A bike trip in Bordeaux has always been a dream of mine – and this past summer, that dream came to fruition! My husband and I spent five gorgeous days in Bordeaux, France, where we biked from the south of Bordeaux to the north, through miles and miles of vineyards, small French towns, and wineries, along the river Garonne. It was breathtakingly beautiful and one of the most fun trips I have ever been on. All the details are included below so you can plan your own bike trip in Bordeaux!
The Biking
We booked our bike trip in Bordeaux with Cyclomundo, a European bike tour company. The cost of the tour includes pick up and drop off from the Bordeaux train station, where we arrived from Paris, a different bed and breakfast every night to stay in, breakfast and dinner, hybrid bikes, and an app to guide you on your biking tour. The app is pretty amazing – it includes the route and features icons to show you where to stop along the way, including historical sites like forts and churches, restaurants and cafes, and the most charming and picturesque French villages and hamlets. We chose a bike trip in Bordeaux because the landscape is pretty flat, but you can choose different terrains and different daily lengths depending on the level of difficulty you are seeking. We went with a moderate ride, where the daily mileage ranged from 25 to 35 miles a day. This mileage took us most of the day, as we stopped frequently to admire the views, have a leisurely lunch, and make pit stops at cafes and wineries for a glass of wine.
The Bed and Breakfasts
Each bed and breakfast we stayed in was unique and charming! All of them included a swimming pool and gorgeous views of Bordeaux.
Hotel Le Pont Bernet: Our bike tour began at this small hotel. Upon checking in we indulged in some local wine in the lovely garden and then moved over to the venue’s restaurant. Since the dinner is included you will have a pre-fixed three-course meal. Ours included a silky cauliflower soup, a mushroom omelet with fresh greens and potatoes, and dessert. The locally foraged mushrooms were hearty and meaty, and the bread was warm and chewy. The food was even better with the bold Bordeaux wine that accompanied it. The rooms were small but comfortable, and the location was great for beginning our bike ride in Bordeaux.
Domaine du Giron: This bed and breakfast has a winery, so be sure to sample the wines! The pool is also heated, so you can use it even if you aren’t there in the summer. Dinner included a fresh salad, hearty ratatouille, and plenty of crusty French bread. Wine, including a refreshing sparkling, was in abundance.
Le Théâtre du Médoc: Our charming hosts stuffed us with fresh croissants, cheese plates, and homemade gelato throughout our stay here. We loved our cozy room, relaxing patio, and outdoor dining table. The town is equally as charming, with winding roads and a small gift shop full of local goods.
The Food and Wine
On our bike tour in Bordeaux, we stopped at so many memorable wineries and restaurants. Here are a couple of our favorites:
L’instant de Saint-Seurin: We so loved this little restaurant in Saint Seurin. I had a lovely salad with goat cheese and a French baguette, French fries, and a glass of rose.
Restaurant Le Pavillion de Margaux: It is hard to imagine a prettier spot to dine in than this gorgeous garden and adjacent vineyard. We stuffed ourselves with roasted potatoes, a local cheese plate, hunks of bread, fresh greens, wine, and coffee and dessert. Amazing, we were still able to continue our bike tour in Bordeaux afterward!
Chateau Marquis de Terme: An absolute must for so many reasons – the most amazing wine, the dreamiest garden for sipping wine, and views on views on views.
Le Salamandre: When biking, you need sustenance and this Italian venue by the port of Pauillac provides just that with its hearty pizza. Mine came smothered in tomato sauce, cheese, basil – and a mound of burrata on top! It was the most decadent pizza I have ever had. We completed our meal with cold beers and espresso. The views of the estuary are great, and there is ample opportunity to people-watch along the boardwalk.
Bike Tour in Bordeaux: The Verdict
A bike trip in Bordeaux is a trip of a lifetime. Don’t wait to book yours!
