Itinerary
After you arrive in Bordeaux (at the train station or airport) and settle in to your hotel, in the heart of the historic city, our Trip Manager will meet with you, check the fitting of your bikes, and go over your trip packages with you. You’ll want to take some time to explore Bordeaux itself. This port city, that has been the centre of the Bordeaux wine trade since the 8th century, and its historic centre is also a UNESCO heritage site, with its 18th century stunning architectural facades, and the fully restored Port des Lunes. We leave you to find dinner in one of the dozens of excellent restaurants.
Your ride today starts in the elegant Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, and follows the easygoing and tranquil “Roger Lapebie” bike path, in the heart of the Entre Deux Mers vineyards, passing a multitude of pretty villages, with pretty Romanesque churches and chapels, fortified mills, abbeys… You will pass by the village of Créon, a bastided town typical of the region, where we encourage you to take some time for explorations. The end of the day has you leave the path, and cross over the Dordogne River in Branne, to make your way to St Emilion. This beautiful Medieval walled small town, and the countryside and vineyards which surround it, have been uniquely classified as a World Heritage ensemble by UNESCO. Your dinner this evening is included, in one of our favourite restaurants.
Your riding today is a loop that is purposely shorter, in order to give you time for St Emilion itself. Head out of the mediaval town and into the countryside and famous vineyards which surround it, starting into the area to the northwest in the Pomerol region. The Pomerol area is tiny, but the small production of essentially Merlot wines is renowned around the world today, and not only because of its star, the wines from Petrus, which of course you’ll ride by – as well as Chateaux Canon, Beausejour Becot, Angelus (with its iconic bells), and the vineyards of Cheval Blanc and Figeac… Even if you are not a wine connaisseur, you’ll love the truly beautiful riding, on tiny roads and interlaced with ancient stone walls and the lush vineyard greenery and chateaux themselves. Then back to St Emilion, with time for exploring, including the incredible underground church, entirely carved into the rock (its construction extracted over 15,000 cubic metres of rock!) and its catacombs, as well as the Romanesque church and the winding cobblestoned streets and houses.
Today’s ride leaves the vineyards of St Emilion, and rides parallel to the pretty and lush Dordogne River on its southern bank, most of the day. You cross the river at Castillon-la-Bataille, where we recommend you take a break from your ride. Wander the charming streets of this little town with its unusual Baroque Church, the 13th century town gate, and very pretty 18th century city hall, overlooking the river. We provide a self-guided walking tour to help in your explorations. Take time for a refreshing drink (or discover the quite enjoyable Cotes de Castillon wines!) before continuing on. The end of your ride brings you to the Bastide town of Ste Foy la Grande, with its rich heritage of 15th and 16th century houses and its beautiful central arcaded square. (please note the Deluxe itinerary stays in nearby Chateau de Vigiers)
Your route today starts again parallel to the Dordogne River for a stretch, but then after passing through the small town of Garonne, you turn inland, heading through pretty countryside, and a mix of vineyards and fields and forest. Then detour back to the banks of the Dordogne River, into the town of Bergerac. The highlight of explorations of Bergerac is the old town neighbourhood, with lovely medieval streets and squares to explore, and a variety of boutiques – we provide a map and walk to follow. It centres around Place Pelissiere, edged with cafes and restaurants and always full of flowers. At the top edge is the St James church with its attractive bell-tower. Don’t miss the Maison de Vins de Bergerac in a beautiful old cloister dating back to the 12th century, as well as the quite interesting National Tobacco Museum. (the region was a large tobacco-growing area).
After Bergerac, continue on your last stretch to the lovely Chartreuse de Bignac, nestled in the countryside. (please note the Classic itinerary stays in Bergerac itself).
A truly pretty ride through the slightly rolling countryside from Bignac awaits you for your final day. The ride brings you by the welcoming Chateau de Bridoire – a privately owned castle (the owners still live there) with beautifully furnished rooms to visit, as well as a vast park; be sure not to miss explorations in the labyrinth! The route continues from there through more and more vineyards to bring you into the village of Monbazillac. The town is quite pretty, with its church and small local restaurants and cafés, but it’s renown comes from the delicious sweet wines that are made there. Stop for a visit and tasting at the Chateau Monbazillac, or any of the neighbouring local winemakers, before continuing onwards to return to your hotel for your final evening.
After a final breakfast at the hotel there are easy connections out of the Bergerac train station for your further travels. Bon Voyage !
What's included
- 6 nights’ accommodation of the comfort level of your choice * CLASSIC, CLASSIC+ or DELUXE
- Hotel taxes
- All breakfasts, 3 dinners (drinks not included with the dinners)
- Fully equipped quality touring bike **
- Orientation with our Trip Manager
- Detailed maps and step-by-step route notes
- Regional information and advice
- Uploadable GPS file of the route to use on a free APP in your smartphone ***
- Transfer to Bergerac train station at the end of the trip on the Classic+ and Deluxe itineraries
- Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel
- Phone call support 7 days a week
* Price based on double room occupancy – please contact us for details on single room supplements
** road bikes and e-bikes also available for a supplement upon request
*** Can be used without international internet plan (offline)
Hotel Details
Classic Tour
1530 € / pers.
1 Night
Hotel de la Presse – Bordeaux
2 Nights
Auberge de la Commanderie – Saint Emilion
1 Night
Grand Hotel de Sainte Foy – Sainte Foy la Grande
2 Nights
Hotel de Bordeaux – Bergerac
Classic + Tour
1990 € / pers.
1 Night
Grand Hotel Francais – Bordeaux
2 Nights
Logis des Remparts – Saint Emilion
1 Night
Chateau des Vigiers – Classic Room – Monestier
2 Nights
La Chartreuse du Bignac – Classic room – Near Bergerac
Deluxe Tour
2890 € / pers.
1 Night
Le Palais Gallien – Bordeaux
2 Nights
Hotel de Pavie – Saint Emilion
1 Night
Chateau des Vigiers – Prestige Room – Monestier
2 Nights
La Chartreuse du Bignac – Deluxe room – Near Bergerac
Our bikes
The high quality, light touring bike is the default bike included on the tour. It is perfectly suited to riding with lots of stops for explorations.
Upon request, and for a supplement, you can have a road bike or a pedal-assist electric bike – contact us for details.
All our touring bikes come equipped with removable handlebar bag with clear map case, flat tire kit (with extra inner tube), pump, lock, rear rack and back panniers, water bottle holder and new water bottle, bell and kickstand.
Ahead of the tour, we will ask you if you wish to use our helmets, and if you want toe cages on the pedals (both free of charge).
Each of our regions has its own bike fleet, often with a couple of different bike makes depending on sizing – if you want to know the specific bike details for your tour, just contact us, and we’ll be happy to send you the specs!
TOURING BIKE - men's frame (included in trip cost)
TOURING BIKE - women's Frame (included in trip cost)
E-bike - men's frame (supplement charge)
E-bike - women's frame (supplement charge)
Road (racing) bike (supplement charge)