Bordeaux wine.
Joining Instructions
Flight InclusiveAir-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers Business/club/first class seats are available on request. Land OnlyStandard transfers Alternative transfersIf you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge). Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Weather Information
In Bordeaux, the summers are comfortable and partly cloudy which makes it ideal for cycling. The winters are very cold, windy, and mostly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -0°C to 25°C and is rarely below -7°C or above 31°C. The hottest month is July with daily average temperatures being around 24°C
Spending Money
— Lunches can cost from €6-12 depending on the size of lunch and the establishment you choose. Dinners can cost €20-35 for a set menu or a la carte meal. If you will be ordering wine with meals, please add extra for this.

Highlights