The Classic Bordeaux Wine Route From Libourne to Castets-En-Dorthe

THIS TOUR RUNS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ON ALTERNATE WEEKS - SEE CASTETS-EN-DORTHE TO LIBOURNE

Day 1 (Saturday) - Libourne: embarkation until 3:00pm

Individual arrival or an optional bus transfer from the train station in Bordeaux at 2:00 p.m. to MS Bordeaux in Libourne. The crew will be waiting for the first meeting to explain everything there is to know about the cruise. Settle into your cabin before trying your bike and enjoying a short first test ride by the river Dordogne. Also, take time to enjoy the town rightly called “the little Bordeaux”.

Return to MS Bordeaux for a welcome drink and get to know the ships crew and the other guests. At dinner you sit at large tables, and are free to switch places on a daily basis.

On each of the following days you cycle into the heart of a new appellation of Bordeaux's wine country. The tour leader and the road book will indicate a House of the Wine where you can stop to discover the wine area of the day, with tasting of local wines (free for individual).  Each day you will also pass a tourism office, historical monuments, coffee shops and restaurants.

Day 2 (Sunday): Circular Ride around the vineyards of Libourne and Saint-Emilion

Cycle through the small town of Libourne to the famous vineyards of Pomerol and the medieval village of Saint-Emilion. Enjoy amazing views as you wander through the medieval streets of this UNESCO world heritage site. Visit the monolithic church and indulge in the small town flair with its wonderful bistros and restaurants.  Continue along scenic country roads passing many well known Chateaux of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol such as such as Angelus and its special bells, Beauséjour and Ausone to name but a few.  Today's ride is a true paradise for wine lovers. 

In the evening, the MS Bordeaux will sail towards Bourg-sur-Gironde. This tiny village offers breath-taking panoramic views of the estuary as it is built on a rocky promontory overlooking the small harbour.

Cruise from Libourne to Bourg-sur-Gironde : 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.

Approx cycling distance: 15-27 miles (24-43 km) Level 2

 Day 3 (Monday): A Circular Ride from Bourg-sur Gironde around the vineyads of Côtes de Bourg and visiting Citadel of Blaye

The hilly landscape of this region is covered with vines and dotted with fairy tale chateaux and manor houses. Visit Châteaux such as Monconseil-Gazin, Eyquem, Marquis de Vauban enjoy tasting the local wine. Cycle along the Gironde Corniche. This calm and beautiful road splits beautiful manors on the one hand, and gardens on the other. In Blaye, take a loop through the Citadel of Blaye, a Vauban Fortress built by Louis XIV and now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The underground passages of the Citadel help you understand the whole history of the Fortress. In Plassac you can visit the Gallo Roman villa and its museum.  

Approx cycling distance:  15-25 miles (24-40 km) Level 4

Day 4 (Tuesday): A circular route from Lamarque via Margaux and Médoc

Cruise from Bourge-Sur-Gironde to Lamarque: 7:00 a.m. to 9:30a.m.

Cruise up the wide estuary towards the opposite bank of the Gironde and the Médoc  wine region, one of the most famous in the world. Start cycling and you will quickly find yourselves near Château Lamothe Bergeron, Cru Bourgeois du Médoc. Then, continuing, prestigious properties appear one after another: Maucaillou, Poujeaux, Rauzan Ségla, Palmer, Issan, Prieuré Lichine, Kirwan and last but not least Château Margaux. There are many chances to stop, taste, and learn about Grand Crus classification and about the wine making process.

A secondary route is available here as a different loop or an additional one to the first in Margaux. You will reach Pauillac and Saint-Espèphe wine regions passing near Château Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Lynch-Bages, Cos d’Estournel, Pontet Canet, Pichon Longueville and many other Grands Cru Classé wines. Château Maucaillou Château Prieuré Lichine Château Lamonthe Bergeron

Once back at MS Bordeaux, she sails on the Garonne River to the majestic city of Bordeaux. Enjoy the best views of the city: “Port of The Moon” with the “Pont de Pierre”, “Place de La Bourse” and the beautiful Quais which lead to the historical wine merchant area, the Quai des Chartrons, now transformed into outlet shops and restaurants.

Approx cycling distance: 18-36 miles (29-58 km) Level 1

Cruise from Lamarque to Bordeaux : 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.

Day 5 (Wednesday): Tour through Bordeaux a UNESCO Heritage Site

Walk into Bordeaux via La Porte Cailhau, the royal entrance and take time to explore this building.  Despite its age it dates from 1494) this large, beautiful monument remains practically unchanged. It was built to commemorate Charles VIII's victory at Fornovo (Italy). As well as its beautiful buildings Bordeaux  has a well preserved old city. Worth seeing is the amazing architecture, and the hidden gems, the Pey Berlan Tower & big bell, the Triangle d'Or, the Colonne des Girondins, the Mirroir d'eau (water mirror), the market of the Capucins (perhaps sampling wine and oysters), the Basilique Saint-Michel, the Pont de Pierre and the first bridge of the city, which was built back in the day on Napoleons orders.  For those who would prefer to ride further, the Roger Lapebie’s cycling lane will take you to Creon and La Sauve, in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region..

Cruise from Bordeaux to Loupiac

Day 6 (Thursday): A Circular Ride from Loupiac via Graves, Sauternes and Cadillac 

Explore the Sauternes region, where sweet dessert wines are made. Start by enjoying the view from Sainte-Croix du Mont before having a look at the grave of painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The route then follows the winding banks of the Ciron River, whose icy waters flow into the warmer waters of the Garonne. In the autumn, when the climate is warm and dry, the combination of the two different temperatures produce a mist that descends on the vineyards, promoting the perfect conditions for the famous Sauternes wine. Pass the famous vineyards of Château d’Yquem, Château Guiraud, Clos Haut Peyraguey, and many more. Wine tastings are offered here.  Cadillac is located in the region of Graves, also known as the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. It is a fortified medieval village known as the Bastide in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region in between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.  Back on board MS Bordeaux sails on the Garonne river towards Castets-En-Dorthe.

Approx cycling distance: 24-31 miles (39-50 km) Level 3

Sail from Loupiac to Castets-En-Dorthe: 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.

Day 7 (Friday): Circular route from Castets-en-Dorthe around the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region visiting Saint Macaire, La Réole and Canal

Cycle to the lovely town of Saint Macaire with its wonderful gate and walls. Visit the former residence of the writer Francois Mauriac and take the opportunity to taste your first wine at a château.  Ride through the corn and sunflower fields to La Réole, crossing the suspension bridge over the river Garonne. In 1190 Richard the Lionheart, on his way to the holy Land, gave La Réole the town hall building to thank the locals for their loyalty to the English crown. La Réole has two castles, an impressive church as well as narrow cobblestoned streets.  The day ends with a ride along a cycle path beside the deep blue waters of the Canal de la Garonne. You can either go directly back to the ship or cycle on to Meilhan-sur-Garonne to take in some amazing scenery.

Approx cycling distance: 16-28 miles (26-45 km) Level 2

Day 8 (Saturday): Castets-En-Dorthe, Disembark from boat & transfer back to Bordeaux

After breakfast it will be time to say fare well. Disembarking will take place between 9.00 and 9.30am, with an Individual  departure or an optional bus transfer to the train station in Bordeaux.

Key Details

Here are some key details about this Bike Boat tour through Bordeaux:

• This tour is an 8 day, 7 night bike boat tour
• This tour starts in Libourne and ends in Castets-en-Dorthe
• This Bike Boat tour takes you through the Bordeaux wine regions of France
• MS BORDEAUX  - Your floating hotel
• Length: 78m (256 ft.), Width: 9,80m (33 ft.), 49 cabins
• The lower deck: 34 twin cabins (approx 7.5-8m² =81-86 sq.ft., 2 single beds) and 2 junior suites (approx. 11.6m² =125 sq.ft., 2 single beds, small sitting area)
• The upper deck: 11 twin cabins and 2 single cabins. A separated restaurant A lounge bar with large windows in front of the boat
• All cabins have a WiFi access to the Internet, an easy opening window, a bathroom with shower & toilet, air conditioning satellite-TV and mini safe.
• The sun deck: Another great spot for relaxation is the large and partially roofed Sun Deck with sun loungers, chairs and tables & cycle shed. 

On this Bike Boat tour in Bordeaux, you will experience many highlights including:

• Daily cycling tours through six famous wine regions
• Experiencing wine estates and enjoy tasting excellent wines
• Enjoy delicious cuisine
• The city of Bordeaux which is a UNSECO World Heritage Site
• Glorious architechure
• Tempting cafes and shops
• Superb Museums

Getting to Bordeaux:

By Rail/Bus –

Train - Eurostar from St Pancras then local train to Bordeaux, then bus to Libourne.

By Car – Bordeaux can be reached by car via ferry or Eurotunnel and well-maintained motorways.

By Air – Several airlines offer flights from the UK to Bordeaux then catch a bus or taxi to Libourne.

For more information on getting to France please visit the France Tourism website.