cycling cruises in france - boat bike tours€¦ · cycling cruises in france bordeaux area: ......

Cycling Cruises in FranceBordeaux area: Chateaux, Rivers and Wine Tour

2017

1976 - 2016

40 yearBOATBIKE

TOURS

www.boatbiketours.com [email protected] tel: +31 (0)299 313071

La DordogneGironde

Bassind’Arcachon

Garonne

Bordeaux

Cadillac

LangonCastets-en-Dorthe

AgenSabres

Mios

Pauillac

MargauxBourg

LibourneFronsac

Blaye

Angoulême

Bazas

Cognac

Jonzac

Pons

Arcachon

Famous appellations in the North-East:• Côtes de Bourg • Côtes de Blaye

Red wine

White wine

Sweet white wine

The Bordeaux Wines

Famous appellations in the North-West:• Pauillac • Margaux • Medoc

Famous appellations in the South-West:• Sauternes • Barsac • Graves

Famous appellations in the South-East:• Entre-Deux-Mers • Premières Côtes de Bordeaux

Famous appellations in the East:• Fronsac • Pomerol • Saint-Emilion


As far as holiday destinations go it doesn’t come any better than the French city of Bordeaux for lovers of fine wine and cycling to combine their passions.Situated in the southwest of France in the Gironde department, the City of Bordeaux is widely recognized as one of the world’s major wine cities and, as a bonus for cycling enthusiasts, one of the most picturesque places in the country to enjoy a cycling tour.

Tourists flock to the region to not only experience its renowned vineyards, rich culture, charming castles and the city of Bordeaux itself, but also hundreds of kilometers of undulating cycle paths that crisscross the countryside through one of the most fertile wine growing regions in the world.

And as a bonus for anyone keen to discover the ‘real’ Bordeaux region by bicycle, throw in the fact that the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers flow through the area. This is the perfect setting for a Boat Bike tour of discovery aboard the ship Bordeaux.

The Bordeaux Chateaux, Rivers and Wine Tour, as the name of the tour implies, features castles, the Bordeaux wine region, grand architecture, beautiful rivers, tempting cafés, superb museums, vineyards and the cultural city of Bordeaux itself, with all cycling on carefully chosen cycling routes.

And as is the case on all Boat and Bike tours, the ship “Bordeaux”, your floating hotel for the duration of the eight-day, seven-night tour, is your comfortable home away from home.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in the Gironde Department in south western France. When it comes to wine, the name Bordeaux is synonymous with quality. The oldest and largest fine wine-producing region in the world boasts 115,000 hectares of vineyards and employs one out of six people in the region. Given its temperate climate, beautiful scenery, flat to undulating landscape and long history the Bordeaux region is tailor-made for cycle touring.

Bordeaux Chateaux, Rivers and Wine Tour

Facts & Figures – France

Surface area 547,030 km² Capital City Paris Region Aquitaine Department Gironde Population 66,03 million people Highest elevation the peak of Mont Blanc at 4,807 metres Currency Euro Average temp. in August 25.2 °C Average temp. in January 10 °C


A room with a view

As far as cycling holidays go bike and boat touring is a revelation. Cycle all day and your floating hotel is there at the end of the day to welcome you with a warm shower, a gourmet menu and your own cabin. Because, clearly, the boat travels along major rivers, the cycling for the vast majority of the time is along flat cycle paths along the water’s edge or adjacent countryside. This means these types of tours are suitable for families or anyone from about six to 80-plus years and of all varying fitness levels.An advantage of boat bike tours is that if you are travelling with a non-cyclist family member or friend who wants to sit out the day’s cycling, it is possible to stay on-board during the day and enjoy the journey on the boat while the rest of the passengers cycle.Another major advantage of bike and boat cycle touring is that you have your own cabin for the duration of the tour, which means you do not have to pack and unpack every day.As a general rule daily cycling distances vary from around 15 to 50 kilometers (10-32 miles), which give you plenty of time to go sightseeing, explore towns and villages, enjoy a break at a café or visit one of the many sights en route. At the end of the day you are welcomed back on board by the crew, where you can chat with your new-found cycling friends while enjoying a good local wine.

Wines and culinary specialties of the Bordeaux Region

Set at the confluence of the Garonne River and the Gironde estuary, the Bordeaux area is one of the most prolific and famous wine growing regions in the world. Caressed by Atlantic breezes, the vineyards that cover the rolling hills of the region have for centuries produced France’s most remarkable wines. The area produces red, white and rosé wines. The red wines come from five different grapes. They are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Appellations such as Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Sauternes, Médoc and Margaux have made Bordeaux wines world famous. Enjoy daily cycling tours through these famous wine regions: you will visit many of them and probably taste various excellent wines. But Bordeaux does not only offer the finest wines; it is also home to finest, scrumptious, distinct tasting culinary specialties. The cuisine on board is outstanding and menus will include regional specialties, prepared with fresh ingredients. The bar on board offers a wide variety of excellent local wines to enjoy during dinner or simply to taste them during your personal “cocktail hour”…

What is a Bike and Barge Tour?


Crew on boardA particular feature of the tour is the emphasis on service on board the “Bordeaux”. Every guest is treated as a VIP where nothing is too much trouble. The crew consists of a captain, sailors/navigators, a chef, hostesses and a tour guide(s). The crew will welcome you on board, maintain the ship, take care of the elaborate breakfast buffet and three-course dinner and will generally ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your cycling holiday. In addition they also serve your drinks, keep the ship clean and tidy, take care of your bicycles on the ship or on the quay and will relate many interesting facts about the region along the way. In short, the crew will do anything and everything to make your stay on board as comfortable as possible.

Semi-guided individual cycling or guided bike tours in a groupThe basic package of the Bordeaux Tour includes semi-guided cycling. During daily briefings, the tour leader explains the next day’s tour and you can cycle individually, at your own pace with detailed cycling maps and tour descriptions. The tour leader is also cycling (not in a group) in the area and in the case of questions or an emergency she/he can be reached for assistance on a mobile phone number. A second option is to book the package “guided cycling” (surcharge of 200 Euros): A group of max. 20 persons has their own English speaking tour guide who has an in-depth knowledge of the region for all daily cycling tours and visits en route (entrance fees not included).

On board and on the road

Guests One of the attractions of boat bike tours is the international group of guests on board. A large percentage of guests are over 50 and come from all kinds of backgrounds. Bike and boat tours are also family friendly and children are more than welcome - but please do make sure to check if a child can cycle daily distances of 30 – 50 kilometers before booking. Of course you can always opt to stay on board for one or more days (children under 18 only under adult supervision).

Level Cycling during this tour in the Bordeaux area can be rated easy to moderate, with daily cycling distances from 30 to 50 km. The terrain is relatively flat with some short climbs out of the river valleys onto the intervening vineyard areas and is suitable for cyclists with some (recent) practice and basic to moderate fitness levels.

Meals and drinks You are served a nutritious and varied breakfast every day, after which you can make your own packed lunch (sandwiches, fruit and something to drink). In the evening you will be served a delicious three-course meal: the menus will include regional specialities, prepared with fresh ingredients. Vegetarian meals are possible at no surcharge. Other diets (like gluten free or for lactose intolerance) are possible at a surcharge on request, please ask at booking. Various drinks (such as coffee, tea, beer, wine, water, soft drinks) are available at the bar (for a fee). Many wines from the region will be available for purchase on-board the “Bordeaux”; additional options: some small wine tastings.

www.boatbiketours.com/bikeandbarge


Ship ‘Bordeaux’

Facts & figures:

number of guests: max. 96number of cabins: 49length: 78 m (256 ft.)width: 10 m (33 ft.)

cabins lower deck• 34 twin cabins: approx. 7.5-8.0 M² (81 – 86 sq.ft.),

2 single beds next to each other• 2 junior suites: approx. 11.6 M² (125 sq.ft.), 2 single

beds next to each other, small sitting area

cabins upper deck• 11 twin cabins: approx. 7.5-8.0 M² (81 – 86 sq.ft.),

2 single beds next to each other• 2 single cabins: approx. 6.0-7.0 M² (65 – 75 sq.ft.),

All cabins have a small window that can be opened, en-suite bathroom with shower + toilet, air conditioning, satellite- TV, mini-safe.The salon on the upper deck combines a bar and a lounge area and a small dance floor; large panoramic windows all round; separate restaurant.sun deck with a large sunroof, chairs and tables; cycle shed .

www.boatbiketours.com/bordeaux

The vessel sails under experienced French management with in-depth knowledge of the region.


Day to Day Program

From Castets-en-Dorthe via Bordeaux to LibourneDay 1 (Sat): Castets-en- Dorthe – Canal des Deux Mers round tour (10 miles /15 km)Individual arrival and optional transfer from the meeting point in Bordeaux to the mooring location of the boat near the Canal des Deux Mers at Castets-en-Dorthe, located in the middle of the Garonne Valley. You can enjoy a short first test bike ride around Castets, exploring this fertile region aptly named “Little Holland” with its walnut trees, kiwi orchards and vegetable fields. Following the bike path along the Canal des Deux Mers (Canal of Two Seas) that links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, you will discover this lush rural countryside. In the evening, a welcome cocktail awaits you on board.

Day 2 (Sun): Castets-en- Dorthe – Sauternes round tour (21 - 32 miles / 35 - 50 km) | Castets-en-Dorthe – Cadillac After a good sleep on board, you will be ready to discover by bike the Sauternais region, where sweet dessert wines are produced. The route follows the winding banks of the Ciron River, whose icy waters flow into the warmer waters of the Garonne. In the autumn, when the climate is warm and dry, the combination of the two different temperatures produce a mist that descends on the vineyards, promoting the perfect conditions for the famous Sauternes wine. The country roads are dotted with picturesque chateaux whose

La Dordogne

Gironde

Bassind’Arcachon

Garonne

BordeauxCadillac

Langon Castets-en-Dorthe

Mios

Pauillac

Margaux BourgLibourneFronsac

Blaye

Angoulême

Bazas

Cognac

Jonzac

Pons

Arcachon

elegant turrets rule over an ocean of colorful vines. Time seems frozen in the medieval era when Englishmen ruled the region. In the late afternoon, back on board again, the tour continues by ship, heading downstream along the Garonne River to reach Loupiac near Cadillac, a small town with a towering castle.

Day 3 (Mon): Loupiac/Cadillac – Entre-Deux-Mers / Graves round tour (25 miles / 40 km) | Cadillac – Bordeaux Cadillac is located in the region of Graves, also known as the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. It is a fortified medieval village known as a Bastide in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region in between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. The cycling itinerary today leads through this “Premieres Côtes de Bordeaux” wine growing area. There is an opportunity to visit the former residence of the writer Francois Mauriac and Malromé castle, house of the painter Toulouse-Lautrec, built in the sixteenth century. Wine tastings are offered here! Once back on board, you will sail the Garonne River towards the enchanting city of Bordeaux, reaching the passage of the famous Stone Bridge and the pier in the city center, facing the region’s most prestigious panorama: the Stone Bridge, Place de la Bourse and Quai des Chartrons which intermingle in a single view.


Day 4 (Tue): Bordeaux: Bordeaux bike tour (10 miles / 16 km) The tour guide will offer a city tour of Bordeaux to discover its architectural gems on two wheels: this short cycling tour, mainly over cycling lanes, along both sides of the Garonne river in the cycling capital of France offers beautiful panorama views of the waterfront and the city. Enjoy the UNESCO sites of Bordeaux during a walking tour. Its main attractions are the royal entrance of the city (Cailhau Gate), the Big Bell of Pey Berlan, the Golden Triangle, the Girondins column, the water mirror… and more. You will discover beautiful squares, a hidden garden or quaint location where you can do a tasting of the Bordeaux renowned “cannelés” and coffee or fresh oysters and white wine. There is free time in the afternoon to shop or explore. Be sure to explore the town’s streets and shops where wine is as old as the underground cellars carved in stone or to visit the newly opened Cité du Vin.

Day 5 (Wed): Bordeaux – Lamarque | Lamarque – Médoc round tour (25 miles / 40 km) | Lamarque – BourgIn the morning the ship cruises from Bordeaux to Lamarque in the Gironde estuary, to start your cycling tour in the famous Médoc wine area. Winding your way through vineyards, you will discover some of Médocs best wineries, which pride in 21 first great classified growth, including the Châteaux Palmer, Issan, Lewis Brown, Rauzan Segla, Ferrière, and the last but not least Château Margaux. You can stop at one of these great wine estates for a visit / tasting (optional) and learn everything about classifications before returning to the boat. In the late afternoon, the ship will cruise the wide Gironde estuary to the jetty of Bourg, a picturesque little town near the conjunction of the Gironde and Dordogne rivers. The old city center overlooks the Gironde estuary.

Day 6 (Thu): Bourg to Blaye Fortress and vineyards round tour (21 - 32 miles / 35 – 50 km) | Bourg-sur-Gironde to Fronsac/LibourneCycling from Bourg you will enter the Côtes de Blaye vineyard. Its wine chateaux may be little known but

their production has nothing to envy to its more famous neighbors on the more famous left bank of Médoc. You will be surprised to see what this region holds in secret behind its hilly landscape covered with endless vines and dotted with scattered fairy tale chateaux and elegant manor houses. Since the Middle Ages, countless numbers of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella have passed through this region. Be enchanted by the “douceur de vivre” (sweet life), so typical for this wine region. In Blaye, take a short loop through the Vauban Fortess (on the UNESCO World Heritage List) to admire this militarymasterwork of the architect of Louis XIV, the “Sun King”, before you return to Bourg.In the evening you will sail to Fronsac / Libourne on the Dordogne river.

Day 7 (Fri): Fronsac/Libourne & Saint-Émilion vineyards (21 - 32 miles / 35 - 50 km)In Libourne you can stroll to the picturesque city square, lined with buildings dating as far back as the 16th century. You can visit the weekly market on Friday mornings, before starting your exploration of the famous Pomerol and Saint-Émilion wine areas. Pedaling the countryside, bristling with


vines, you will enjoy riding through this unspoiled UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Cycling the landscape provides a unique view of the village’s medieval lanes and surrounding vineyards. Take some time to visit beautiful Saint-Émilion. Your ride will continue on small picturesque back roads and paths where you will get a glimpse of Saint Émilion’s most famous châteaux. Along the way you will see some of the first classified wines such as Angelus, Ausonne, Cheval Blanc, Petrus - some of the world’s most famous wine estates. A true paradise for wine lovers!

Day 8 (Sat): Fronsac/Libourne: Disembarkation and (optional) transfer back to BordeauxAfter your final breakfast on board, it will be time for a return transfer (optional) to the pre-agreed drop off point in the city center of Bordeaux. Disembarkation before 09:00 AM.

This cruise will be offered in opposite direction on alternate weeks. In italics printed parts will be covered by ship.

The Garonne, Gironde and Dordogne Rivers are part of a tidal river system that results in changing water levels (daily changes of up to 6 meters / 20 ft.) in the region. Every effort is made to follow the scheduled itinerary, however, based on tides it may be amended or modified as required. Changes to the itinerary can be possible due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons. On the arrival day it is possible to bring your luggage on board from 1:00 PM. Boarding starts at 3:00 PM.


SEASON DATES (dd/mm):Castets-en-Dorthe to Libourne: departures on 22/04 (early season), 06/05 (mid season), 20/05, 03/06, 17/06, 26/08, 09/09, 23/09, 07/10. Libourne to Castets-en-Dorthe: departures on 29/04 (mid season), 13/05, 27/05, 10/06, 24/06, 02/09, 16/09, 30/09, 14/10 (mid season).

Dates and prices 2017

PRICES 2017 (pricing per person)

Cabin: for early mid high season season seasonTwin cabin lower deck 2 pers. € 999 € 1,099 € 1,249 Twin cabin upper deck 2 pers. € 1,149 € 1,249 € 1,399Single cabin upper deck 1 pers. € 1,349 € 1,449 € 1,649Single use twin cabin lower deck 1 pers. € 1,299 € 1,399 € 1,599Junior suite lower deck 2 pers. € 1,299 € 1,399 € 1,549

INCLUDED• Tour and accommodation on board in the booked

cabin category • Full board: 7 x breakfast, 6 x picnic lunch during bike

tours, 7 x three course dinner • Use of bed linen and towels (change of towels daily

possible), daily cleaning of the cabin • Welcome cocktail, presentation of ship + crew and

briefing on the first evening• Tour leader (English speaking) with daily briefings of

the bike tours, some short walking tours; individual semi-guided cycling tours: tour leader is not guiding the group, but cycling in the area and can be contacted during bike tours by mobile phone in case of questions, problems or emergencies (fully guided cycling as option / surcharge: see on the right)

• Printed instructions and detailed maps for individual daily bike tours, 1 set/cabin

• Complimentary coffee and tea every until 04:00 PM

NOT INCLUDED• 2 Bus transfers: Sat. at 02:00 PM from meeting point

in the center of Bordeaux to ship (Castets-en-Dorthe / Fronsac, respectively) and return on next Sat. at 09:00 AM from ship to meeting point in Bordeaux (transfer time: 1 hr. each); roundtrip: € 50

• Reservation fee €15 (obligatory surcharge) per booking/party

• Package guided cycling: €200 • Rental bicycle with 21 gears, hand brakes, pannier bag

€75 / rental e-bike €165 (limited number available)• Other transfers, parking fees, entrance fees &

excursions & wine tastings • Drinks on board, personal insurances, gratuities (at

your discretion) Special diets on request / surcharges may apply.

Please check www.boatbiketours.com/bordeaux for availability. This ship is also available in full charter to groups.

This is what our guests from last year wrote:

John and Judy, USA

We had a great time

cycling through the

Bordeaux-region. Tour

leader was very nice

and friendly. I would

highly recommend

this holiday.

Mrs. Queen, UKI did have a pleasant trip and was happy to experience the area. Most enjoyable meeting people from so many different countries.


ColophonAll information with reserve of later changes and typographical or graphical errors. Program + details barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons. Your travel confirmation is binding. Our general conditions (www.boatbiketours.com/conditions) apply to all tours, programs and travel confirmations.

Texts and images: Boat Bike Tours b.v. ; cover Yann Romanson - PixelairImages: Office du Tourisme, Bordeaux, Boat Bike ToursGraphic design: digiTAAL duurzaam communiceren (www.dt.nl). June 2016

Book directly through the specialists of Boat Bike Tours

BOAT BIKE TOURS BV’t Prooyen 3-B1141 VD Monnickendamthe Netherlands +31 (0)299 313 [email protected]/boatbiketoursYou can call or chat with us from Monday until Friday, 8.00 – 17.00.

France

Europe

Bordeaux region

Fam. Müller,

Germany

We enjoyed our

tour very much.

We visited beau-

tiful places

and made good

friends.

Ivan and Cathy, USAThe trip was excellent. We enjoyed very much the nature, the wine-tasting and also the bikes were very good. The staff of the boat was friendly and in-formative.

Read more about the unique concept of cycling cruises on our website, where you can enjoy some video clips and read our guest reviews. All tours can be booked online. Visit our website for additional information and images on tours, insurances, bicycles and to read our Terms and Conditions. www.boatbiketours.com/cyclingcruises

Our website provides comprehensive information on all ships, with a listing of the facilities on board, a cabin plan of the boat and more pictures. Most barges and ships are also available in full charter to private and other groups. www.boatbiketours.com/fleet

Since the late 1970s, Boat Bike Tours is the specialist for cycling and cruising holidays. We set up and organize our own tours and programmes, carefully select ships and use the services

of qualified and multilingual tour guides. Great service, high quality standards and the enthusiasm of our crews make each tour an unforgettable experience!

Tours: more than 70 bike and barge trips in 15 European countries

Value for money: great quality and a unique experience at a fair price

Cycling tours: fully guided with tour leader or individual cycling

Guest feedback: many positive and enthusiastic traveler reviews on our website

Book directly through the specialists of Boat Bike Tours:

BOAT BIKE TOURS BV’t Prooyen 3-B1141 VD MonnickendamThe Netherlands +31 299 313071

[email protected]/boatbiketours

Rated 8.8 out of 10 based on 80 reviews(June 2016)

cycling cruises in france - boat bike tours€¦ · cycling cruises in france bordeaux area: ......

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