Best Bike Routes in Bordeaux

Bordeaux is one of France's most bike-friendly cities, offering everything from flat riverside paths to challenging vineyard routes. Whether you're a casual cyclist or an experienced rider, these are the best bike routes to explore.

Why Bordeaux is Perfect for Cycling

Bordeaux has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, with over 200km of dedicated bike lanes and paths. The city's flat terrain along the Garonne River makes it accessible for all fitness levels, while the surrounding wine regions offer more challenging routes through rolling hills.

Top Urban Cycling Routes

1. Garonne River Path (Quais de Bordeaux)

The Garonne River path is Bordeaux's most popular cycling route. This flat, car-free path runs along both banks of the river, offering stunning views of the historic Port of the Moon and the city's beautiful architecture.

Highlights:

• Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror)
• Place de la Bourse
• Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge)
• Darwin Ecosystem
• Parc des Coteaux

Rent a city bike for this route →

2. Historic Center Loop

This route takes you through Bordeaux's UNESCO-listed historic center, perfect for first-time visitors who want to see all the major landmarks.

Route includes:

• Grand Théâtre
• Place des Quinconces
• Grosse Cloche
• Saint-André Cathedral
• Rue Sainte-Catherine (pedestrian shopping street)

Vineyard & Wine Country Routes

3. Pessac-Léognan Wine Route

Distance: 35km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Bike: Hybrid or E-Bike

Just south of Bordeaux, this route takes you through the Pessac-Léognan wine appellation, home to prestigious châteaux like Haut-Brion and Smith Haut Lafitte.

Rent a bike for vineyard routes →

4. Saint-Émilion Vineyard Loop

Distance: 45km
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Bike: E-Bike recommended

This iconic route takes you through UNESCO World Heritage vineyards. The rolling hills make an e-bike highly recommended.

Must-see stops:

• Saint-Émilion village
• Château Ausone viewpoint
• Pomerol wine region
• Château Cheval Blanc

Rent an e-bike for this route →

5. Médoc Wine Route (Route des Châteaux)

Distance: 60km (one way)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Terrain: Mostly flat

The famous Médoc wine route passes by some of the world's most prestigious wineries, including Château Margaux and Château Pichon-Longueville.

Scenic Nature Routes

6. Bordeaux to Arcachon Bay

Distance: 60km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Full day

This route takes you from Bordeaux to the Atlantic coast, passing through pine forests and ending at the beautiful Arcachon Bay.

7. Parc Bordelais & Botanical Gardens

Distance: 8km
Difficulty: Easy
Perfect for: Families, leisurely rides

A short, relaxing route through Bordeaux's largest park and botanical gardens.

Best Times to Cycle in Bordeaux

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather, blooming vineyards, fewer tourists
Summer (June-August): Warm and sunny, but can be hot midday
Fall (September-October): Grape harvest season, beautiful colors
Winter (November-March): Quieter, but some days can be rainy

Safety Tips for Cycling in Bordeaux

• Always use bike lanes where available
• Wear a helmet (provided free with all rentals)
• Use lights after dark (included with rentals)
• Lock your bike securely when stopping
• Stay hydrated, especially on vineyard routes

Where to Rent a Bike

For all these routes, you'll need a quality bike suited to the terrain. We offer:

• City bikes for urban routes (€15/day)
• E-bikes for vineyard routes (€30-35/day)
• Hybrid bikes for mixed terrain (€20/day)

All rentals include helmet, lock, repair kit, and detailed route maps.

Guided vs. Self-Guided Routes

While all these routes can be done independently, we also offer guided bike tours with local experts who know the best photo spots, hidden gems, and can arrange château visits.

Download Route Maps

Visit our shop to get free detailed maps for all these routes, including GPS coordinates, elevation profiles, and recommended stops.