Self-Guided: Bordeaux And The Atlantic Coast: France Cycling Holiday

Discover the vineyards of the Medoc
Cycle round the largest natural lake in France
Relax in beautiful coastal towns

The Gironde Estuary is formed by the meeting of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and, after flowing for over 80km, it makes its grand entrance into the Atlantic Ocean by the historic lighthouse of Cordouan. On this peninsula the Bordeaux vineyards have been growing for centuries around an array of prestigious architecture and undiscovered nature.

We begin cycling from the peaceful harbour town of Pauillac through the diverse landscape of the Medoc passing the world famous wine growing chateaux of Margaux and Lamarque. After reaching the northern tip of the peninsula at Soulac-sur-Mer, there is a wealth of unspoilt landscape to discover; a submerged Bronze Age village, Roman remains and the modern day route of the Camino de Santiago.

The ride then heads south through marshland, dunes, pine forests and the largest natural lake in France at Carcans before returning to the charming harbour of Pauillac.

What makes this trip responsible?

Cycling is a fantastic way to travel while minimising your impact on the environment. Pedalling under your own steam we help the economy of the small villages and communities that we pass through and we use a local operator who employs local staff and uses small, family run hotels.

Take the Train

Here at Exodus we feel the need to offer our clients an alternative to air travel within Europe and to destinations where taking the train can be a viable alternative to flying.

Working in cooperation with Rail Europe, our sales team will be happy to reserve your seats and tickets can be booked 3 months prior right up until the day of departure, subject to availability. Suggested train times and further information can be found within the Trip Notes.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France

Day 1

Start Pauillac.

Day 2

Ride a circular loop through the vineyards of the Medoc, home to some of the most famous wines in the world.

Day 3

Head northward along the Gironde Estuary, reaching the lovely seaside town of Soulac-sur-Mer on the Atlantic Coast.

Day 4

Free day. There is the option for an easier ride to Montalivet Les Bains with the opportunity to relax by the beach or swim in the ocean. Alternatively, cycle north to Cordouan Lighthouse, a Renaissance masterpiece and the oldest lighthouse in France.

Day 5

Cycle south through pine forests and beside the Atlantic to the village of Hourtin.

Day 6

Hourtin is situated in the heart of the Medoc. The ride today is a circuit of the Lac d'Hourtin-Carcans, which extends from north to south for 18km and is part of the Great Lakes Landes.

Day 7

We leave the coast behind and ride east, returning to Pauillac and the Gironde Estuary.

Day 8

End Pauillac.

Want to see more?

Trip Notes contain all the detailed information you need. A full day by day itinerary, accommodation details, guides and other practical information. Download Now

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Exodus images from BORDEAUX AND THE ATLANTIC COAST

Note: Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.

$Lac d\'Hourtin, Bordeaux, France$

Cordouan Lighthouse, Soulac Sur Mer, France

Cyclists looking out to sea, Bordeaux