Medoc Vineyard Cycle
6 Days Starting and ending in Bordeaux, France
Visiting: Bordeaux, Margaux, Pauillac, Lacanau
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MVC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Medoc Vineyard Cycle tour and experience the breathtaking landscapes of France's Medoc region. This self-guided cycling adventure takes you through renowned wine chateaux, hidden vineyards, and scenic marshlands, all the way to the French coast. Enjoy the charm of traditional and modern accommodations in 3-star hotels and guesthouses, with private facilities. Delight in 5 continental breakfasts and 2 dinners featuring regional specialties. Your journey includes hybrid rental bikes, luggage transfers, and arrival and departure transfers from Bordeaux. Explore the archaeological site of Brion, the Chateau of Castera, and cycle through the picturesque "Green Way" of Lacanau Ocean. This tour is perfect for those seeking a blend of nature, culture, and exquisite wine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Bordeaux And Transfer To Pian Medoc
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Traditional 18-bedroom house
On arrival at Bordeaux's train station or airport you will be transferred to Pian Medoc and your hotel. Here you will receive your welcome pack containing tourist information, maps and an itinerary. Your accommodation tonight is a traditional 18-bedroom house with pool and extensive parkland.*
* Note that the accommodation description is for our first choice. If this hotel is not available we reserve the right to substitute a similar quality hotel or B&B.
Day 2 : Cycle Through The 'Medoc Rouge' To Moulis Or Margaux (25-38Km/15.5-23.5Mi)
Location: Margaux
Accommodation Name: Charming guesthouse in Moulis or Margaux
Meals Included: Dinner
Today's cycle takes you on the 'Road of the Chateaux' from Pian Medoc to Macau along the Gironde towards Margaux, Saint-Estephe and Moulis, where wine and spirit houses await you. You will cycle past vineyards and chateaux that are famous worldwide. Take the time to stop at the little harbours along the route, including St Julien, and imagine in times past the 'gabares' (flat-bottomed boats) that transported wine barrels to Bordeaux. As you head toward the estuary, the landscape is pleasant and diverse. Dinner and overnight in a charming guesthouse in Moulis or Margaux.
Approx: 55m ascent
Day 3 : Follow The 'Road Of The Chateaux' To Your Vineyard Guesthouse (50-60Km/31-37Mi)
Location: Pauillac
Accommodation Name: Charming guesthouse near Saint-Yzans
Today you will continue along the 'Road of the Chateaux', well known for its chateaux and wine, among hills covered with vineyards and across the marshes that separate them. You can discover the history of Medoc at the archaeological site of Brion in St Germain d'Esteuil, the Chateau of Castera, the Abbey of Vertheuil and at Vauban's Fort Medoc. Cycle to the capital of the Medoc, Pauillac. With its stellar wines - three of the First Growth chateaux are here - and with a charming harbour, this town is an unmissable destination. Continue to your charming guesthouse located among the vineyards near the village of Saint-Yzans.
Approx. 120m ascent
Day 4 : Cycle Towards The Coast, Continue Between Lake Hourtin And Lacanau Beach To Your Hotel (62Km/38Mi)
Location: Lacanau
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lacanau
After passing the marsh landscape you will reach an area between the lake and the ocean, then Hourtin beach, with its wide coast and dunes. Following marked paths you cycle across pine forest and some wild and protected territory with a diverse flora and fauna. The dunes shelter some vast natural freshwater lakes, and you cycle between the Hourtin lake, one of France's largest, and the coastal beaches. The Contaut lagoon, set within the nature reserve, is an ideal stop for a picnic lunch. From Carcans, the paths leads you to Lacanau and your hotel, located in the pine forest.
Approx. 200m ascent
Day 5 : Follow The Green Way And Return To Pian Medoc (53Km/32.8Mi)
Location: Lacanau
Accommodation Name: Same hotel as Day 1 in Pian Medoc
Your day starts in the natural landscape of forest and between the lake and picturesque beaches. The 'Green Way' of Lacanau Ocean was built on an old railway and goes straight through the forest, where the pine trees create a corridor that can be a little drafty if the wind is blowing from the sea. It's a beautiful and easy ride, and you can stop along the way in a shaded picnic area. At the end of the day you arrive back in Pian Medoc, at the same hotel as your first night, in the heart of the Medoc.
Approx. 60m ascent
Day 6 : Taxi To Airport Or Train Station In Bordeaux, Trip Concludes
Location: Bordeaux
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to Bordeaux's train station or airport.
What's Included
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Breakfasts and Dinners
5 continental breakfasts and 2 dinners featuring regional specialties.
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Accommodation
5 nights in 3-star hotels and charming guesthouses with private facilities on a twin share basis.
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Hybrid Rental Bike
Hybrid rental bike including lock, repair kit, helmet, handlebar bag, and pannier. E-bike available on request with a supplement.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer for 1 piece (maximum 20kg) plus 1 small daypack. Supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Information Pack
Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked plus smartphone GPS application.
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Arrival & Departure Transfer
Arrival and departure transfer between Bordeaux airport or station and your hotel.
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Emergency Hotline
Access to an emergency hotline.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Bordeaux
Travel to and from Bordeaux is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included, drinks, and a dinner package (available with a supplement).
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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E-bike Hire
E-bike hire is available with a supplement.
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Bike Theft Insurance
Bike theft insurance is not included; contact for details.
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Tour Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no tour guide is included.
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Single Room Supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not listed as included.
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Transfers Not Listed
Transfers not listed as included, including those by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
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Excess Luggage
Supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Handlebar Phone Holder
Handlebar phone holder for easier route following using the app is not included.
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Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
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Lunches and Dinners Not Included
Lunches, dinners not noted as included, and drinks (except in some guesthouses).
A dinner package is available with a supplement. -
Entrance Fees to Attractions
Entrance fees to museums, chateaux, parks, archaeological sites, and wine tastings are not included.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Grading
The cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycling distances from 25-65km/15.5-40.5mi over hilly terrain typical of river valleys. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. The journey alternates between following bicycle paths through forests and flat roads alongside streams and vineyards. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be worn
Mode of Transport
This tour includes hybrid rental bikes with lock, repair kit, helmet, handlebar bag, and pannier. Arrival and departure transfers between Bordeaux airport or station and your hotel are also provided.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights in 3-star hotels and charming guesthouses with private facilities, offering a mix of traditional and modern comforts in the heart of the Medoc region.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bikes are provided for the tour?
The tour includes hybrid rental bikes with a lock, repair kit, helmet, handlebar bag, and pannier. E-bikes are available on request with a supplement.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 5 continental breakfasts and 2 dinners featuring regional specialties. Lunches and other dinners are not included but a dinner package is available with a supplement.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay for 5 nights in 3-star hotels and charming guesthouses with private facilities, offering a mix of traditional and modern comforts in the heart of the Medoc region.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided for 1 piece of luggage (maximum 20kg) plus 1 small daypack. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?
Yes, you will have access to an emergency hotline during the tour.
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Are transfers to and from the airport or train station included?
Yes, arrival and departure transfers between Bordeaux airport or station and your hotel are included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package.
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Is a tour guide included in the package?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday, so no tour guide is included.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The cycling is moderate (3) grade with daily cycling distances from 25-65km/15.5-40.5mi over hilly terrain typical of river valleys. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.