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| Day Three: Gensac – St. Emilion
Le Châteaux de BordeauxDay One: Coubeyrac - Entre-duex-MersRouse your palate with the region’s finest sparkling wine as we toast your arrival at Château de Sanse, in peaceful Gensac. After a bike fitting, safety talk and map review, we’ll spin alongside the Dordogne River on a loop ride through Coubeyrac. We’ll stop for a wine tasting in Massugas, a region once known only for sweet white wines, but that is now producing delicious reds like des Chapelains and du Petit Montibeau. Back at the château, relax by the pool or take in the fabulous terrace views of the Gensac vineyards. For this evening’s dinner we’ll have a warm invite to the château table where our hosts will treat us to a savory feast with herbs, vegetables, and fruit fresh from their garden.
Meal: Dinner Destinations visited: Gensac, Massugas, Coubeyrac Distance cycled: 18.7 km / 11.5 miles
Bordeaux Bike Tour Photo: Day 1 welcome ride through Entre-duex-Mers Day Two: BlasimonAfter an outdoor breakfast on the terrace, we’ll pedal through the elegant towns of Doulezon and Ruch. Beyond groves of kiwi trees, elegant stone churches and charming French cottages, we’ll arrive in medieval Blasimon. A gourmet picnic by the abbey will rejuvenate us for more riding - through Mauriac, Listrac, and Coubeyrac – with stops along the way for photos and tastings. After an invigorating day of indulging your senses, a decadent dinner at the Château de Sanse will be prepared for you.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic/ Dinner Destinations visited: Doulezon, Ruch, Blasimon, Mauriac, Listrac, Coubeyrac & Gensac Distance cycled: 34.8 km / 21.5 miles
Bordeaux Bike Tour Photo: Day 2 ride pass sunflowers medieval village of Blasimon Today’s ride takes us through a number of small wineries and towns – Flaujageus, St. Magne and St. Christoph – where we’ll stop for tastings. Via historic Castillon-la-Bataille, we will arrive at the medieval city of St. Emilion. This breathtaking destination is home to an astounding monolith church that was carved by Benedictine monks out of a single slab of stone. Truly a remarkable sight! After lunching at the café of your choice (the main square has ample options) we will meet for “wine school,” where you will really develop your inner sommelier. End the afternoon with a café au lait and one of the town’s trademark macaroons, or stroll and shop along the cobbled streets. The next three nights will be spent at Château Grand Barrail, settled among St. Emilion’s picturesque vineyards. The Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac is en exquisite example of the art of warm hospitality, and you will experience this in full form at dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner Destinations visited: Flaujageus, St. Magne, St. Christophe, Castillon & St. Emilion Distance cycled: 30.2 km / 18.7 miles
Bordeaux Bike Tour Photo: Day 3 ride pass Chateau Cheval Blanc in St Emilion Day Four: Pomerol & St. Emilion & Figac Delight in a leisurely breakfast, stroll the extensive and exquisite grounds of your luxurious accommodations, then climb onto your bike and prepare for a fantastic day of cycling. Famed for its wonderful green stretches and rich French farmland, the region is ideal terrain for biking. We’ll visit some of the most important estates in Pomerol, and enjoy a tasting at Château de Langet, where we’ll relax with a gourmet picnic. This lovely estate is the perfect place to see the process of making organic wine. We will then cycle back to the hotel where you can spend the day shopping in town or being treated at the spa. The night will be yours to dine at any of the outstanding St.Emilion restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast/ Gourmet Picnic Destinations visited: Pomerol, Bertin, Montagne, Château Laget & St. Emilion Distance cycled: 21.1 km / 13 miles
Bordeaux Bike Tour Photo: Day 4 happy travelers before private tasting in St Emilion Day Five: Margaux & PaulliacA morning drive will take us to Paulliac and Margaux in the Médoc region for a day of tasting some of the region’s most famed wines. We’ll see the vineyards of Margaux: the famous Château Margaux, Château Palmer, Château Lafite-Rothschild, and Château Latour. Today’s wine tasting extravaganza will be a truly an epic experience. We will return to the hotel by van and then cap off the week with an elegant dinner in town.
Meals: Breakfast/ Dinner Destinations visited: Paulliac, Margaux, Château Palmer, Château Lafite-Rothschild & Château Latour
Bordeaux Bike Tour Photo: Day 5 group photo at Chateaux Margaux Day Six: St Emilion - BordeauxAfter breakfast, feel free to enjoy a final stroll around the grounds before we drive back to Bordeaux, where you can say goodbye to the fabulous region however you see fit. Meal: Breakfast TRIP TOTAL: Reserve your bordeaux bicycle trip
Additional Bordeaux Information
Where do we rendezvous on day one of the Bordeaux bicycle trip? Your two DuVine guides will meet you in Bordeaux at the train station on the first morning of the tour (Rental Car Location). Contact your DuVine tour coordinator at least 60 days prior to your trip; they will book rail tickets for you into Bordeaux. At this time you can also review with them any pre-& post-travel plans you have or wish to make.
Where does the Bordeaux bicycle trip finish? We will depart the hotel in the late morning for a TGV train to Paris, or any other destination of your choice.
How should I go about making my travel plans? DuVine Adventures is a full service tour operator and it is our pleasure to assist you with all aspects of upcoming travel plans. Whether you are looking for a suggestion for dinner in Paris, a beautiful hotel or rail information, simply call us at 888-396-5383 or 617-776-4441 or you can email us at info@duvine.com.
What is the weather going to be like in Bordeaux? From May through September, average temperatures in Bordeaux range in the 70’s and 80’s Fahrenheit. Typically it is sunny, but be prepared with the proper rain gear.
What is not included on my Bordeaux bicycle trip? Airfare to and from the trip, accommodations before and after the trip, gratuities for guides, and incidentals along the way.
How should I tip my DuVine guides? If you appreciate the service your DuVine Adventures guides provide, we recommend each guest provide a gratuity of anywhere from 150 to 200 euros per guide.
What travel documents will I need for my bike trip? All travelers to France are required to have a valid passport. Please make 2 copies of your passport and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with your consulate general for entry requirements.
How should I get in DuVine shape? The best way to prepare for your DuVine bicycle trip is to spend some time on the saddle. We understand that you might be limited in the amount of riding you can do, but try to engage in some type of cardiovascular activity. As you prepare for your trip, try to bicycle some hills and some flat stretches - the kind of terrain that you will find on your Bordeaux bicycle tour. We have different options to ride every day, and of course great van support.
What is the average daily mileage in Bordeaux? The average daily mileage is about 18 miles (28 km). There will be daily options for riding additional miles.
How should I pack? Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on. Complete your DuVine luggage tag with your name, address and phone number. Try not to over pack; you will not wear all your clothing! A suggested packing list is enclosed.
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