The Gironde Estuary Cycling Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux – Transfer to Pian-Médoc
You will arrive at Bordeaux train station or airport and be transferred by taxi to Pian-Médoc. You will receive your welcome pack, route materials and bicycle at your 3-star hotel. The evening is free to settle in and explore the surroundings.

Day 2: Pian-Médoc – Margaux (25–40 km; +55 m)
You will set off along the legendary Châteaux Road, riding through the prestigious appellations of Margaux, Haut-Médoc and Moulis-en-Médoc. Grand estates and vine-clad landscapes will accompany you all day. You will spend the night in a charming guesthouse among the vineyards and enjoy dinner featuring local cuisine.

Day 3: Margaux – Pauillac area (50–60 km; +120 m)
You will pedal deeper into the Médoc, passing the archaeological site of Brion, the Château de Castéra, the Abbey of Vertheuil and Fort Médoc built by Vauban. The route follows the famous Road of the Châteaux toward Pauillac, home to 18 Grands Crus Classés including Latour and Lafite Rothschild. Dinner and overnight in a charming guesthouse surrounded by vineyards.

Day 4: Pauillac area – Royan (55–60 km; +45 m)
You will ride to the tip of the Médoc peninsula through wild marshlands where migratory birds find sanctuary. Tiny fishing ports like Saint-Christoly evoke the Camargue. You will pass the Richard Lighthouse, cross through the seaside town of Soulac, then board the ferry across the Gironde Estuary to Royan on the Charente-Maritime shore.

Day 5: Royan – Mortagne-sur-Gironde (35 km; +185 m)
You will explore the Royannais coastline, visiting the medieval village of Talmont-sur-Gironde perched above the water, the cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs of Meschers, and the Estuary Park. You will ride through Saint-Seurin-d'Uzet, the former caviar capital, before arriving in Mortagne-sur-Gironde, where Pineau and Cognac vineyards begin. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse opposite the port.

Day 6: Mortagne-sur-Gironde – Soubran (35–45 km; +200–300 m)
You will leave the estuary banks and head inland through Cognac and Pineau estates near Saint-Dizant-du-Gua. Winding roads will take you past old windmills, sunflower fields and stately châteaux. You will rejoin the estuary via quiet marsh lanes, approaching the Côtes de Blaye and Côtes de Bourg vineyards. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse in Soubran.

Day 7: Soubran – Bourg-sur-Gironde (50–60 km; +150 m)
You will follow the estuary to Blaye and its imposing Vauban citadel dominating the water. Then you will ride the scenic Corniche Fleurie lined with palm trees and laurels toward Bourg-sur-Gironde, a beautifully preserved hilltop village. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you will be transferred to Saint-André-de-Cubzac train station for your onward journey.