Bordeaux Destination Guide
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Welcome T
hank you for choosing BSpoke Tours or Cycling for Softies for your holiday. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to showing you the beauty of Bordeaux and the Aquitaine region by bike. Our goal is for you to have a rewarding and remarkable holiday; one where you are able to discover, explore and relax. This destination guide is intended to show you what to expect on your holiday and covers a range of topics, from which local attractions to visit, to the type of bikes you will be riding. You will receive an additional welcome pack at your welcome meeting with our destination managers, which will include detailed maps and route notes for your tour. In the meantime, don’t forget to download your Ride with GPS routes before travelling. See page 6 for more information on this.
Contents Touring bikes Electric bikes
04 04 05
Ride with GPS
06
Useful contact details
07
The region
08
Your bikes
Places to see Villages and towns Wine and delicacies Natural wonders Historical sights Events and festivals
10 12 14 16 18
Frequently asked questions
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Your feedback
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Your bikes
O
n our cycling holidays you will be provided with a comfortable, well maintained hybrid touring bike. Complete with panniers and a handlebar bag, these bikes are perfect for carrying the essential items you will need throughout the day, whilst we transfer the big bits of luggage to your next stop. We also offer the option of upgrading to an e-bike on all of our tours. These brilliant bits of kit take the sting out of the tougher days and are available from just ÂŁ20 per day. See page 5 for more information on our e-bike fleet.
Touring bikes Trek T200 & Dawes Sonoran The Trek T200 is the premium comfort touring bike from one of the world’s leading bicycle manufacturers. The bike is designed for comfortable cruising with features including mudguards, suspension, 24-speed gears and built in lights, all mounted on a lightweight aluminium frame. Also in our fleet is a range of Dawes Sonoran bikes. These are lightweight aluminium hybrid bikes, with mudguards and pannier racks, that are great fun to ride, especially on itineraries with some inclines. Both bike models are available in crossbar and step-through frames.
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E-bikes Trek TM1+ 500Wh (or equivalent) Electric bikes are an increasingly popular choice for those who would like a boost up the hills and a bit more zip on the flat. We use the Trek TM1+ e-bike, or a model of equivalent standard. These bikes offer various levels of support, adding extra power as you pedal which makes a tremendous difference, especially on hills. But don’t expect a free ride - the motor only assists your pedalling, it won’t turn the wheels without your legs helping too! We are often asked about the battery life and range of electric bicycles. The range and battery life will depend on how the bike is used. For example, on flat roads with the minimum level of assistance, it is possible to achieve a range of 145km / 90 miles. On the other end of the scale, if you use the maximum boost constantly it may last 45km / 28 miles. The batteries are easy to remove and charge using the mains plug provided. We recommend that you do this at every hotel to ensure you have maximum range for the following day. On longer days, you might even like to add some extra charge at lunch stops too - most cafés and restaurants will be happy to accommodate this.
Accessories and children’s bikes All bikes come with a 20 litre waterproof pannier bag, puncture repair kit and lock. Helmets are available but please let us know if you’d like one to be provided before you travel. We have a range of children’s bikes, seats, tag-alongs and trailers to suit all ages. Please contact us before travelling to discuss the most suitable option for your child.
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Ride with GPS
I
n addition to our traditional route notes and OS style maps, we encourage all of our guests to use our GPS navigation, which is similar in function to the sat-nav you find in most modern cars. We are affiliated with Ride with GPS, who offer a brilliant smartphone app to help take the stress out of navigation. Before you set off you’ll receive an email containing an invitation from us to your tour ‘event’ and detailed instructions on how to get started. After signing up for a free account, you will be able to view and download your routes to your phone, for use offline when overseas. The app allows you to follow your route highlighted on a map as well as offering spoken instructions.
How it works 1. One month before departure you will receive your event invitation link via email. 2. Follow the link, sign up for your free account and RSVP to our invitation. 3. You will now be able to see all of the routes for your tour and download them to your phone’s memory. 4. Upon arrival in resort, you simply select your route for the day, press ‘Ride’ and follow the spoken navigation cues.
Prefer paper? At your welcome meeting you will also receive detailed route notes and appropriately scaled IGN maps for the region you are travelling in. We can also provide GPX files for your own GPS device. Just ask us before you travel.
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EMERGENCY NUMBER
112
This is the emergency number you can call for free in all European countries if you need urgent help from the emergency services. If you need other assistance in France, your first call should be to our local Destination Manager. Make sure to save their phone number during your welcome meeting.
C ONTAC T D ETAIL S
Contact details
24-hour UK helpline | +44 (0)20 7471 7798 Les Feuilles d’Acanthe 6 Rue Carnot, 33490 Saint Macaire | +33 5 56 62 33 75
La Maison Sauternaise Place de l’Eglise, 33210 Sauternes | +33 6 78 00 64 18
Château d’Arche Route D125 E1, 33210 Sauternes | +33 5 56 76 66 55
Château de la Tour 2 Avenue de la Libération, 33410 Beguey | +33 5 56 76 92 00
La Tour du Vieux Port 23 Quai Souchet, 33500 Libourne | +33 5 57 25 75 56
Logis des Remparts 18 Rue Guadet, 33330, Saint Émilion | +33 5 57 24 70 43
Le Boutique Hotel 34 Rue Lafaurie de Monbadon, 33000 Bordeaux | +33 5 56 48 80 40
Hotel de Seze 23 Allée de Tourny, 33000 Bordeaux | +33 5 56 14 16 10
Hotel Ville d’Hiver 20 Avenue Victor Hugo, 33120 Arcachon | +33 5 56 66 10 38
Villa Lamartine 28 Avenue Lamartine, 33120 Arcachon | +33 5 56 83 95 77
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TH E REGION
The Region
K
nown as the Bordelais, the city of Bordeaux and its sprawling sphere of influence tell a story of both continuity and regeneration. The city itself is over 2,000 years old, with periods of Gallic, Roman, English, German and French influence. Visitors from all over the world flock to its beautiful city streets and surrounding vineyards and beaches. Bordeaux’s 7,000 wine estates are the lifeblood of the region and have been for generations. Over 90% of the wines produced are reds based on a blend of Merlot and Cabinet Sauvignon. Local reds include some of the most celebrated (and expensive) names in wine, such as Margaux, Saint Émilion, Pomerol and Mouton Rothschild. For those with a penchant for white, the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation, which sits between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers on the right bank, produces some crisp and zesty vintages using Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle grapes, making for a perfect accompaniment to fresh fish, especially on a summer’s evening after a day in the bike saddle. The sweet-toothed will also enjoy the sugary goodness of the Sauternes appellation, producing wonderfully full-bodied sweet wines. Historically a powerful trading port and the capital of the Kingdom of Gascony, the city of Bordeaux is bursting with magnificent architecture
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T H E REGION
from different eras. During WWII it was a base for German U-boats and the scene of a daring raid by British Commandos. Later in the 20th century, Bordeaux fell on hard times economically, until a spate of public spending in the 90s kickstarted a remarkable rejuvenation, culminating in the city being crowned Lonely Planet’s number one city to visit in 2017. This rebirth is perhaps best encapsulated by the striking architecture of the Cite du Vin. To the west of the city lies Arcachon Bay, an inland sea lined with picturesque beachside resort towns, including Arcachon itself. Take a stroll along the promenade here, look out over the water, and you may catch a glimpse of the famous Cap Feret lighthouse, accessible by passenger ferry. Inland you’ll find a mix of art deco architecture and Victorian era villas which gives the town a timeless class. We suggest dinner on the beachfront here, with delicious oysters from the bay, a nice glass of Bordeaux and a dramatic sunset.
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Villages and towns In addition to the overnight stops on your tour, you’ll pass through some lovely towns and villages on your way. Here are some that you may like to stop off in:
La Réole A charming medieval town on the banks of the Garonne, with a history stretching back to 977 AD. It is the smallest town in France to be accredited as a town of art and history. We love locking up our bikes and exploring its narrow streets on foot.
Saint Émilion The town of Saint Émilion is the beating heart of one of the world’s most revered wine appellations. It’s surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage vineyards and is home to the largest monolithic church in Europe. We love taking lunch in the square at the foot of the church and soaking up the vivacious buzz of the town.
Sauternes Sauternes is a sleepy hamlet perched on a high point overlooking sprawling vineyards where numerous wine estates produce their exquisite sweet wines and offer visits and tastings. After a day of tastings we suggest dinner in the garden of restaurant Le Saprien.
Arcachon If you’re visiting Bordeaux, this upscale beach resort on the stunning Arcachon Bay can’t be missed. Historically a town of oyster harvesting, it was transformed in the 19th and 20th centuries as wealthy Parisians and Bordelais transformed it into their favourite holiday hotspot. Be sure to visit the spectacular Dune du Pilat, take a dip in the shimmering blue water and indulge in fresh oysters.
Libourne This old river port town sits on the Dordogne and Isle rivers. Historically it was the main gateway for exporting Saint Émilion, Pomerol and Fronsac wines to England, the Netherlands and the Hanseatic states. Within easy reach of a number of the region’s best estates, nowadays the town is an attractive spot for wine tourists to base themselves. Libourne’s museum of fine arts hosts a fantastic array of Baroque era paintings, many of which were donated by wealthy benefactors and the state.
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Wine and delicacies Saint Émilion Known as the hill of 1,000 châteaux, Saint Émilion is famous for its fine, elegant reds, produced from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Originally a much smaller area, the current day appellation includes over 5,000 hectares of vineyards, making it one of the largest Bordeaux appellations.
Sauternes The Sauternes appellation and its 2,000 hectares of vineyards are famed for sweet white wines which exhibit a deep golden colour, fantastic when paired with salty and spicy foods. Interestingly, the cost of production of Sauternes wine is the highest in the region.
Entre Deux Mers The name relates to the triangle of land between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and translates to ‘between two seas’. Home to some 230 producers, Entre Deux Mers is best known for its dry white wines which go perfectly with oysters from Arcachon Bay.
Macarons Now a universally loved sweet treat, the macaron had humble beginnings in a religious community near Saint Émilion. In the 17th century, local Ursuline nuns produced thin almond flavoured wafers which, over the centuries, have evolved into the brightly coloured, mouth-watering snacks we know and love today. In Saint Émilion you can sample macarons made using the origional family receipe from 1620, at the bakery on Rue Guadet.
Arcachon oysters Oysters from Arcachon Bay have been a favoured delicacy of the locals since as far back as the Roman era. The cultivation of oysters here really took off in the 19th century and today the bay boasts 26 oyster farms, with around 700 acres of oyster beds and an annual production of 10,000 tonnes. Throughout the summer, many farmers will open their huts for visitors to taste and buy their produce. We recommend enjoying them just like the locals do: with a squeeze of lemon and a side of crépinette sausage.
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Natural wonders Arcachon Bay We’ve already raved about the town of Arcachon and the local oysters, but the bay itself is a must-visit on its own merits. Admire the scenery from atop the Cap Feret lighthouse, take a boat ride out onto the water or watch the wildlife from the sublime beach. Whatever you choose to do here, you’re bound to fall in love with this beautiful pocket of France.
Dune du Pilat The tallest sand dune in Europe is easily accessible by bike from Arcachon, thanks to an excellent network of cycle paths. The dune itself reaches more than 100m above the coast; climb to the top for spectacular views over the Atlantic coast and Arcachon Bay.
Gironde Estuary The largest estuary in Western Europe stretches for 75km from the western outskirts of Bordeaux to the Atlantic coast at Royan. Along its banks are a series of fortified towns, such as Blaye, that were built to protect Bordeaux from a seaborne invasion. On the southern banks of the estuary lie the Medoc vineyards, home to the estates of Châteaux of Margaux and Mouton-Rothschild.
Jardin Public (Bordeaux) Whilst not technically a natural wonder, the city of Bordeaux boasts a number of verdant havens in the midst of the city streets. Our favourite of the lot is the Jardin Public which is a stone’s throw from the magnificent Place de Quinconces. Join the locals in enjoying a long, lazy picnic lunch on a warm summer’s afternoon and escape from the hubbub of the city around you.
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Historical sights Bordeaux – ‘Port of the Moon’ The city of Bordeaux is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created in the Enlightenment era it is an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble, home to more protected buildings than any other French city, bar Paris. Its modern history is rich and interesting too, with the most prominent site being the U-boat pens constructed by German occupiers in WWII.
Abbey de la Sauve-Majeure Once a Benedictine monastery and an important stop off point for pilgrims making their way along the St James of Compostela route, this abbey’s grand Romanesque ruins are fascinating, especially the ornately sculpted, beautifully preserved capitals. The abbey suffered extensive damage during the Hundred Years War and whilst it was repaired, its status as a settlement took a hit and declined until the French Revolution, when it was repurposed as a prison.
Saint Émilion Monolithic Church Another stopover on the famed St James of Compostela pilgrimage; the monolithic church of Saint Émilion has had a bumpy ride over the years. It was carved out of the hillside in the 12th century, painted in the 14th century, devastated by the revolution in the 18th century and finally restored in the 20th century. The three naves of the church sit beneath a 68m bell tower, visible from miles around. Climb to the top of the 196 steps for spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Ville d’Hiver, Arcachon Away from the splendid beaches of the bay lies the district of Ville d’Hiver. This part of town is famed for its array of architecturally distinctive houses and villas, known as the Arcachonnaise. Built by wealthy Parisians as winter escapes in the mid-19th century, the houses existed in part as sunny holiday spots and in part as a health treatment - in a time when sea air was believed to cure tuberculosis! Whilst the medical theories may be questionable, the marvellous houses remain and a stroll around the neighbourhood on a warm summer’s afternoon is one of our favourite low-key things to do in Arcachon.
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PL AC ES T O S EE
Events and festivals Market days
Major events
Bordeaux Various markets available on any day of the week. Seek local advice for the best option during your stay.
Bordeaux River Festival Taking place in June, Bordeaux city’s biggest festival celebrates its river, with water sports, river trips, concerts, food, wine and fireworks on the Garonne.
Saint Émilion Wednesday and Sunday mornings – Place Bouqueyre Arcachon Tuesday to Sunday mornings – Place du Carreau Libourne Tuesday to Friday mornings – Place Abel Surchamp and Rue Montesquieu Cadillac Every Saturday morning – Place de la République Sauternes Every Saturday morning – Place de la Salle des Fetes
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Festival Arcachon en Scène Between July and August, the town of Arcachon plays host to an array of musical performers from across the globe. Acts like Sting and Jamiroquai have performed here in the past and the line up always contains a few surprises. Les Grandes Heures de Saint Émilion A series of classical music concerts, hosted from March-December, in the grand châteaux that surround the town. This event has only been running for five years, but already it is a highlight on the calendar for locals and tourists alike.
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FAQs What happens when I arrive? Before you arrive our Destination Managers will get in touch by SMS or email to introduce themselves and to arrange your welcome meeting. If you’ve booked travel through us, your private transfer will meet you at your arrival point and take you to your first hotel. Once there, your DM will get you set up on your bicycles and talk you through your holiday, paying particular attention to your routes and navigation. If you are travelling independently, please advise us of your estimated time of arrival and our representative will meet you at a convenient time at your first hotel.
What is the role of your Destination Manager? Your Destination Manager is your point of contact at your destination. They are responsible for making sure your holiday runs smoothly, solving any issues that arise, and sharing their local knowledge with you. They are your bike mechanic, luggage transfer driver and tourist information office all rolled into one and are on hand for the duration of your trip.
How does the luggage transfer service operate? In the morning please bring your luggage to reception by 10am for the DM to collect. It will then be taken by minibus to your next hotel, and, traffic and unforeseen hold-ups permitting, will be waiting for you in your room by 3pm. Please ensure that your luggage is clearly labelled with your name so we know where to take it.
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When and how should I check in at hotels? You are most welcome to arrive at our hotels at any time. However, you may find they are busy serving lunch between 12pm and 2pm, and your room may not be clean and ready for you with your luggage before 3pm. Checking in is easy - simply tell reception you are with BSpoke Tours/ Cycling for Softies and give your name. You will then be presented with your room key.
What should I do if I have an accident? If you or a member of your party is seriously injured, contact the emergency services immediately by calling 112. For less serious incidents you can contact your DM on the number provided and they will endeavour to help in any way that they can. Your first action after an accident should be to ensure the safety of all group members. Move out of the road or cycle path to a safe spot and check for injuries. Be particularly vigilant if somebody has hit their head and continue to monitor their condition even if no immediate symptoms of concussion are evident. It is also important to check your bicycle before you set off again, as the accident may have left it needing repairs or replacement. In particular, make sure your brakes still function, that your frame has no visible dents/cracks, and that your handlebars and wheels are still straight. If you suspect any damage, it is important that you contact your DM so they can organise necessary repairs or a replacement. Please take a moment to fill out an accident form with your DM and always err on the side of caution. We advise that even minor injuries be checked by a medical professional.
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What should I do if I have a mechanical problem with my bike or I get a puncture? The bicycles we provide are well maintained and of a very high quality. Punctures and mechanical breakdowns are unlikely, however we equip you for unlikely mishaps with a good puncture repair kit and a pump, plus instructions on how to use them. For major repairs, please contact the DM and they will come to meet you and either replace your bike or fix the problem as soon as possible.
What should I take with me when cycling? Some essential items to take with you when out riding are: • • • • • • • •
Water Wallet/purse Sun cream Snacks Raincoat Mobile phone Maps Toolkit/bike lock
What should I wear when cycling?
Do I have to follow the recommended routes? You do not have to follow our recommended routes, but as the name suggests, we strongly recommend that you do! We plan our routes to take you on our favourite roads in each region and to take you to your destination via our favourite towns, villages and attractions. That said, you are certainly welcome to go your own way, and your DM will be happy to help you plan a ride to suit your needs.
What happens if I get lost? With the map books, route notes and GPS routes provided, getting lost is a rare occurrence. However, if you are unable to make it to your destination, please contact your DM who will help you get back on route and to your next destination.
A good place to start is a pair of padded cycling shorts. These really will make a world of difference and they’re a great investment that help you get as much enjoyment as possible out of your cycling holiday. Otherwise, avoid clothing that restricts movement and clothing with poorly placed seams that might cause uncomfortable chafing. Shorts and a light, airy top are a winning combination when the weather is good, but it’s always wise to bring a waterproof jacket too in case the weather turns. Any pair of comfortable, flat soled shoes will do the job and a pair of sunglasses and a hat are useful to protect you from the sun’s rays.
Do I have to cycle every day? No, you are free to cycle as and when you choose. After a long day in the saddle, a lot of people then prefer an easy day beside the pool or taking a leisurely stroll around the town.
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FAQs Do I have to wear a helmet?
Can I bring my own bike?
We strongly encourage all of our guests to wear a cycle helmet. A good quality helmet will reduce the risk of head injury in the event of an accident. For comfort, we suggest that guests bring their own helmets if possible, but we do have some available in resort too. Please let us know before you travel whether you would like to borrow one, so that we can ensure they are delivered with your bikes. Please note that helmets are required by French law for children under 12 years old.
Absolutely. Please inform us of your intention to do so before departure so that we can better manage our stock of bicycles in the region you are travelling to. There is no reduction in holiday price for using your own bicycle.
What should I do with my bike at lunch/overnight stops? Whenever you are not riding your bike, please use the locks provided to securely fasten them to something solid. It is also a good idea to remove any valuables from your pannier bags. Each hotel offers secure bike storage on site - simply ask at reception when you arrive and you will be shown where this is. We still recommend locking your bikes and emptying your panniers for extra security.
What bikes or bike seats do you provide for children? We can offer 3 bike options for children (please speak to the UK team before departure to confirm your preferred option):
Can I change to an electric bike or touring bike during my holiday? We are happy to organise for you to change between bike types whilst on your holiday. This is subject to availability and changing to an electric bike will incur an additional cost. Please note that it may take up to a day to facilitate this change.
How fit do I have to be? Not very! Whilst a good level of fitness is obviously helpful, it is by no means a necessity on our tours. All our routes are designed to be as leisurely as possible, within the limitations of the region’s geography, and are on average 20/25 miles long. You have all day to complete the routes, so there is no need to rush. Take your time to soak up the surroundings, stop for lazy lunches and visit the local attractions.
1. Child bike: Small sized bicycles with child specific design. 2. Child seats: A safe seat that attaches to an adult bicycle, great for younger kids. 3. Tag-a-long bikes: A small bicycle that mounts to the rear of an adult bicycle, giving the adult control of speed and steering but allowing the child to pedal and help you up hills!
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? Tell us what you think Feedback from our guests is really important to us. Upon your return you will receive an email linking you to an online feedback form. You can use this to let us know what you thought of your trip. Please be as honest as you like - that’s how we can make sure we provide the best possible service.
Visit www.bspoketours.com or www.cyclingforsofties.com for inspiration.
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Ready to ride? Make sure you’ve got your routes downloaded... Happy cycling.
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BSpoke Tours and Cycling for Softies are trading divisions of Ski Solutions Ltd. and part of the Active Travel Group.