Bordeaux Bicycle Tour Itinerary

Day One: Coubeyrac

Rouse your palate with the region’s finest sparkling wine as we toast your arrival at Château de Sanse, in peaceful Gensac. After a bike fitting, safety talk and map review, we’ll spin alongside the Dordogne River on a loop ride through Pessac-sur-Dordogne. We’ll stop for a visit with our friend Roger who has turned his old watermill and bakery into a fascinating winery. He will explain his passion for wine as well as how to properly taste Bordeaux wine. Back at the château, relax by the pool or take in the fabulous terrace views of the Gensac vineyards. For this evening’s dinner we have a warm invitation to the hotel's elegant restaurant where our hosts will treat us to a savory feast with herbs, vegetables and other fresh seasonal fare.

Meal: Dinner
Destinations visited: Gensac, Pessac-sur-Dordogne
Distance cycled: 14.6 km / 9 miles

Day Two: Blasimon

After an outdoor breakfast on the terrace, we’ll pedal through the vineyards of Entre-Deux-Mers that run as far as the eye can see. This area is steeped with feudal history dating back to the 3rd century B.C. Beyond the elegant stone churches and charming French cottages, we'll arrive in medieval Blasimon. A gourmet picnic at the base of the sinking abbey will rejuvenate us for more riding - through Mauriac, Listrac and Coubeyrac – with stops along the way for photos. Before dinner, your guides will take you to the Chateau Carbonneau for a visit and tasting with Jacuie,  Wilfred and their friendly Bernese Mountain dogs. After an invigorating day of indulging your senses, a fresh, homemade dinner in the Château Carbonneau's own dining room will be prepared for you by your hosts.

Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Doulezon, Ruch, Blasimon, Mauriac, Listrac, Coubeyrac & Gensac
Distance cycled: 34.8 km / 21.5 miles

Day Three: Gensac – Crossing over the Dordogne to St. Emilion

Today’s ride takes us down a long descent to finally cruise alongside the Dordogne River. Pass by kiwi trees and fishermen looking for a catch on this calm meandering river. After crossing over the river via historic Castillon-la-Bataille, we will arrive at the medieval city of St. Emilion. This breathtaking destination is home to an astounding monolithic church that was carved by Benedictine monks out of a single slab of stone (truly a remarkable sight!) Upon arrival, we will taste the famous St. Emilion wines at one of our favorite estates. Lunch is at the café of your choice (the main square has ample options) followed by “wine school,” where you will really develop your inner sommelier. End the afternoon with a café au lait and one of the town’s trademark macaroons, or stroll and shop along the cobbled streets. The next three nights will be spent at the Château Grand Barrail Hotel and Spa, settled among St. Emilion’s picturesque Grand Cru Classé vineyards. The Grand Barrail is an exquisite example of the art of warm hospitality and you will experience this in full form at dinner tonight. 

Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Flaujageus, St. Magne, St. Christophe, Castillon & St. Emilion
Distance cycled: 30.2 km / 18.7 miles

Day Four: Pomerol & St. Emilion

Delight in a leisurely breakfast, explore the extensive and picturesque grounds of your luxurious château, then climb onto your bike and prepare for a fantastic day of cycling. Famed for its wonderful green stretches and rich vineyards, the region has ideal terrain for biking. We’ll cycle by some of the most important estates in Pomerol and St. Emilion: Cheval Blanc, Château Figeac, Petrus, Ausone and more. We will taste the wines of Chateau Figeac or Petrus' neighbor to the east, Château Gazin. Enjoy a tasting at Moulin de Langet, one of the only four organic vineyards in all of St. Emilion, where we’ll relax with a gourmet picnic. This lovely estate is the perfect place to see the process of winemaking on a small scale. We will then cycle back to the hotel where you can spend the day shopping in town or being pampered at the spa. The night will be yours to dine at any of the outstanding St.Emilion restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic
Destinations visited: Pomerol, Bertin, Montagne & St. Emilion
Distance cycled: 21.1 km / 13 miles

Day Five: Margaux & Paulliac

A morning drive will take us to Paulliac, Margaux and St. Estephe in the Médoc region for a day of tasting some of the region’s most famed wines. We’ll see the vineyards of Medoc: the famous Château Margaux, Château Palmer, Château Mouton-Rothschild, Château Latour and many others. We'll visit Chateau Palmer or Chateau Lynch Bages as well as another surprise Grand wine estate. Today’s wine tasting extravaganza will be a truly epic experience. We will return to the hotel by van and then cap off the week with an elegant dinner in town.

Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner
Destinations visited: Paulliac, Margaux, St. Estephe

Day Six: St Emilion - Libourne

After breakfast, feel free to enjoy a final stroll around the grounds before we drive back to Libourne, where you can say goodbye to the fabulous region however you see fit.

Meal: Breakfast
Accomplished: Total Satisfaction!

TRIP TOTAL:
100 KM/ 62 MILES, averaging 25 km/ 15.5 miles per day. Optional longer rides available each day.

Additional Bordeaux Information

Where do we rendezvous on day one of the Bordeaux bicycle trip?
Your two DuVine guides will meet you at the Libourne the train station on the first morning of the tour. Please contact your DuVine tour coordinator at least 60 days prior to your trip to finalize all pre-& post-travel plans you have or wish to make.

Where does the Bordeaux bicycle trip finish?
We will depart the hotel in the late morning for the Libourne train to Paris, or any other destination.

How should I go about making my travel plans?
DuVine Adventures is a full service tour operator and it is our pleasure to assist you with all aspects of upcoming travel plans. Whether you are looking for a suggestion for a hotel in Paris or assistance with your rail tickets, simply call us at 888-396-5383 or 617-776-4441 or you can email us at info@duvine.com.

What is the weather going to be like in Bordeaux?
From May through September, average temperatures in Bordeaux range in the 70’s and 80’s Fahrenheit. Typically it is sunny, but be prepared with the proper rain gear.

What is not included on my Bordeaux bicycle trip?
Airfare to and from the trip, accommodations before and after the trip, gratuities for guides, and incidentals along the way.

How should I tip my DuVine guides?
If you appreciate the service your DuVine Adventures guides provide, we recommend each guest provide a gratuity of anywhere from 150 to 200 euros per guide.

What travel documents will I need for my bike trip?
All travelers to France are required to have a valid passport. Please make 2 copies of your passport and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate general for entry requirements.

How should I get in DuVine shape?
The best way to prepare for your DuVine bicycle trip is to spend some time on the saddle. We understand that you might be limited in the amount of riding you can do, but try to engage in some type of cardiovascular activity. As you prepare for your trip, try to bicycle some hills and some flat stretches - the kind of terrain that you will find on your Bordeaux bicycle tour. We have different options to ride every day, and of course great van support.

How should I pack?
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Complete your DuVine luggage tag with your name, address and phone number. Try not to over pack; you will not wear all your clothing! A suggested packing list is enclosed.