Cycling tours in Bordeaux

Discover the Bordeaux region by bike

The Bordeaux region in south-west France is a cyclist’s paradise. Its geography is varied, with landscapes ranging from rolling vineyards and vast pine forests to winding rivers such as the Garonne and the Dordogne. The Dordogne, famous for its picturesque medieval castles and delicious gastronomy, adds a unique historical and cultural dimension to the cycling experience in the Bordeaux region. The region’s climate is oceanic, with mild winters and hot summers, making it a pleasant destination for cycling all year round.

The Bordeaux region is dotted with nature parks that are home to a rich and varied biodiversity. The Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park is a prime example, with its vast pine forests, marshes and rivers. These ecosystems provide a habitat for numerous animal and plant species, and are ideal for cycling through the heart of nature. The Bay of Arcachon, with its dunes, beaches and forests, is another of the region’s natural gems.

The South West and its people

Home to Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France before becoming Queen of England, south-west France is renowned for its art of living and its traditions. Local produce and wines are the pride of the region’s inhabitants: foie gras, canelés, oysters, Armagnac, Sauterne wines, Graves, Saint-Emilion, Grands vins de Bordeaux… so many names and appellations to tantalise the taste buds!
Culture and the arts are not to be outdone, with a host of festivals and exhibitions during the summer season, showcasing both local history and contemporary artists. As for heritage, the many châteaux and character towns will take you back in time.

Roads and cycle paths in the Bordeaux region

Cycling is very much a part of Bordeaux culture, with over 1,000 km of cycle paths on 52 greenways, the largest regional network in France! Numerous greenways criss-cross Aquitaine and the wider south-west. The Vélodyssée, which runs along the Atlantic coast, is one of the most famous routes, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and passing through charming towns such as Arcachon and Lacanau. The Roger Lapébie Trail, which runs from Bordeaux to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, is another popular route, passing through vineyards and picturesque villages. The Canal des 2 mers à vélo invites you to cycle through the region on signposted, safe routes.

The weather in the South-West

If the beaches of the South-West attract large numbers of holidaymakers every summer, it’s largely thanks to the semi-oceanic climate, which is relatively warm compared with the rest of France. Winters are mild and summer temperatures regularly exceed 30°C in the afternoon. In autumn, the southerly wind sometimes brings dry, unseasonably warm weather. April to October are particularly good months for cycling, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

The 8 must-sees in Aquitaine

Given the sheer size of the region, it’s hard to take in all its attractions in one go:

• Bordeaux and its wine city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  Saint-Émilion: this charming medieval village is a real gem, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Arcachon Basin, with its oyster beds and the Pilat Dune, the highest in Europe.
• The Médoc wine route, an emblematic wine-growing region, home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines, including Châteaux Margaux, Latour and Lafite-Rothschild.
• Château de Bonaguil, in Lot-et-Garonne, is one of the last great fortified castles built in France.
• The sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, ideal for water sports.
• The Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park: this park covers a vast area of maritime pine forests, rivers and marshes. It is a haven of peace for the local flora and fauna.
• The town of Biarritz, an elegant seaside resort on the Basque coast, renowned for its surf beaches, luxury hotels and Belle Époque architecture.