Bordeaux

A cycle trip to the self-proclaimed capital city of bikes. Bordeaux has 500km of dedicated cycle tracks through the vineyards that surround it - west to the Atlantic Ocean, east through the Dordogne vineyards, south to the forest.

Day 1 Wed 19th May arrival - flights get in around 16:00

Meet at airport 11 am. Flight departs 12:50 Edinburgh. Buy 7 day Bordeaux travel pass for €10 and take laine 1 bus into town to St-Bruno - Hôtel de Région and change to Tram A. Runs very 10 minutes. Stay in Etap Bordeaux in the Bastide across the Pont de Pierre for €26 each. Perhaps take petit-train tour of city for 45 mins at €7. We will eat at the Cassolette at 8pm - 5 courses and bottle of wine for €15. Breakfast additional €4.

Day 2 Thu 20th May  Lacanou Ocean - 26 miles

Take tram A then C to get no 3 bus from Quinconces (Munich) bus stop at 9:27 or 9:43 to St Medard eglise. Walk to Oxyjeune bike hire where we leave the hand luggage. Start cycle about 11am. Cycle Piste Bordeaux-Lacanou to Atlantic Ocean and  stay in 3 star Hotel du Golf in Lacanou Ocean for €40 each. Heated pool. Breakfast additional €10.

Day 3 Fri 21st May - Atlantic coast to Arcachon - 34 miles

Cycle Piste Medoc. Take the cycleway to Cap Ferret and then get water bus across the Bassin to town of Arcachon at 14:30 or 16:30 for €10.5 inc bike. Visit largest Sand Dune in Europe. Stay in a 2nd empire villa built around 1824 called Villa Regina for €37 in the famous "Hiver Ville" area of Arcachon. Breakfast available at extra fee. This property is self catering so a cheap evening meal is possible.

Day 4 Sat 22nd May - Gasgogne National Forest - 48 miles (35 or 20 option with train)

Early start! Train at 8:26 or 9:26 to Biganos. Go along piste Mios- Basas. Champions league final tonight. Stay in 15th century windmill in forest overnight near village of Sore for €30 including breakfast. If anyone not up to today there is a train option into Bordeaux then change to go to Langon 20 miles from destination.

Day 5 Sun 23rd May Cycle the wine region - 33 miles

Possible stay in Chateau de Grand Banet. Train from Cerons 2:12 and 5:41.

Day 6 Mon Mon 24th May - 26 miles

return to Bordeaux by bike on Piste Roger Lapebie then out to St Medard to return bikes and get cases. Get number 3 bus back into centre Quinconces. Get bus number 1 at about 19:30. Flight home departs at 21:55 arrives 23:10.

Approximate costs

5 nights accommodation at €35 per night

flights at £40 return

bike hire €62

lunch and evening meal