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

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

Day 1 (Saturday) Embarkation in Castets-En-Dorthe: 

Individual arrival or optional transfer from the meeting point in Bordeaux to the mooring location of the boat near the Canal des Deux Mers at Castets-en-Dorthe.  Settle in to your cabin then collect your bike, if you have rented one, and start your first small trip in Castets. This fruitful region is also called ‘Little Holland’, due to its many vegetable fields and fruit gardens.  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) Entre-Deux-Mers: A circular trip from Castets-en-Dorthe via  Saint Macaire and La Réole

After a restful night on board, set off for the 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 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

Cruise from Castets-en-Dorthe to Loupiac : 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m.

Day 3 (Monday) Round trip 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.  Once back on board, you will travel along the Garonne River towards the enchanting city of Bordeaux, reaching the passage of the Stone Bridge and the pier in the city centre, facing the region's most prestigious panorama : the "Port de la Lune" with its glorious eighteenth century façades, The Pont de Pierre, the Place de la Bourse and the Quai des Chartrons.

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

Sail from Loupiac to Bordeaux : 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m.

Day 4 (Tuesday): Tour through Bordeaux – a UNESCO world 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..

Approx cycling distance: 10-31 miles (16-50 km) Level 1

Day 5 (Wednesday):  Circular route from Bordeaux via Margaux and Médoc

Cruise from BORDEAUX to LAMARQUE: 7:00 a.m. to 9:30a.m.

Here is one of the most famous wine regions of the world. A quick ride will take you to Château Lamothe Bergeron. The most famous vineyards are: Maucaillou, Poujeaux Rauzan Ségla Palmer, Issan, Priorat Lichine, Kirwan and the Château Margaux. They offer many opportunities for a stop, with or without wine tasting. You also have the opportunity to extend today’s trip to Pauillac. You will pass by many vineyards, Chateaux Moutin Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Lynch-Bages, Cos d’Estournel, Pontet Canet, Pichon Longueville and other classified Grands Crus Lagen.  A romantic evening route will be spent on board MS Bordeaux as she sails to 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.

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

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

Day 6 (Thursday): A Circular Ride from Bourg-sur Gironde around the vineyads of Côtes de Bourg and visiting Citadel of Blaye

This section of the trip offers views of endless vineyards, dotted with many castles. Bayon church is both beautiful and romantic as are some of the castles in the area, such as Tayac, Eyquem Monconseil-Gazin, Marquis de Vauban.  Take a tour of Citadel of Blaye, also a UNESCO world heritagesite.  Back in Bourg, enjoy another short trip through the city and look forward to the sun-downer on board of the MS Bordeaux. In the evening.

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

Cruise from Bourg-sur-Gironde to Libourne : 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.

Day 7 (Friday):  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 castles of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. MS Bordeaux will be waiting at the dock in Libourne.  This evening there will be an unforgettable and festive Captain's dinner with cocktails or Crémant de Bordeaux and, if you wish, a dance with the crew.

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

Day 8 (Saturday): Libourne Disembarkation from boat & Individual  departure or optional 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 the Bike Boat tour that takes you through Bordeaux:

• This tour is an 8 day, 7 night bike boat tour
• This tour starts in Castets-en-Dorthe and ends in Libourne
• 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 France:

By Rail/Bus –

Train - Eurostar from St Pancras then local train to Bordeaux, then bus to Castets-En-Dorthe.

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 Castets-En-Dorthe

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