The Bordeaux Wine Trail

The Bordeaux Wine trail visits many and varied vineyards while enjoying stunning scenery in the reclaimed marshes of the Medoc, the beautiful wooded valleys of the lower Dordogne and medieval towns like Limeuil and St Emilion. Throughout the week you will make regular stops at vignobles. From grand chateaux in haut medoc and St Emilion, to the exquisite sweet wines of Monbazillac, and up-and-coming areas like Castillon and Pecharment, wine provides the backdrop for a memorable week. Meet fascinating growers, sample fantastic wines with the owners, and discover hidden secrets about the world's largest Vineyard...the Bordeaux!

Day 1 Arriving at Bordeaux on the TGV, a minibus takes us to Vendays Montalivet, 50 miles north of Bordeaux and at the very edge of the wine-growing region of the Médoc. We stay at the Hotel de L'Arberet and the journey from Bordeaux will reassure you of the flat and easy cycling that awaits tomorrow.

Day 2 Visitors to the Médoc rarely venture beyond the grand cru classé of the Haut Médoc. This was once a series of gravel islands in a marsh. Connecting the islands and draining the flooded fields created a flat area with stunning views across the Gironde and occasional pockets of gravely soil ideal for wine growing. Along the Gironde are many fishing villages. They appear out of nowhere where the drainage canals enter the Gironde, and one of the loveliest is at St Christoly. All day there are spectacular views across the Gironde, and as we head towards the Haut Médoc there are vineyards on every side. We go through St Éstephe and end the day at the Hotel de France et Angleterre in Pauillac, home to the finest wines in the world. 30 miles.

Day 3 Today we explore the Haut Médoc. The Haut Médoc contains the famous communes of St Julien, Pauillac, St Éstephe and Margaux. There is the chance today to see the grand châteaux of Latour, Lafite and Mouton Rothschild. In the afternoon, we cross the Gironde by ferry to Blaye, docking just below the walls of the huge citadel. Time allowing, on Monday evening we visit the Syndicat Viticole where Christophe Chateau will give us an introduction to the wines of the Cotes de Blaye. We stay nearby at the Auberge du Porche. 30 miles.

Day 4 Today we explore the Cotes de Blaye, Cotes de Bourg and Fronsac, travelling up the Gironde to the point where it meets the Dordogne. We pass through St Andre de Cubzac, resting place of 'Le Commandant', Jacques Cousteau. We pass through Libourne, a traditional port at the head of the Dordogne, and from there make our way to St Emilion. We stay at Auberge de la Commanderie near the centre, which allows us to sample the memorable atmosphere of St Emilion at night. 38 miles.

Day 5 From St Emilion we pass through Castillon la Bataille. The hills are heavily wooded, and on some of the roads the names of French heroes such as Jalabert and Virenque are painted on as a legacy from the last visit of 'Le Tour'. From the lovely Bastide of Villefranche de Lonchat there is a clear view of Château de Gurson. We are now in Bergerac country, one of the the most recent regions to be granted Appellation d'Origine Controlee status, and there is a chance to visit traditional rural vineyards. Literary types might be interested to stop at the home of Michel Montagne, and we then descend to the Dordogne and enjoy a leisurely spin along the river to St Foy La Grande. We stay at the Hotel La Grande run by M. Jammet, right in the centre of this delightful and well-preserved Bastide. There are several bars in the town square and often the chance to enjoy live music. 25 miles.

Day 6 From St Foy we follow the southern bank of the Dordogne. Within the Appellation of Bergerac there are two tiny appellations worthy of special mention. The first is Monbazillac, which produces a sweet wine. The most famous Château in the appellation, Château Monbazillac. Monbazillac is well worth a visit to introduce us to these unusual wines. The second is Pécharment, which local vignerons like to kid themselves is the St Emilion of Bergerac. We can find out for ourselves at Château Tiregand courtesy of the magnificently named Xavier de St Exupéry. In between these two areas we pass through Bergerac with its delightful Old Town, and in the afternoon follow the river to Lalinde where we stay at the Hotel Les Forges. 31 miles.

Day 7 Our last day takes us from wine country deep into the heart of the Perigord Noir. We meet the toughest hills of the week, but the consolation is the view from the top of the 'Cingles des Tremolat'. Limeuil is another beautiful bastide, and finally we reach Les Eyzies where we can relax by the River Beune at the Moulin de la Beune. 30 miles

Day 8 A minibus will take you from the hotel to the train station in Angouleme where the TGV and Eurostar should get you back to Waterloo by 3:00pm.

Meeting Point: Bordeaux train station
Ending Point: Angouleme rail station
Arrival/Departure Information: Arriving at Bordeaux on the TGV, a minibus takes us to Vendays Montalivet. A minibus will take you from the hotel to the train station in Angoulême where the TGV and Eurostar should get you back to Waterloo by 3:00pm. Clients who cannot make these transfer times should make their own way to the accommodation. Arrangements can be made for taxi transfers at the client's own expense.
Activity level: Moderate
Daily distances: 20-38 miles, 4-6 hours
Bicycle equipment: - 21 speed aluminum Giant hybrid bikes with full Shimano equipment and GropShift gears. The bicycles come equipped with a removable saddle bag, water bottle and holder, lock, air pump, mud guard, and lights. Passengers may bring their own seats and pedals.
Rating: Accommodations are comfortable 3 star accommodations.
Group size averages 15 people.
2004 Guided Dates: June 26, July 17, August 7, September 4 & 18.
Price: US$1299 per person double

Package Includes :

• Bikes
  
• Equipment-Panniers, waterproofs, basic repair equipment, locks
  
• Maps
  
• Accommodation in comfortable 2** hotels
  
• Evening meals
  
• Breakfasts
  
• Transfers
  
• Guide
  
• Tasting fees at vineyards (not entrance fees at other sites)
  
  Notes - In exceptional cases we may be able to provide one single room at a supplement.