The Complete Guide to Cycling Bordeaux

From the Médoc’s rolling vines to the Atlantic coast’s salty breezes, every ride around Bordeaux feels like a toast to life. In this guide to cycling in Bordeaux, you’ll find the routes, climbs, and cultural stops that make the region unforgettable.

Topography

This tranquil corner of southwestern France unfolds around the meeting of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, giving rise to the majestic Gironde estuary, the largest in Western Europe. From the city, the landscape radiates outward in gentle rolls of vineyard-covered plains and low limestone plateaus, extending eastward into the undulating terrains of Entre-deux-Mers.

To the west, Médoc stretches toward the Atlantic with level terrain, sandy soils and pine forests, offering relaxed rides between storied châteaux. Beyond, the coast opens to the Atlantic Ocean, where stretches of golden sand and bracing sea air accompany riders along the La Vélodyssée cycle route. This long-distance path follows the coast through pine groves, dunes and seaside villages, making it one of the most scenic ways for cycling Bordeaux’s maritime side.

Inland, serene basins dotted with vineyards, pastures and wooded knolls lead to villages perched on modest elevations, inviting scenic detours and peaceful rest stops. While most of the region offers calm flatlands ideal for leisurely cycling, its appeal lies in its variety, with coastal stretches, river-flanked paths and soft hills creating a ride that feels both expansive and intimately cultivated.

Climate

Bordeaux enjoys a temperate oceanic climate shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic. Summers are warm without being extreme, with average highs between 25 and 28 °C (77 to 82 °F), while winters remain mild, rarely dipping far below 5 °C (41 °F). Spring and autumn are comfortably pleasant, making them ideal for long days of cycling through vineyards, river valleys and coastal stretches.

Rainfall is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, though autumn tends to bring slightly wetter periods, refreshing the countryside ahead of the grape harvest. The coastal influence keeps humidity moderate and the air fresh, while gentle breezes from the ocean add to the region’s cycling comfort.

Seasonal markers give the calendar its rhythm. The grape harvest typically begins in late August or early September, filling the air with the scent of ripe fruit. In spring, wildflowers appear along rural roads and the Atlantic coast, adding colour to rides along La Vélodyssée. Even in winter, many cycling routes remain inviting thanks to the region’s mild weather and largely frost-free conditions.

Flora and Fauna

The landscapes of Bordeaux are alive with a rich variety of plant and animal life, shaped by its mix of estuarine wetlands, tidal marshes, rolling vineyards, and the vast pine forests of the Landes. This diversity makes cycling here a sensory experience that shifts with the seasons.

The Gironde estuary, where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet, is a vital stop for migratory birds from March to May.Storks and ospreys can often be spotted overhead, while marshes and reed beds shelter herons, egrets, plovers, stilts, and even the occasional otter along quieter river paths.

Inland, the Landes forest stretches across the western part of the region, forming the largest man-made forest in Europe. Maritime pines dominate the landscape, interspersed with oak, alder, and willow near rivers and streams. Vineyards in some areas are bordered by native hedgerows and trees, creating wildlife corridors that attract birds, pollinators, and small mammals.

Wetlands and lakes such as Hourtin or the Leyre Delta offer a different kind of beauty, with rushes, wild orchids, alder groves, and unique aquatic life thriving in their sheltered waters.

The combination of shifting light across the water, fresh growth between vine rows, and the sound of marshland birdsong makes cycling Bordeaux rewarding for nature lovers.

Economy

Bordeaux’s economy is shaped by a blend of viticulture, agriculture, maritime trade, and tourism. The region is world-renowned for its wine industry, producing some of the most prestigious and sought-after labels in France.

Vineyards stretch across areas such as Médoc, Saint-Émilion, Graves, and Pomerol, each with its own distinct terroir and winemaking traditions. The annual grape harvest, or vendanges, is a major seasonal event, drawing both local workers and international visitors eager to experience the process.

Beyond wine, the fertile lands of the Gironde support crops such as maize, sunflowers, and vegetables, as well as oyster farming in the Arcachon Bay, which is prized across France. The surrounding Atlantic waters also sustain a small but significant fishing industry, particularly for species like sea bass and sole.

Tourism plays a vital role in the regional economy. Bordeaux city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts visitors for its elegant 18th-century architecture, riverfront quays, and vibrant culinary scene. Cycling routes through the vineyards, forest trails in the Landes, and the coastal paths of the Velodyssee bring in outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Arcachon, famous for its sandy beaches and the Dune du Pilat, draws holidaymakers from across France and beyond.

Gironde is home to around 1.6 million people, with Bordeaux city serving as the economic hub. While urban areas are centers of commerce, education, and technology, rural communities remain closely tied to farming, winemaking, and tourism services, preserving the region’s agricultural heritage and relaxed pace of life.

1. Vineyards, Coastlines, and Everything in Between

Bordeaux offers one of the most diverse experiences of cycling in France, moving from the sunlit vineyards of the Médoc to the sweeping Atlantic coastline. Quiet backroads lead through wine country, while the coastal La Vélodyssée route delivers ocean breezes, sea cliffs, and the charm of towns like Biarritz. To the north and west, pine forests open onto sandy tracks near Arcachon Bay, ending with the climb to the Dune du Pilat for panoramic views of forest, sea, and sky.

2. Flavours Worth the Ride

Food and wine are woven into the rhythm of every journey here. Routes pass through Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, and Cadillac, where vineyard tastings tempt you off the saddle. Local markets overflow with oysters from Arcachon, creamy goat cheeses, and seasonal produce ripe from the fields. When cycling in Bordeaux, a shaded picnic beside the Garonne or Dordogne rivers is a perfect mid-ride pause before pedalling on.

3. Cycling Through History

Every route carries traces of Bordeaux’s layered past. The Garonne Canal towards Toulouse links a chain of towns like La Réole, Damazan, and Le Mas d’Agenais, each with cobbled lanes and centuries-old churches. Moissac’s UNESCO-listed abbey is a highlight for its Romanesque cloisters. Further southwest, the French Basque Country reveals red-and-white houses, lively market squares, and traditions passed down for generations.

4. Where City and Countryside Meet

Bordeaux city itself blends grandeur and ease, with broad riverfront quays, leafy squares, and cafés perfect for pre or post-ride indulgence. Beyond the city, the pace slows in small towns and vineyard-dotted countryside. Arcachon’s Belle Époque villas and harbourside promenades invite unhurried exploration, while rural lanes along the Garonne carry you through landscapes that feel timeless.

1. Médoc

The Médoc peninsula is famous for its prestigious wine estates, but it also offers some of the region’s most scenic and accessible cycling routes. Flat, quiet roads wind between neatly lined vineyards, grand châteaux, and riverside villages. The Médoc Wine Route is a gentle ride with plenty of opportunities to stop for tastings or tours. For a longer day out, continue north toward the Pointe de Grave, where the Gironde estuary meets the Atlantic, offering wide coastal views.

Nearby highlight: The seaside town of Soulac-sur-Mer makes for a breezy, beachside stop before turning back inland.

2. Cadillac and the Garonne Valley

South of Bordeaux, the riverside town of Cadillac makes a perfect base for exploring the rolling countryside along the Garonne. The area is dotted with sunflower fields, fruit orchards, and sweet wine vineyards like those of Loupiac and Sauternes. The routes here offer a mix of gentle climbs and breezy descents, with stops at fortified villages and quiet riverbanks.

Nearby highlight: Podensac is worth a detour for its historic distillery and views of the Garonne from the old river quay.

3. La Vélodyssée

Bordeaux falls along the La Vélodyssée, the French section of the Atlantic Coast Route, which stretches from Brittany to the Spanish border. The local section runs south toward Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat, or north toward the Médoc coast. The Dune du Pilat is the largest remaining sand dune in Europe, and is quite popular with visitors

The ride alternates between pine forests, sandy beaches, and fishing villages, with long, flat stretches ideal for leisurely pedalling. The salty air and ocean views make it one of the most refreshing rides in the region.

Nearby highlight: Cap Ferret offers relaxed coastal paths, oyster huts, and views across the bay to the Dune du Pilat.

4. Canal de Garonne From Bordeaux to Toulouse

Heading inland, the Canal de Garonne route offers a shaded, slow-paced journey all the way to Toulouse. The path runs beside calm waters, lined with plane trees that provide shelter on hot days. Along the way, cyclists can explore historic towns such as Marmande and Agen, sample local produce at weekly markets, and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of life along the canal. The terrain is flat and well-suited to long-distance touring.

Nearby highlight: Moissac is known for its UNESCO-listed abbey and riverside setting, a rewarding stop for history lovers.

5. Saint-Émilion and the Right Bank

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Émilion is a dream destination for cyclists who love wine and history. The surrounding Right Bank vineyards are crisscrossed by small country roads that rise and fall gently, passing limestone cellars, Romanesque churches, and stone farmhouses. The town itself is a beautiful place to linger, with cobbled streets, panoramic viewpoints, and plenty of cafés to rest in after a day’s ride.

Nearby highlight: The smaller village of Castillon-la-Bataille, just east of Saint-Émilion, sits on the banks of the Dordogne and has a fascinating medieval battle history.

Best Season: April to June and September to October

Spring and early autumn are ideal for cycling in Bordeaux. From April to June, vineyards burst into leaf, fields fill with wildflowers, and riverside paths feel fresh and green. Temperatures range from 16 to 25°C (61 to 77°F), offering warm but comfortable rides. May and June have long daylight hours, perfect for covering more ground through wine country or along the coast.

September and October bring cooler mornings, golden vineyards, and fewer tourists on the roads. Harvest season fills the air with the scent of crushed grapes, and cycling routes through areas like Saint-Émilion and Médoc feel especially atmospheric.

Shoulder Season: March and November

March marks the start of the cycling year with budding vines, early blossoms, and quieter trails. Temperatures are mild, though mornings can be crisp, averaging around 12 to 17°C (54 to 63°F). November offers a more muted palette with bare vines, soft light, and still rivers. It is also a time for peaceful roads and historic towns without the summer crowds.

Off-Season: December to January

Winters in Bordeaux are mild compared to much of Europe, with daytime highs often between 8 and 12°C (46 to 54°F). Rain is more frequent, days are shorter, and some smaller accommodations close for the season. The absence of traffic and the stark beauty of vineyards at rest can make for rewarding rides if you are prepared for cooler, damp conditions.

1. Entrecôte à la Bordelaise

A signature of Bordeaux’s dining scene, this grilled ribeye steak is served with a rich red wine and shallot sauce, often made from the region’s own full-bodied reds. Traditionally, the sauce is simmered with bone marrow, giving it a velvety depth that pairs perfectly with the char of the beef. Best enjoyed in a brasserie after a day of riding, ideally with a glass of Médoc or Graves wine..

2. Oysters from Arcachon Bay

Just west of Bordeaux lies Arcachon Bay, famous for its plump, briny oysters. These are often served raw on the half shell with a squeeze of lemon, letting their natural sweetness shine. Pair them with a chilled glass of Entre-Deux-Mers white wine for a refreshing coastal treat, perfect after cycling Bordeaux’s Atlantic routes.

3. Canelés de Bordeaux

These small caramelized pastries are a local icon. Crisp on the outside, soft and custardy inside, canelés are flavored with rum and vanilla. Traditionally baked in copper molds, they make for an ideal mid-ride snack or an indulgent reward at the end of the day, often paired with espresso.

4. Lamprey à la Bordelaise

A dish steeped in history, lamprey is slow-cooked in red wine with leeks, garlic, and cured ham. Once a medieval delicacy, it remains a specialty of the region, especially along the Garonne River. Its rich, savory sauce is best savored with crusty bread and a bold red wine.

5. Wines of Bordeaux

Bordeaux is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, with vineyards producing everything from powerful Médoc reds to sweet Sauternes and crisp Pessac-Léognan whites. Many châteaux open their doors for tastings and tours, making wine an unforgettable part of the cycling experience. A glass at sunset, overlooking the vines you rode past that day, is a memory that lingers.

Discover the timeless allure of cycling in Bordeaux, riding through vineyard-draped hills, riverside paths, and historic villages where every stop offers a taste of local life. From the wine châteaux of Médoc to the bustling quays of the Garonne, cycling allows you to experience the region at your own rhythm, fully immersed in its landscapes, heritage, and flavours.

With over a decade of experience creating meaningful cycling journeys, Art of Bicycle Trips offers expertly designed bike tours in Bordeaux and beyond.

Travel with the ease and confidence that comes from attentive tour leaders, handpicked accommodations, curated local encounters, and the constant support of a dedicated vehicle. Whether you seek leisurely rides, gourmet indulgences, or deep cultural immersion, we ensure every moment is as rich and memorable as the region itself.