The Great Bordeaux Vineyards Crossing

This self-guided loop crosses the full breadth of the Bordeaux wine region, starting and finishing in Bordeaux. Riders follow the Gironde estuary past world-famous châteaux including Margaux, Mouton Rothschild and Cos d'Estournel, through the Médoc's "Petite Camargue" wetlands to the Atlantic coast, crossing the estuary by boat to Royan.

The route continues along limestone cliffs and marshes to the Vauban Citadel at Blaye, then through the Fronsac vineyards past Château Petrus to the medieval, UNESCO-listed city of Saint-Émilion. An optional loop visits Castillon-la-Bataille before the route crosses the rolling Entre-Deux-Mers to the sweet-wine region of Sauternes, home to Château d'Yquem.

The final stage passes through Graves and Pessac-Léognan, including Château Smith Haut Lafitte, before finishing back in Bordeaux. Accommodation ranges from 3-star to 4 and 5-star hotels, depending on the version chosen.

Highlights

• Médoc châteaux: Margaux, Mouton Rothschild, Cos d'Estournel
• Boat crossing of the Gironde estuary to Royan
• Vauban Citadel at Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Medieval, UNESCO-listed city of Saint-Émilion
• Entre-Deux-Mers bastides en route to Sauternes and Château d'Yquem
• Optional loop to Castillon-la-Bataille

Surface and terrain:
Mostly flat to gently rolling small roads through vineyard country, with hillier stages around Blaye and Saint-Émilion. Total ascent around 1,395m over the core route.

Suitable for:
Riders comfortable with a longer, more demanding self-guided tour (branded "Challenging" by Evazio) and covering good daily distances; wine lovers wanting an in-depth crossing of the Bordeaux appellations.