Bordeaux-Brochure

Cycling Cruises in France
Bordeaux area: Chateaux, Rivers and Wine Tour
2017
1976 - 2016
40 year
BOAT
BIKE
TOURS
The Bordeaux Wines
Cognac
Famous appellations in the North-West:
• Pauillac
• Margaux
• Medoc
Famous appellations in the North-East:
• Côtes de Bourg
Angoulême
• Côtes
de Blaye
Pons
i ro
G
nd
Jonzac
e
Pauillac
Famous appellations in the East:
• Fronsac
• Pomerol
• Saint-Emilion
Blaye
Bourg
Margaux
Libourne
Fronsac
La Dordogne
Bassin
d’Arcachon
Bordeaux
Cadillac
Arcachon
Langon
Castets-enDorthe
ar
G
Famous appellations in the South-West:
• Sauternes
Mios
• Barsac
• Graves
e
n
on
Bazas
Famous appellations in the South-East:
• Entre-Deux-Mers
• Premières Côtes de Bordeaux
Red wine
Agen
Sabres
White wine
Sweet white wine
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info@boatbiketours.com
tel: +31 (0)299 313071
Bordeaux
Chateaux, Rivers and Wine Tour
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.
Facts & Figures – France
Surface area 547,030 km²
Capital City Paris
RegionAquitaine
DepartmentGironde
Population 66,03 million people
Highest elevation the peak of Mont Blanc at
4,807 metres
CurrencyEuro
Average temp. in August 25.2 °C
Average temp. in January 10 °C
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.
www.boatbiketours.com
info@boatbiketours.com
tel: +31 (0)299 313071
What is a Bike and Barge Tour?
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”…
www.boatbiketours.com
info@boatbiketours.com
tel: +31 (0)299 313071
On board and on the road
Crew on board
A 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 group
The basic package of the Bordeaux Tour includes semiguided 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).
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
www.boatbiketours.com
info@boatbiketours.com
tel: +31 (0)299 313071
Ship ‘Bordeaux’
Facts & figures:
number of guests: max. 96
number of cabins: 49
length: 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
www.boatbiketours.com/bordeaux
The vessel sails under experienced French management with
in-depth knowledge of the region.
info@boatbiketours.com
tel: +31 (0)299 313071
Day to Day Program
From Castets-en-Dorthe via
Bordeaux to Libourne
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 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 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 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
Cognac
Angoulême
Pons
G
e
nd
iro
Jonzac
Pauillac
Blaye
Bourg
Margaux
Libourne
Fronsac
Bordeaux
Bassin
d’Arcachon
Cadillac
Arcachon
Mios
Langon
e
nn
o
ar
info@boatbiketours.com
Castets-enDorthe
G
Bazas
www.boatbiketours.com
La Dordogne
tel: +31 (0)299 313071
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 – Bourg
In 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-surGironde to Fronsac/Libourne
Cycling from Bourg you will enter the Côtes de Blaye
vineyard. Its wine chateaux may be little known but
www.boatbiketours.com
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 military
masterwork 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 SaintÉmilion wine areas. Pedaling the countryside, bristling with
info@boatbiketours.com
tel: +31 (0)299 313071
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 Bordeaux
After 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.
www.boatbiketours.com
info@boatbiketours.com
tel: +31 (0)299 313071
Dates and prices 2017
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).
PRICES 2017 (pricing per person)
Cabin:
for
Twin cabin lower deck
2 pers.
Twin cabin upper deck
2 pers.
Single cabin upper deck
1 pers.
Single use twin cabin lower deck 1 pers.
Junior suite lower deck
2 pers.
early season
€ 999
€ 1,149
€ 1,349
€ 1,299
€ 1,299
mid
season € 1,099
€ 1,249
€ 1,449
€ 1,399
€ 1,399
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
high
season
€ 1,249
€ 1,399
€ 1,649
€ 1,599
€ 1,549
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:
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www.boatbiketours.com
info@boatbiketours.com
tel: +31 (0)299 313071
Book directly
through the specialists of Boat Bike Tours
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BOAT BIKE TOURS BV
’t Prooyen 3-B
1141 VD Monnickendam
the Netherlands
+31 (0)299 313 071
info@boatbiketours.com
www.boatbiketours.com
facebook.com/boatbiketours
You can call or chat with us from Monday until Friday, 8.00 – 17.00.
France
Europe
Bordeaux region
Colophon
All 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 - Pixelair
Images: Office du Tourisme, Bordeaux, Boat Bike Tours
Graphic design: digiTAAL duurzaam communiceren (www.dt.nl).
June 2016
www.boatbiketours.com
info@boatbiketours.com
Ivan and
Cathy, U
SA
The trip
was exc
ellent.
We enjoy
ed very
much
the natu
re, the w
in
tasting
and also ethe
bikes we
re very g
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The sta
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boa
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informativ
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tel: +31 (0)299 313071
Guest feedback: many positive and enthusiastic traveler reviews on our website
Rated 8.8 out of 10
based on 80 reviews
(June 2016)
Book directly through the
specialists of Boat Bike Tours:
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
BOAT BIKE TOURS BV
’t Prooyen 3-B
1141 VD Monnickendam
The Netherlands
+31 299 313071
Cycling tours: fully guided with tour leader or individual cycling
info@boatbiketours.com
www.boatbiketours.com
facebook.com/boatbiketours
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!
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