France - Cycling Medoc Vineyards and Ocean Coast 5 to 7 days.

Day 1

Arrival in Bordeaux and transfer to Pian Medoc.
Arrival at Bordeaux’s train station or airport. Taxi transfer to Pian Medoc and accommodation in a three star hotel. Welcome pack of the area and a road book will be provided. The quality and the service of this hotel creates a peaceful atmosphere which explains the “Grande histoire” of this traditional 18 bedrooms house with pool and a 6 acres park. Fine and gastronomic cuisine, with the specialties of the area and a wine cellar of several “grands crus” of the Medoc.
Dinner (optional) night and breakfast.

Day 2

The Chateaux Road – 40 km
Departing from Pian Medoc to Macau, the Chateaux road goes alongside the Gironde towards Margaux, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis...wine and spirit houses are waiting for you. The Medoc area is well known worldwide. Have a stop in the little harbors such as St Julien in order to imagine that in the past, the “gabares” were rolling on the stream charged with barrels. This Chateaux road which crosses the Medoc is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful!
Start your ride through the vineyards of Margaux, Haut-Médoc et Moulis-en-Médoc and some of the most well-known Chateaux.
Continue along the easy-riding estuary, to find pleasant and varied landscapes whatever the season. This circuit will lead you to the heart of the “Medoc rouge”.
Night in guesthouse.
3 charming guesthouses possible for this step
Dinner in the guesthouse or in restaurant

Day 3

The Vineyards and the river – 53 km
Departure from Moulis for a cycling day into famous vineyards, among the hills covered with vines and across the marshes which separate them. The archaeological site of Brion in St Germain d’Esteuil will tell you more about the History of the region and discover the Chateau of Castera, the Abbey of Vertheuil and the Fort Medoc built by Vauban.
The route follows the “Road of the Chateaux” well known for their wine… and some Chateaux for their unusual architecture. Go to Paulliac, the Medoc capital. Its 18 “Grands Crus Classés” and its charming little harbor a must-see as well as the glorious Chateaux as Latour, Lafite or Rothschild.
In the late afternoon you will be welcomed in a “3 epis”charming guest-house located in the middle of the vineyards. Night in a guesthouse. 3 charming guesthouses possible for this stage
Dinner in the guesthouse

Day 4

The lowlands of Medoc– 40 to 50 km
Warning : This step is not included in the 7 days cycling tour This part of the Medoc has a great power of attraction. The incredible landscape offers new sensations to the cyclist. Easy riding day across the vineyards and marshes along the little Medocan villages. Ride first along the longest estuary of Europe. Wilder Medoc where fish and migrating birds find sanctuary. On the banks of the Gironde the scenery of tiny fishing ports reminds the Provençal Carmargue.
A few short stops by the banks of the estuary such as in St Christoly or La Marechale and by small ports full of charms with their grounded boats. The lighthouse of Richard offers an outstanding view over the estuary.
Don’t miss the visit of Lesparre and its monuments and the visit of « Les Noisettines du Médoc », a small company made by craftsmen creating sweets with hazelnuts as a main ingredient, exclusively using natural products.
Return to your accommodation at the end of the afternoon. Dinner, night and breakfast.

Day 5

- the Ocean track – 54 km
Warning : End of tour for the 6 day cycling tour. Transfer after breakfast to Bordeaux airport or train station.
After passing the marsh landscape reach the border between the forest and the Ocean, Hourtin plage with its wide beach and its dunes is a paradise for Nature lovers. Arrive then on marked paths across the pine forest and cross a wild and protected territory with a rich and incredibly diversified fauna and flora. The Lagune du Contaut is the ideal stop for a picnic.
Behind the dunes the Medoc also shelters some vast fresh water lakes. You will cycle alongside the lake of Carcan-Hourtin one of the biggest natural fresh water lake of France, and the coastal beaches. From Carcan you will go down to Lacanau passing by the pond of Cousseau La Forêt. The lakes, the pathways and the cycle paths are surrounded your hotel located in the heart of the 100 acres of pines, between lake and ocean.
Night and dinner in hotel*** between lake and ocean
Dinner, night and breakfast.

Day 6

Back to the heart of haut Medoc vintage – 53 km
Today's ride takes place in a wild landscape; the forest, the border of the lake and alongside little beaches.
The “green track” of Lacanau-Ocean was built on the top of the old railway. It goes straight ahead through the forest where the pine trees draw a corridor which can sometimes be quite drafty when the wind is blowing on the seafront.
It’s a beautiful and safe circuit. At the end of the day you will arrive at Le Pian Médoc and will be welcomed in the same three star hotel than for the first night . End your circuit in the heart of the Medoc. Night and breakfast. Optional dinner in the hotel

Day 7

End of the bike tour in the morning . Transfer back to Bordeaux