The Great Bordeaux Area Bike Tour

This loop tour circles the full Gironde department, combining sections of the Vélodyssée and Canal des Deux Mers with other departmental trails. From Bordeaux, riders head into the Entre-Deux-Mers vineyards, passing fortified bastides and the medieval river town of La Réole, before joining the Canal de Garonne to Bazas.

The route continues through the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park and Hostens lakes to the Arcachon Basin, with a choice of routes via Andernos or a boat crossing to Cap Ferret. Riders then follow the Médoc lakes north to Montalivet, cross the Gironde estuary by ferry to Royan, and trace the wild estuary coastline south through Talmont-sur-Gironde and Mortagne.

The final stages pass the UNESCO-listed Blaye citadel and the Médoc's famous wine villages, including Margaux, before finishing back in Bordeaux. Accommodation is a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels and charming B&Bs.

Highlights

• Entre-Deux-Mers vineyards, fortified bastides and the medieval town of La Réole
• Canal de Garonne and the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park
• Arcachon Basin, with a choice of route via Andernos or Cap Ferret
• Gironde estuary crossing by ferry to Royan
• UNESCO-listed Blaye citadel
• Médoc wine villages, including Margaux, on the final approach to Bordeaux

Surface and terrain:
Small roads, greenways and cycle paths throughout, described as road-bike suitable. Some early hillier days (Entre-Deux-Mers, Sauveterre to Bazas), otherwise flat to gently rolling. Total ascent around 1,360m over 480km.

Suitable for:
Experienced cyclists wanting to complete the full loop, though shorter sections are also available; suitable for families, with children's bikes and trailers available.