From the Vineyards to the Ocean
Cycling in the Gironde
Independent Cycling Tour

This lovely tour takes you from the vineyards of the famous Côtes de Bordeaux region, through the shady pine forests and lakes in the Landes de Gascogne Regional Park, and on to the magnificent Bay of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast.

Two wheels, seven days, unlimited foie gras.
Nigel Tisdall, from the Daily Telegraph, and his family joined HF Holidays’ for a week long journey, uncovering the pleasures of cycling in the Gironde. Read his exclusive article and find out how he got on, enjoying the fine food and wine of Bordeaux along the way.

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Your accommodation and meals
	Departure dates and prices
	Bike details
	Travel options
	Average temperature

Detailed itinerary

This popular tour takes you along quiet roads through picturesque countryside to the coast. There are some undulating sections.

Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux
Transfer by taxi to your accommodation in Capian, in the heart of the wine-growing region of the Entre-deux-mers.

Day 2: Capian to Saint-Macaire
22 miles
Begin your tour cycling through the hills of the Premieres Côtes de Bordeaux wine-growing region before going to the bastide town of Cadillac. Visit the castle and then complete the hilliest day of the tour to the small medieval town of Saint-Macaire.

Day 3: Saint-Macaire to Saint-Symphorien or Origne
24/28 miles
Cycle through the world-famous vines of the Sauternes region and then continue through the valley of the River Ciron. Once you reach Balizac you enter the flatlands of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park.

Day 4: Saint-Symphorien or Origne to Le Barp
20/24 miles
After an enjoyable cycle ride through the richly scented pine forests of the Regional Nature Park you can stop at the lakes of Hostens for a leisurely lunch. From here continue to the village of Le Barp for your overnight stop.

Day 5: Le Barp to the Bay of Arcachon
32 miles
After leaving the pine forest behind, you arrive at Le Teich ornithological park where the park meets the sea. Take the coastal path towards Gujan-Mestras or a cross-country route to the Atlantic seaboard where you pay a visit to the Dune du Pyla - the highest sand dune in Europe.

Day 6: The Cap Ferret
Cycle as far as you choose today
Take the ferry (with your bicycle) across the Bay of Arcachon to the Cap Ferret. Visit the lighthouse before continuing to the pretty oyster village of l'Herbe, where you may like to stop for lunch and try some of the local specialities.

Day 7: Free day in Arcachon
Cycle as far as you choose today
A relaxing day with options to cycle via the Port of La Test to Biganos and Audenge, before returning to your hotel for your final night.

Day 8: Departure day

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Your accommodation and meals

You will stay in double or twin rooms in comfortable hotel or guesthouse accommodation along the route. Your luggage is transported to each overnight stop for you, so you can relax and enjoy the cycling.

Accommodation is 5 nights on a Full Board basis with wine and coffee included at dinner, 2 nights are Bed & Breakfast.

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Departure dates & prices

Prices include:

• Accommodation for 7 nights
• 5 nights Full Board with wine and coffee
  included at dinner, 2 nights Bed & Breakfast
• Bicycle hire (21 gears)
• Bicycle basket
• Repair kit
• Route descriptions and maps (1 set per party)
• Luggage transport
• Return ferry crossing with bike to Cap Ferret
• Emergency hotline service
• Helmet
• Taxi transfer from Bordeaux to Capian.

Minimum 2 people, maximum 8 people

Daily departures (except Thursdays).

Single room supplement: £22 per night
Extra night in Arcachon £50 (B&B) per person sharing twin or double room

*Prices vary and will be confirmed when you make a booking.

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Bike details

	Gears: 21 Handlebar bag Repair kit

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Travel options

Suggested times and points of departure - please call us to discuss the most suitable flights and latest prices.

Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 05/11/2007 (provisional)

Alternatively travel by Eurostar and TGV to Bordeaux - see www.eurostar.com Transfer to Capian: by taxi from Bordeaux airport or station (included in price).

Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Lounges: To book aiport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

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Average temperature

The average daytime temperatures for this region is listed below:

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