Tour of the Gironde Estuary

This self-guided trip circles the Gironde estuary, starting through the Médoc's famous wine route, taking in Margaux, Moulis and Pauillac's Grands Crus. Riders continue north through the "petite Camargue" wetlands to the tip of the peninsula at Soulac-sur-Mer, then cross the estuary by boat to the seaside resort of Royan.

The route follows limestone cliffs through Charente-Maritime, passing the troglodyte village of Talmont-sur-Gironde, the fishing port of Meschers and the former caviar capital of Saint-Seurin-d'Uzet, before heading inland through Cognac and Pineau country.

The final stages return along the estuary through Côtes de Blaye and Côtes de Bourg vineyards, visiting the Vauban citadel at Blaye and the clifftop village of Bourg-sur-Gironde. Accommodation is in 3-star hotels and charming B&Bs, with dinners featuring local cuisine most nights.

Highlights

• Médoc wine route: Margaux, Moulis, Pauillac
• Boat crossing of the Gironde estuary to Royan
• Limestone cliffs and troglodyte village of Talmont-sur-Gironde
• Cognac and Pineau country around Saint-Dizant-du-Gua
• Vauban Citadel at Blaye
• Clifftop village of Bourg-sur-Gironde

Surface and terrain:
Small easy roads and cycle paths through vineyards, marshes and cliff-top country. No major climbs; total ascent around 805m over the 6 riding days.

Suitable for:
Riders wanting a relaxed, self-guided loop through varied Gironde landscapes, wine regions and coastal villages.