France - Cycling from Bordeaux to the Arcachon Bay

Day 1

Arrive in Bordeaux.Transfer to Cadillac
Arrival at the railway station or at the airport. Transfer by Taxi to Rions or Cadillac in guesthouse or hotel***, where you will receive a guidebook
Dinner in your accommodation.

Day 2

The “Entre-Deux-Mer” area. 44 km.
Biking through the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux winegrowing area and in the Côtes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire area.
Enjoy superb views of the Garonne River and visit the heart of the ancient merchant town of Saint-Macaire.
The tour takes you to the fortified town of Cadillac and its castle, as well as to the Château Malrométhe the former residence of Toulouse-Lautrec, the famous painter and to the Domaine de Malagar where the writer François Mauriac used to live.
Accommodation in a charming hotel*** in the medieval town of Saint-Macaire. Dinner & night.

Day 3

Through Sauternes Vineyards, towards the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park. 40 km.
The left bank of the Garonne River and twisting roads through the worldfamous vines of Sauternes areas, including the jewel : Château Yquem.
The itinerary goes on to Budos, then through the valleys carved out by the River Ciron, to Leogats and Nouaillan.
Then you carry on to Balizac where you enter the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park, before reaching the charming hamlet of St Symphorien for the night.
Here you are in the heart of the Gironde countryside to have dinner and spend the night in a cosy guesthouse.

Day 4

Through the Landes de Gascogne Regional Nature Park. 43 or 56 km.
A lovely little forest road offering great variety takes you westwards. Heading towards Louchats, the pine forest becomes thicker and the scent of pine resin persistant. Leave your bicycle close to the lagoons of Gât-Mort and discover the water beneath a carpet of fern.
Make a stop at the lake of Hostens where you will find a perfect shadow for a nap in the afternoon.
The road will then take you, between pine trees and heather, to the small town of Le Barp.
Stay in a charming little stone built hotel, and relax at the swimming pool. Take the time to appreciate local food on the terrace shaded by suspended vines and the cool gurgling of a fountain. 3* hotel

Day 5

Towards the Bay of Arcachon and the Ocean. 50 km.
A little road in the pine forest takes you to Le Teich, where the Park meets the sea.
Have a break in the ornithological park.
The landscape opens out to the light of the Bay of Arcachon. Take the salty coastal path and follow the sea air to Gujan-Mestras.
Hotel*** in Arcachon on the seafront.
You can decide to continue your ride up to the highest dune in Europe, the dune du Pyla that is worth climbing.

Day 6

The Cap Ferret. 20 km
Take the boat across the Bay of Arcachon to reach the Cap Ferret and ride through the other side of the Bay.
Leave your bicycle to walk up to the top of the lighthouse. Keep cycling to reach the very pretty oyster village of l’Herbe, the reservoirs as well as the Tapper’s Shack.
Do not miss the last departure of the boat to cross back the bay and return to your hotel in Arcachon.

Day 7

The Dune du Pyla or the Domaine de Certes in Audenge.25 to 60 km
You can choose to follow the cycle track along the coast up to the Dune du Pyla or in the opposite way to take the cycling track via the Port of La Teste.
A cycling track will take you then to Le Teich, Biganos and Audenge. Possible choices :
Stopp-off at the port of Biganos
Stopp-off at the Ornithologic Parc of Le Teich
Stopp-off at the Domaine de Certe in Audenge
Back to your hotel for your last night.

Day 8

Take the train from Arcachon to Bordeaux.
End of trip.
Additional day :
Possibility of additional days in Bordeaux in Hotel*** in the heart of “Historic Bordeaux”, close to the “Grand Theatre” and the Tourism Office. Recently renovated area with many pedestrian streets.