Bordeaux by Bike and Boat: Castets-en-Dorthe to Libourne (and reverse)

Bordeaux by Bike and Boat

**This tour is no longer operating, please contact us for other tour suggestions.**

Cruise the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers and cycle through the French vineyards on carefully chosen routes and experience this region to the fullest!

During this tour you will explore one of the most beautiful, famous and beloved parts of France: The region of Bordeaux, located in sun drenched, south-western part of France is the perfect setting for a bike and boat tour.

Set at the confluence of the Garonne River and the Gironde estuary, it is one of the most prolific and famous wine growing regions in the world. Caressed by Atlantic breezes, the vineyards that cover the rolling hills of the region have for centuries produced France’s most remarkable wines. Appellations such as Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, and Médoc.

Daily cycling tours through these famous wine regions: you will visit many of them and probably taste various excellent wines. Bordeaux does not only offer the finest wines; it is also home to finest, scrumptious, distinct tasting culinary specialties. The cuisine on board is outstanding and menus will include regional specialties, prepared with fresh ingredients. The bar on board offers a wide variety of excellent local wines to enjoy during dinner or simply to taste them during your personal cocktail hour.

At the region's heart, the city of Bordeaux is the cultural center. Once known as the Sleeping Beauty, the UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches along the Garonne river banks, inviting visitors to savor its grand architecture, tempting cafés and shops and superb museums. The probably most bicycle-friendly French city sleeps no more!

Note: This is a self-guided tour, but you have the option to book a guide if you wish. Please see the Dates & Prices tab for Included Services.

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Highlights

• Sun-drenched Bordeaux region in south-western France
• Famous wine-growing area with scenes of rolling hills
• Cycling through vineyards
• City of Bordeaux, known as the Sleeping Beauty, now a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Garonne River, Dordogne River, Gironde River

Learn More

Learn more about self-guided tours.

Daily program

**This tour is no longer operating, please contact us for other tour suggestions.**

Note: This tour runs on opposite weeks from Castets-en-Dorthe or Fronsac/Libourne. Both itineraries are listed below.

Direction: Castets-en-Dorthe – Libourne/Fronsac
Apr 9, 23; May 7, 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10, 24; Oct 8, 22, 2022

Day 1: Castets-en-Dorthe: embarkation from 3:00pm. Castets-en-Dorthe – Canal des Deux Mers round tour (10 miles/15 km)
Individual arrival at 2:00pm in Bordeaux to the mooring location of the boat near the Canal des Deux Mers at Castets-en-Dorthe (optional bus transfer from the train station is possible). The crew is waiting for you, and you will have a first meeting to explain everything there is to know for your cruise.

After you settle in the cabin, you can try your bike and enjoy a short first test bike ride around Castets, exploring this fertile region aptly named "Little Holland" with its walnut trees and kiwi orchards. You can also choose to visit your first castle.
In the evening, a welcome cocktail awaits you on board.

Day 2: Castets-en-Dorthe – Sauternes – Loupiac/Cadillac (16-28 miles/27-46 km)
After a restful night onboard, you will be ready to discover the Sauternais region by bike, a region where sweet dessert wines are produced. The first town you will discover is the lovely Saint Macaire and its wonderful gate and walls. You'll have an opportunity to visit the former residence of the writer Francois Mauriac as well as have your first wine tasting at a château.

Riding along corn and sunflower fields, you reach La Réole by an Eiffel-style bridge over the Garonne River. This town is famous because in 1190 Richard Lionheart, on his way to the Holy Land, gave the town hall building to thank the locals for their loyalty to the English crown. This historical place holds two castles, an impressive church, and narrow cobblestone streets.

To end the day you will enjoy the bike path along the Canal de la Garonne and its deep blue water, built in Napoleon times. You can either go directly back to the ship or ride to Meilhan-sur-Garonne and the amazing scenery it has to offer. Later, you will sail along the Garonne River to reach Loupiac near the city of Cadillac.

Day 3: Loupiac/Cadillac/Graves – Sauternes round tour (21-32 miles/35-50 km)
Today we start by enjoying the view from Sainte-Croix du Mont before having a look at the grave of painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the lovely town of Verdelais. Then the route 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 the mist that descends on the vineyards, promoting the perfect conditions for the famous Sauternes wine.

You will pass the famous vineyards of Château d’Yquem, Château Guiraud, Clos Haut Peyraguey, and many others. 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 to the boat, you will sail on the Garonne River to the majestic city of Bordeaux. You will enjoy the best panorama 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, transformed into outlet shops and restaurants. Truly a pleasant place to visit!

Day 4: Bordeaux: Heart of Bordeaux bike tour (10 miles/16 km)
Bordeaux is a UNESCO world heritage for a reason. The list of hidden gems is worth seeing: walk into the city via La Porte Cailhau, the royal entrance. We suggest a thorough tour: Bordeaux glows not only because of its individual buildings, but through the grandiose, well preserved old city. The Capuchine Market is worth a visit (perhaps with tastings of wine and oysters) as well as the basilica, the Pont de Pierre, the first bridge of the city, which was built back in the day on Napoleon's orders. You will admire the many squares, the Big Bell of Pey Berlan, the Golden Triangle, the Girondin's column, the Water Mirror, and so much more.

Take time to ride through the newly opened Cité du Vin, Chaban Delmas bridge and Darwin ecosystem, a refurbished factory where you will enjoy the view of the Quais, drinking a good coffee in a tree-filled place.

This is definitely a wonderful city to explore by bike or on foot. You'll have many opportunities for shopping, souvenirs, food and wine tastings. And for bike enthusiasts who want to ride a long loop, the Roger Lapébie’s cycling lane will take you to Créon and Sauveterre-en-Guyenne, in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region.

Day 5: Bordeaux – Lamarque/Lamarque – Margaux (Médoc) round tour (26 miles/42 km)
In the morning, the ship will leave Bordeaux for Lamarque, here you will be in the Médoc wine region, one of the most famous ones. You will quickly find yourselves near Château Lamothe Bergeron, Cru Bourgeois du Médoc. Then you'll pass a series of prestigious properties: Maucaillou, Poujeaux, Rauzan Ségla, Palmer, Issan, Prieuré Lichine, Kirwan and last but not least Château Margaux. You have many chances to stop on the road to taste and learn about Grand Crus classification and the wine-making process.

A secondary road 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. You will ride near Château Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Lynch-Bages, Cos d’Estournel, Pontet Canet, Pichon Longueville and many other Grands Crus Classés wines.

The end of the day is the perfect time for a dining cruise while the boat will cross the Estuary to reach the other bank of Gironde River. We will stop at Bourg-sur-Gironde, a beautiful little town, partially built on a cliff. The old city center allows you to overlook the Estuary.

Day 6: Bourg to Blaye Fortress and vineyards (UNESCO World Heritage Site) round tour (16-32 miles/25-41 km)
This region offers hilly landscapes covered with vines and dotted with scattered fairytale chateaux and manor houses. The opportunity to discover very pleasant wines and Châteaux such as Monconseil-Gazin, Eyquem, Marquis de Vauban and others: another good reason to stop and enjoy wine tastings! The Gironde Corniche road is a must-see of this round tour: a calm and beautiful road which divides the beautiful manors on the one side and gardens on the other.

In Blaye, take a loop through the Citadelle of Blaye, a Vauban Fortress built on Louis XIV, the Sun King’s request and now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit underground passages of the Citadelle to understand the whole history of the Fortress. Stop in Plassac where you can visit the Gallo-Roman villa and its associated museum.

Back in Bourg, you can stop at a typical and historical wash house. Water is very refreshing on your face after this biking day!

In the evening, you will cruise to Libourne/Fronsac on the Dordogne River.

Day 7: Libourne/Fronsac, Pomerol, and Saint Émilion vineyards (13-27 miles/21-43 km)
Today's exploration will allow you to discover Libourne and the well-known vineyards of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. In Saint-Emilion, you will visit this stunning medieval UNESCO World Heritage village with surrounding vineyards of the same name. Certainly do not miss the Monolithic Church in the center of the town.

Your ride will continue on small picturesque back roads. Along the way, you will see some of the classified and famous Châteaux, such as Angelus and its special bells, Beauséjour, Ausone, Cheval Blanc, La Dominique, Trottevieille, Gaubert, Barde-Haut, Clos La Madeleine, Bel Air Monange, Laroque, Fombrauge, Grand Corbin, Gazin and Petrus, Petit Village, Nenin--some of the world’s most famous wines. A very pleasant road, prestigious Châteaux, wine shopping in Saint-Emilion.

Day 8: Libourne/Fronsac: Disembarkation and (optional) transfer back to Bordeaux
After your final breakfast on board, it will be time for a return transfer (optional) to the pre-agreed drop off point in the city center of Bordeaux. Disembarkation between 9:00-9:30am.

Direction: Libourne/Fronsac – Castets-en-Dorthe
Apr 16, 30; May 14, 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3, 17; Oct 1, 15, 2022

Day 1: Libourne/Fronsac: embarkation from 3:00pm. Optional round tour of Fronsac (7-10 miles /10-15 km)
Individual arrival and optional transfer from the meeting point in Bordeaux to the mooring location of the boat in Fronsac on the Dordogne river. The crew is waiting for you and you will have a first meeting to explain everything there is to know for your cruise. After settling into your cabin, you can enjoy a short first test bike ride around the Fronsac area. In the evening, a welcome cocktail awaits you on board.

Day 2: Libourne/Fronsac, Saint Émilion, and Pomerol vineyards round tour (13-27 miles/21-43 km)
After a restful night, today's exploration will allow you to discover Libourne, and well-known vineyards of Saint- Emilion and Pomerol. In Saint-Emilion, you will visit this stunning medieval UNESCO World Heritage village, with surrounding vineyards of the same name. Panoramas are unique here. The Monolithic Church in the center of the town is a monument not to be missed.

Your ride will continue on small picturesque back roads. Along the way, you will see some of the classified and famous Châteaux, such as Angelus and its special bells, Beauséjour, Ausone, Cheval Blanc, La Dominique, Trottevieille, Gaubert, Barde-Haut, Clos La Madeleine, Bel Air Monange, Laroque, Fombrauge, Grand Corbin, Gazin and Petrus, Petit Village, Nenin...some of the world’s most famous wines. A very pleasant road, prestigious Châteaux, wine shopping in Saint-Emilion.

Day 3: Bourg – Blaye round tour, plus Blaye Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) (16-32 miles/25-41 km)
This region offers hilly landscapes covered with vines and dotted with scattered fairytale chateaux and manor houses. The opportunity to discover very pleasant wines and Châteaux such as Monconseil-Gazin, Eyquem, Marquis de Vauban and others: another good reason to stop and enjoy a visit and wine tastings!

The Gironde Corniche road is a must-see of this round tour: a calm and beautiful road which split beautiful manors on the one hand, and gardens on the other. In Blaye, take a loop through the Citadelle of Blaye, a Vauban Fortress built on Louis XIV, the Sun King’s request and now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit underground passages of the Citadelle to understand the whole history of the Fortress. Stop in Plassac where you can visit the Gallo- Roman villa and its associative museum.

Back in Bourg, you can stop to the typical and historical wash house. Water is very refreshing on your face after this biking day.

Day 4: Margaux – Médoc round tour (25 miles/42 km)
In the morning the ship will leave Bourg for Lamarque, here you will be in the Médoc wine region, one of the most famous in the world. You will quickly find yourselves near Château Lamothe Bergeron, Cru Bourgeois du Médoc, where wine and tourism are quite highlighted. Then, prestigious properties will come one after another: Maucaillou, Poujeaux, Rauzan Ségla, Palmer, Issan, Prieuré Lichine, Kirwan and last but not least Château Margaux. Many chances to stop on your road, taste, learn about Grand Crus classification and learn about winemaking process.

A secondary road 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. Obviously, you will ride near Château Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Lynch-Bages, Cos d’Estournel, Pontet Canet, Pichon Longueville and many other Grands Crus Classés wines.

Once back to the MS Bordeaux, you will sail on the Garonne River to the majestic city of Bordeaux. You will enjoy the best panorama 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, transformed into outlet shops and restaurants...a pleasant place to visit.

Day 5: Bordeaux: Heart of Bordeaux round tour (10 miles/16 km)
Bordeaux is a UNESCO world heritage for a reason. The list of buildings, place and hidden gems is worth seeing: Walk into the city via La Porte Cailhau, the royal entrance. We suggest a thorough tour: Bordeaux is a City that doesn’t just glow due to its individual buildings, but through the grandiose, well preserved old city. Worth seeing is the Capuchine Market (perhaps with tastings of wine and oysters), the basilica, the Pont de Pierre, the first bridge of the city, which was built back in the day on Napoleon's orders. You may admire the many squares, the Big Bell of Pey Berlan, the Golden Triangle, the Girondin's column, the Water Mirror...and more. Take time to ride through the newly opened Cité du Vin, Chaban Delmas bridge and Darwin ecosystem, a refurbished factory where you will enjoy the view of the Quais, drinking a good coffee in a tree-filled place.

A wonderful city to explore by bike or on foot. Many opportunities for shopping, souvenirs, food and wine tastings.

And for bike challengers who want to ride a long loop, the Roger Lapébie’s cycling lane will take you to Créon and Sauveterre-en-Guyenne, in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region.

Day 6: Graves – Sauternes round tour (21-32 miles/35-50 km)
Today we will discover the Sauternes region, where sweet dessert wines are made. We start by enjoying the view from Sainte-Croix du Mont before having a look at the grave of painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the lovely town of Verdelais. The then route 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 the mist that descends on the vineyards, promoting the perfect conditions for the famous Sauternes wine.

You will pass the famous vineyards of Château d’Yquem, Château Guiraud, Clos Haut Peyraguey, and many more. 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.

Day 7: Castets-en-Dorthe – Entre-Deux-Mers and Graves round tour (16-28 miles/27-46 km)
The first town you will discover today is the lovely Saint Macaire and its wonderful gate and walls. There is an opportunity to visit the former residence of the writer Francois Mauriac as well as having your first wine tasting at a château.

Riding along corn and sunflower fields you reach La Réole, using an Eiffel style bridge over the river Garonne. This town is famous because in 1190 Richard Lionheart, on his way to the holy Land, gave the town hall building to thank the locals for their loyalty to the English crown. This historical place holds two castles, an impressive church as well as narrow cobblestone streets.

To end the day you will enjoy the bike path along the « canal de la Garonne » and its deep blue water, built in Napoleon times. You can either go directly back to the ship or ride to Meilhan-sur-Garonne and the amazing scenery it has to offer.

Day 8: Castets-en-Dorthe: Disembarkation and (optional) transfer back to Bordeaux
After your final breakfast on board, it will be time for a return transfer (optional) to the pre-agreed drop off point in the city center of Bordeaux. Disembarkation between 9:00-9:30am.

Surface and terrain

The terrain is relatively flat with some short climbs out of the river valleys onto the intervening vineyard areas. The daily cycling distances range from 19-31 miles/30-50km.

Boats

• Bordeaux

The Bordeaux
From Castets-en-Dorthe: Apr 9, 23; May 7, 21; Jun 4, 18; Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10, 24; Oct 8, 22, 2022
From Libourne/Fronsac: Apr 16, 30; May 14, 28; Jun 11, 25; Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3, 17; Oct 1, 15, 2022
Full boat details and photos >

How to get there

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Bordeaux Merignac (MOD)
Nearest train station: Bordeaux St Jean

You may book a transfer from a meeting point (Gare St. Jean train station) in Bordeaux to the mooring place of the boat. Roundtrip transfer (on tour start day and tour end day) costs €50 per person and takes approximately 1 hour.

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 7 nights accommodation on board in the booked category
• Full board: 7x breakfasts, 6x picnic lunches, 7x 3-course dinners (including Captain's dinner)
• Printed instructions and detailed maps for daily bike tours (1 set per cabin)
• Use of bed linens and towels; daily cleaning of the cabin
• Welcome cocktail - Bordeaux Crémant, presentation of ship and crew, and briefing on the first evening
• Tour leader (English speaking) with daily briefings of the bike tours, some short walking tours*
• Complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
• Farewell cocktail
• GPS device can be rented on board with €100 deposit (must be requested in advance at time of booking; payable on arrival)

Note: for the self-guided version of the tour, the tour leader is not guiding the group, but cycling nearby. They can be contacted during the bike tours by mobile phone in case of questions, problems or emergencies.

If you book the optional Guided service, you will have an English-speaking guide with you during the cycling portion of the tour in addition to the regular tour leader.

Special diets may be accommodated. Please note your request at the time of booking; surcharges may apply.

Bike rentals

Bikes available to rent on this tour (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):

• Touring bike, step-through frames, 21-speed (upright cycling posture for comfort)
• Hybrid bike upgrade (upright and forward cycling posture)
• Electrically-assisted bikes*

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

Bikes come equipped with the following at no additional cost:

• Pannier bag

Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets:
Helmet rental is mandatory in France for children 12 years old and younger (penalty of €135). Helmets are only available if you reserve in advance. We recommend, for safety and hygiene purposes, that you plan to bring your own helmet or buy one upon arrival.

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