Come and explore the Bordeaux vineyards on a three-day bike ride! From Blanquefort train station, set off on an adventure with friends, as a couple or alone, on a 29 km loop. Stop off on the way, live for the moment and explore six winegrowing estates and a cooperage. Embrace the region’s oenological and culinary culture at wine tastings accompanied by specialities of Bordeaux and opportunities to meet winegrowers who represent the Haut-Médoc appellation. Time to get on your bikes!
Day 1: from Blanquefort to Le Pian-Médoc (8.2 kilometres)
Le Pian-Médoc, France
The first step of your adventure through the Bordeaux vineyards begins in Blanquefort. Make your way to the Château Dillon, for a perfect introduction to the Médoc wine route. On this 31-hectare estate, you’ll learn all about black grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère.
Carry on towards the Château Saint Ahon, a family-run estate with an authentic charm and great sense of hospitality. Choose to go on a guided tour, gourmet tour or an entertaining tour of Mirabel garden.
Then it will be time to stop for lunch, at Pomme Cactus, where you can expect a blend of creative cuisine, modern patisserie and fresh, local products. A delicious moment of relaxation.
In the afternoon, you’ll get a warm welcome at the Château de Malleret. This superb estate has been converting to organic winegrowing practices since 2021, and produces some exceptional vintage wines.
Round off the day at La Table de Caychac where chef Yann Serra concocts his dishes using fresh and seasonal produce.
Finally, an overnight stay at Pont Bernet is a chance to relax and unwind in the midst of nature, with a great wooden decking area in the one-hectare grounds. There’s also a restaurant and swimming pool there!
Day 2: from Le Pian-Médoc to Labarde (11.5 kilometres)
Labarde, France
On the second day, head to Ludon-Médoc, to the Château Paloumey, a family-run, organic vineyard. Depending on what you fancy doing, opt for a ‘Visite Terroirs Gourmande’ (Gourmet Terroir Tour), a blending workshop or an introduction to wine tasting.
If you decide to pass through Ludon-Médoc, don’t miss the tour of the Nadalié cooperage, (bookings compulsory) where you can learn all about the art of barrel-making.
For lunch, the chefs at the brasserie 1902 concoct traditional dishes with fresh, local ingredients.
In the afternoon, the Château d’Agassac, a real fairy-tale castle, has some surprising guided tours available, as well as treasure hunts and tastings on various themes.
Stay overnight at the Château de Giscours and save the visit of this estate for the next morning. The three guestrooms are in the former stables near the château, overlooking the vineyard.
Day 3: from Labarde to Parempuyre (11.5 km)
Parempuyre, France
On the last day, make your way to the prestigious Margaux appellation area, at the incredible Château de Giscours. You can expect a royal welcome to the vineyard, whether you come for a tour of the estate, for a wine tasting or just to enjoy a picnic in the grounds. Or you can choose to treat yourselves to an exceptional meal at the natural, wonderfully gourmet and private restaurant. Bookings are compulsory.
Parempuyre is the final destination of your adventure. Visit the Château Ségur, a vineyard that has been run by the Grazioli family since 1959. The estate can be found at Ile d'Arès, an islet of the Garonne that is now joined into the left banks of the river.
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Tips and suggestions
An increasing amount of winegrowers now produce biodynamic wines and we recommend opting for these wines that are produced according to methods that respect the soil.
By Marie Raymond
Journalist
Marie is a tourism and culture journalist with a serious weakness - she can write just about anywhere, but definitely not in an office! She is inspired by the spirit of the times and the momentum of the moment.