Exploring 20,000 Years of Culture
On this, the ultimate food-and-wine journey, we move from Left Bank to Right (facing downstream) on into the Dordogne Valley. We begin in Bordeaux, where the riding is as smooth as a Château Mouton Rothschild (you’ll understand soon enough). Then, it’s eastward to the Dordogne Valley, land of medieval castles, Cro-Magnon cave paintings and exquisite cuisine. Prep your senses for succulent feasts, almost daily wine tastings and some of France’s best biking.
This is a signature B&R Biking trip—expertly guided, small groups, premium hotels.
Trip Details
Moderate
Bordeaux to Trémolat
6 Days / 5 Nights
Price per person from: $5,995
Single supplement: $1,400
See departure dates for exact pricing
Choose a Date
Day by Day
A perfect first day: biking the famous Route des Châteaux, tasting at a Grand Cru winery and dining on gastronomic specialties of the area with two-star chef Jean-Luc Rocha.
Move from Left Bank to Right across the Gironde Estuary for a breathtaking ride through vineyards to our hotel, a 14thC château.
Cycle to Pomerol, one of the many famous appellations we’ll visit over the week. In the evening visit St-Emilion's underground cathedral then reward yourself with dinner from Philippe Etchebest’s two-star Michelin kitchen.
Take a step back in time and explore the medieval castle of Beynac, then follow the Dordogne River down the "Valley of the Five Châteaux". Sip an an apéritif to gypsy jazz tunes.
Follow an expert through the prehistoric etchings and drawings of the Rouffignac cave. Shop for regional delicacies in Le Bugue and Limeul before a final-night send-off in our hotel's elegant garden.
Enjoy a farewell breakfast at the hotel and au revoir in Trémolat.
Hotels
Château Cordeillan-Bages, Pauillac
This 17thC chartreuse was turned into a Relais & Châteaux hotel by a family of neighbouring Château Lynch-Bages. Contemporary décor set the stage for the real event: a restaurant that is definitely worth a trip across the Atlantic. Chef Jean-Luc Rocha kept BOTH his mentor Thierry Marx's Michelin stars. View hotel website »
Hostellerie de Plaisance, St-Emilion
This hotel is a 14thC old stone building set in a prime location, right in the heart of St-Emilion. The Hostellerie de Plaisance features a highly rated gastronomic restaurant and a gorgeous terrace overlooking the old town of St-Emilion. Its warm and friendly atmosphere, paired with an ambience both chic and tranquil, makes this hotel the ultimate in relaxation. View hotel website »
Le Vieux Logis, Tremolat
Originally built in the 16thC as a monastery, this Relais & Châteaux historic property has been completely reimagined as a well-appointed luxurious hotel. Every spacious and comfortable guest room has its own unique decor, using antiques and often rustic country pieces. The tranquil outdoor pool and stunning gardens are the perfect place to kick back after a day of riding. View hotel website »
Activity Level
Moderate
This trip is rated Moderate. Our average bike ride is 53 km (33 mi.), with the option one day to do a 105 km (65 mi.) Century Ride. Our first three days let you warm up your legs, as the topography is flat or very gently rolling. Later in the trip, the Dordogne’s terrain means that each day involves a few challenging hills—but the climbs and descents are either short or gradual. Most roads are very quiet, with a few busier sections in towns. Vineyard and coastal scenery dominate in Bordeaux, in contrast to forest, castles and farmland in the Dordogne Valley.
Gear
The Bikes
You can't enjoy a great biking trip without a really great bike. On this trip you'll be riding customized Cannondales; there are three models to choose from to ensure you'll have the perfect bike. Click here for a detailed description. We also equip you with handlebar bag, helmet and water bottle.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, three lunches and all dinners, including wine
- Use of a customized Cannondale bike: a hybrid, a racing bike with drop bars, or a racing bike with flat bars, equipped with handlebar bag and helmet
- Services of B&R guide(s) and support van
- All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees
- All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off
- All baggage transportation
- Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
At Your Service
We take pride in choosing guides who are not only exceptional travelling companions, but who’ll go far beyond the call of duty to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Accolades
“I have been telling all my friends at home that this is perhaps the best trip I have ever been on. Our guides were exceptional! Lewis and Agustine could not be any better suited to their jobs. The hotel in St. Emilion was fabulous. The caves in Dordogne were mind blowing! Each day exceeded the last in beautiful scenery, delicious food, wine and fun! Thank you B&R!”
— Romero Marcello,
Bordeaux to Dordogne Biking 2010
Notes from the Road
- Bordeaux vs. BurgundyWhen comparing France’s two top wine regions, everyone comes out a winner. We tapped a pair of B&R experts—Burgundophile David Butterfield and on-site Bordeaux aficionado Dylan Roche—to contrast the subtleties of their respective wine kingdoms. The R … …
- Backstage Pass to Bordeaux & the Dordogne ValleyAffectionately and appetizingly considered one of our premier food and wine destinations, our Bordeaux to Dordogne Biking trip is a quintessential B&R trip. The riding is smooth, the landscape stunning, the local culture alluring, the feasts incredib … …
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