Current as of: May 14, 2024 - 10:08
Walking in the Vineyards of Bordeaux and Medoc Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: France
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 7 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 14+
- Trip Code: W06BO
Trip Overview
In this region, the largest of the Bordeaux vineyards, you’re spoiled for choice: the gentle, near-oceanic landscapes of the Garonne or the rich medieval heritage with its fortified cities.
This incredible diversity of relief, exposure and soils also mean that the wine comes in all colours. Dry and sweet whites, reds, roses, Clairets, Cremants and even a spirit, the Fine de Bordeaux, all add to the variety. From medieval houses to mills, from bastides to Carthusians, abbeys and Romanesque churches. Go at your own pace and let your feet guide you on a journey that combines lush countryside views and delectable tastings.
Situated between the Gironde estuary and pine forests, ocean beaches and large lakes, the Medoc vineyard is a stunner with its 60 Grands Crus classes: Chateaux Lafite-Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild and others, to name only a few of the most world-renowned. The route des Chateaux is a collection of unmissable stops: Margaux, Pauillac. Walk into a sensory journey to the heart of this terroir of powerful red wines. A tour for wine lovers as well as architecture fans, where traditional mansions, house contemporary wineries. In Medoc, the vine has truly created marvels.
Come along with us and take off on a spirited discovery of this iconic wine-growing region.
At a Glance
- 6 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3-star and 4-star hotels
- Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
- GPX Route directions and map
Highlights
- A ride through the most prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux and Medoc
- Numerous opportunities of wine tasting in prestigious wine estate
- Explore Bordeaux listed as World Heritage by UNESCO
Is This Trip for You?
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to set up your bike and go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Adult min age: 14
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Paillac
- End City: Bordeaux
Land Only Itinerary
Arrival in Paillac
Arrive in Bordeaux. Possibility to organise a private transfer from Bordeaux airport or train station to Pauillac.
Pauillac, is home of three of the five first Grands Crus Classes and 15 Crus Classe Medoc.
At Pauillac
Pauillac, is home of three of the five first Grands Crus Classes and 15 Crus Classe Medoc. Today follow small roads and discover the biggest stars of the wine ranking with stunning architecture, and also many other jewels of this vineyard. Along your walk, pass by the famous Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild, 1st Great Classified Growths, but also by the Chateaux Pichon Longueville (2d cru), Pontet Canet and Lynch Bages (5th classified growth).
Pauillac - Margaux
Transfer to Margaux to start your excursion.
Start your walk with a view over the Chateau Margaux’s park to admire the classic building architecture from beginning of the 19th Century surrounded by the vines. Continue from vineyards to chateaux. Then, follow the river banks with a wonderful point of view on Margaux Island and the Gironde river. Walk through marshes surrounded by the forest.
A shorter option is also available
Margaux - Blaye
Cross the Gironde estuary by boat. Then, reach the discreet hillsides of Blaye. The AOC Blaye, as well as their rich historical heritage, such as the military citadel of Blaye, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide a fulfilling experience for travellers who like to go off the beaten path. An exaltation of the senses is guaranteed by the sheer majesty of the landscapes that pass by- confetti islands, fishing huts dotting the banks, troglodyte dwellings and charming flower gardens of old sailors’ houses.
A shorter option is also available
Blaye - Gauriac
Today’s walk takes you through the vineyards of the Cotes de Blaye AOC, Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur.
Follow the corniche road wending its way along the Gironde . Nestled between sheer cliffs on one side and the river on the other, the road is unforgettably picturesque. You will be delighted with the beautiful scenery, the charming houses, and the explosion of colours. The road goes past rolling countryside, as well as beautiful hamlets and houses, each more attractive than the last. It seems impossible to choose the most appealing part of the road since it offers such a wide diversity of sights with Oleanders, palm trees, and banana trees, giving a unique cachet to nearby houses.
A shorter option is also available
Gauriac - Bordeaux
Taxi transfer to Bordeaux city centre.
Bordeaux is a UNESCO listed city that abounds with the pleasures of the South-West region: prestigious vineyards, unrivalled gastronomy. Also, the newly redesigned banks of the River Garonne provide the setting for outdoor pursuits and the Old Town is a treasure box of 18th Century architectural gems.
Leave Bordeaux
Accommodation
Your accommodation is a mix of 3-star (or similar) and 4-star hotels.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration.
For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs.
Additional Accommodation
We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip (subject to availability). Please check with your sales consultant for availability and prices.
Food & Drink
In Bordeaux, wine and gastronomy are an essential part of local heritage. They are inseparable from Bordeaux’s unique art de vivre. Blessed by the richness of its vineyards and enjoying proximity to the ocean, Arcachon Bay, and the estuary, Bordeaux is one of France’s culinary havens. Bordeaux and its surrounding regions offer a feast of delights for wine and food lovers. Do not miss to taste the local speciality, a canelé, a tiny vanilla and rum-flavoured cake that looks like a miniature fluted jelly mould. The inside is spongy and the outside is a delicate caramelised crust. Locals eat them for breakfast, elevenses, lunch and dinnertime, and they can even be paired with Bordeaux wine.
Weather & Seasonality
In Bordeaux, the summers are comfortable and partly cloudy which makes it ideal for cycling. The winters are very cold, windy, and mostly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -0°C to 25°C and is rarely below -7°C or above 31°C.
The hottest month is July with daily average temperatures being around 24°C
Joining Instructions
Flight Inclusive
Air-rail prices include our standard flights, onward rail and station transfers
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Land Only
Standard transfers
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Paillac
Location end: Bordeaux
What To Take
Practical Information
Visa
France
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
Vaccinations and Health
France
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Lunches can cost from €6-12 depending on the size of lunch and the establishment you choose. Dinners can cost €20-35 for a set menu or a la carte meal. If you will be ordering wine with meals, please add extra for this.
Responsible Travel
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.