Active Cruises Bordeaux

Day 1 (Saturday) – LIBOURNE

• • Transfer to the ship (optional) & embarkation 

• Day 2 (Sunday) – LIBOURNE
  • Libourne – Fronsac – Pomerol and Saint-Emilion UNESCO (15 – 27 miles) – Level 2 bike ride

• Day 3 (Monday) – BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE
  • Côtes de Bourg – Citadel of Blaye UNESCO (15 – 25 miles) – Level 4 bike ride

• Day 4 (Tuesday) – LAMARQUE
  • Médoc (Margaux) (18 – 36 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

• Day 5 (Wednesday) – BORDEAUX
  • Bordeaux UNESCO (10 – 31 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

• Day 6 (Thursday) – LOUPIAC
  • Loupiac/Graves – Sauternes (24 – 31 miles) – Level 3 bike ride

• Day 7 (Friday) – CASTETS-EN-DORTHE
  • Entre-Deux-Mers (16 – 28 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

• Day 8 (Saturday) – CASTETS-EN-DORTHE
  • Disembarkation & transfer back to Bordeaux (optional)

Day 1 (Saturday) – LIBOURNE

Embarkation at 3 pm

Individual arrival in Bordeaux and optional bus transfer at 2 pm from the Saint-Jean Train station to the mooring location of the boat in Libourne. The crew is waiting for you and will help you with the luggage. You will have a welcome briefing before you settle in the cabin. Now it’s time to try your bike and enjoy a short first test bike ride by the river Dordogne. You can also enjoy the town called “the little Bordeaux”. 

In the evening, during your welcome drink, you will get to know the ship team and the other guests. At dinner, you may be able to have the first conversations with other travellers. You will sit at big tables, and it is possible to switch places daily.

Day 2 (Sunday) – LIBOURNE 

Round trip: Libourne and Saint-Emilion (15 – 27 miles) – Level 2 bike ride

Today’s exploration will allow you to discover Libourne and the well-known vineyard of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. In Saint-Emilion, you will visit this stunning medieval UNESCO World Heritage village, with the surrounding vineyards. The panoramas are unique here. The Monolithic Church in the centre of the town is a monument not to be missed.

Your ride will continue on small picturesque back roads. Along the way, you will see some of the classified and famous châteaux, such as Angelus and its special bells, Beauséjour, Ausone, Cheval Blanc, La Dominique, Trottevieille, Gaubert, Barde-Haut, Clos La Madeleine, Bel Air Monange, Laroque, Fombrauge, Grand Corbin, Gazin and Petrus, who produce some of the world’s most famous wines. This is a true paradise for wine lovers!

In the evening, the MS Bordeaux will sail towards Bourg-sur-Gironde, a little village built on a rocky cliff that overlooks the small harbor and offers you a breath-taking panorama on the estuary.

Navigation from LIBOURNE to BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE in the afternoon

Day 3 (Monday) – BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE

Round trip: Côtes de Bourg – Citadel of Blaye (15 – 25 miles) – Level 4 bike ride

This region offers hilly landscapes covered with vines and dotted with fairy tale chateaux and manor houses. Discover Châteaux such as Monconseil-Gazin, Eyquem, Marquis de Vauban and others — another good reason to stop and enjoy visits and wine tastings!

The Gironde Corniche road is a must-see during this round tour: a calm and beautiful road that shows beautiful manors on the one hand and gardens on the other. In Blaye, take a loop through the Citadel of Blaye, a Vauban Fortress built on Louis XIV the Sun King’s request and now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit the underground passages of the Citadel to understand the whole history of the Fortress. Stop in Plassac, where you can visit a Gallo Roman villa and its associative museum.

Back in Bourg, you can stop at the typical, historical wash house. 

Day 4 (Tuesday) – LAMARQUE

Round trip: Margaux – Médoc (18-36 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

Navigation from BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE to LAMARQUE in the early morning

The morning route leads us cruising up the wide estuary towards the other bank of the Gironde to the Médoc wine region, one of the most famous in the world. You will pass by Château Lamothe Bergeron, Cru Bourgeois du Médoc, where wine and tourism are quite highlighted. Then, prestigious properties will come one after another: Maucaillou, Poujeaux, Rauzan Ségla, Palmer, Issan, Prieuré Lichine, Kirwan and last but not least Château Margaux. Many chances to stop on your road, taste, learn about Grand Crus classification and learn about the winemaking process.

A secondary road is available here as a different loop or an additional one to the first in Margaux. You will reach Pauillac and Saint-Espèphe wine regions. Obviously, you will ride near Château Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Lynch-Bages, Cos d’Estournel, Pontet Canet, Pichon Longueville and many other Grands Cru Classé wines.

Once back to the MS Bordeaux, you will sail on the Garonne River to the majestic city of Bordeaux. You will enjoy the best panorama of the city: “Port of The Moon” with the “Pont de Pierre”, “Place de La Bourse” and the beautiful quay that lead to the historical wine merchant area, the Quai des Chartrons, transformed into outlet shops and restaurants.

Navigation from LAMARQUE to BORDEAUX in the late afternoon

Day 5 (Wednesday) – BORDEAUX

Tour through Bordeaux UNESCO (10 – 31 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a good reason. The list of buildings, place and hidden gems is worth seeing. Walk into the city via la Porte Cailhau, the royal entrance. We suggest a thorough tour: Bordeaux is a city that doesn’t just glow due to its individual buildings but through the grandiose, well-preserved old city. Worth seeing is the amazing architecture, and the hidden gems, the Pey Berland Tower, the big bell, the Triangle d’Or, the Colonne des Girondins, the Miroir d’Eau (water mirror), the market of the Capucins (perhaps with tastings of wine and oysters), the Basilique Saint-Michel, the Pont de Pierre, the first bridge of the city, which was built back on Napoleon’s orders.

Take time to visit the newly opened Cité du Vin near the Chaban Delmas bridge and the very special Darwin Ecosystem, a refurbished factory where you will enjoy the view of the quay, drinking a good coffee in a tree-filled place. 

This is a wonderful city to explore by bike or on foot. In and around Bordeaux are many opportunities for sightseeing and shopping.

And for bike challengers who want to ride a larger loop, the Roger Lapebie’s cycling lane will take you to Creon and La Sauve, in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region.

Navigation from BORDEAUX to LOUPIAC 

Day 6 (Thursday) – LOUPIAC

Round trip: Loupiac – Graves – Sauternes – Cadillac (24 – 31 miles) – Level 3 bike ride

Today we will discover the Sauternes region, where sweet dessert wines are made. One of our first stops will be in Sainte-Croix du Mont before having a look at the grave of the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the lovely town of Verdelais. Then the route follows the winding banks of the Ciron River, whose icy waters flow into the warmer waters of the Garonne. In the autumn, when the climate is warm and dry, the combination of the two different temperatures produce the mist that descends on the vineyards, promoting the perfect conditions for the famous Sauternes wine. 

You will pass the famous vineyards of Château d’Yquem, Château Guiraud, Clos Haut Peyraguey, and many more. You then head to Cadillac, which is located in the region of Graves, also known as the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. It is a fortified medieval village known as the Bastide in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region in between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.

Navigation from LOUPIAC to CASTETS-EN-DORTHE in the afternoon

Day 7 (Friday) – CASTETS-EN-DORTHE

Round trip: Castets-en-Dorthe – Saint Macaire – La Réole – Canal (16 – 28 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

The first town you will discover today is the lovely Saint Macaire and its wonderful gate and walls. You will have the opportunity to visit the former residence of the writer Francois Mauriac as well as having a wine tasting at a château. Riding along corn and sunflower fields you reach La Réole, using an Eiffel style bridge over the river Garonne. This town is famous because in 1190, Richard Lionheart, on his way to the Holy Land, offered the town hall building to thank the locals for their loyalty to the English crown. 

This historical place holds two castles, an impressive church as well as narrow cobblestoned streets. To end the day, you will enjoy the bike path along the Canal de la Garonne and its deep blue water, built in Napoleon’s time. 

You can either go directly back to the ship or ride to Meilhan-sur-Garonne and the amazing scenery it has to offer.

Day 8 (Saturday) CASTETS-EN-DORTHE

Disembarkation at 9 pm

After your last breakfast on board, it will be time to say farewell. You can take an (optional) bus to the train station of Bordeaux.

• Day 1 (Saturday) – CASTETS-EN-DORTHE
  • Transfer to the ship (optional) & embarkation

• Day 2 (Sunday) – CASTETS-EN-DORTHE
  • Entre-Deux-Mers (16 – 28 miles) – Level 2 bike ride

• Day 3 (Monday) – LOUPIAC
  • Loupiac/Graves – Sauternes (24 – 31 miles) – Level 3 bike ride

• Day 4 (Tuesday) – BORDEAUX
  • Bordeaux UNESCO (10 – 31 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

• Day 5 (Wednesday) – LAMARQUE
  • Médoc (Margaux) (18 – 36 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

• Day 6 (Thursday) – BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE
  • Côtes de Bourg – Citadel of Blaye UNESCO (15 – 25 miles) – Level 4 bike ride

• Day 7 (Friday) – LIBOURNE
  • Libourne/ Fronsac – Pomerol and Saint-Emilion UNESCO (15 – 27 miles) – Level 2 bike ride

• Day 8 (Saturday) – LIBOURNE
  • Disembarkation & (optional) transfer back to Bordeaux

Day 1 (Saturday) CASTETS-EN-DORTHE

Embarkation at 3 pm 

Individual arrival in Bordeaux and optional transfer at 2 pm from the meeting point behind the Saint-Jean train station to the mooring location of the boat near the Canal des Deux Mers at Castets-en-Dorthe.

We help you with your luggage and show you your cabin. Afterwards, you can take over your bike and start your first small trip in Castets. 

This fruitful region is also called ‘Little Holland’ due to its many vegetable fields and fruit gardens.

During your welcome drink, you will get to know the ship team and the other guests. At dinner, you may be able to have the first conversations with other travellers. You will sit at big tables, and it is possible to switch places daily.

Day 2 (Sunday) CASTETS-EN-DORTHE

Round trip: Castets-en-Dorthe – Saint Macaire – La Réole – Canal (16 – 28 miles) – Level 2 bike ride

The first town you will discover by bike is the lovely Saint Macaire and its wonderful gate and walls. You will have the opportunity to visit the former residence of the writer Francois Mauriac as well as having a wine tasting at a château. Riding along corn and sunflower fields you reach La Réole, using an Eiffel style bridge over the river Garonne. This town is famous because in 1190, Richard Lionheart, on his way to the Holy Land, offered the town hall building to thank the locals for their loyalty to the English crown.

This historical place holds two castles, an impressive church as well as narrow cobblestoned streets. To end the day, you will enjoy the bike path along the Canal de la Garonne and its deep blue water, built in Napoleon’s time.

You can either go directly back to the ship or ride to Meilhan-sur-Garonne and the amazing scenery it has to offer.

Navigation from CASTETS-EN-DORTHE to LOUPIAC in the late afternoon

Day 3 (Monday) LOUPIAC

Round trip: Loupiac – Graves – Sauternes – Cadillac (24 – 31 miles) – Level 3 bike ride

Today we will discover the Sauternes region, where sweet dessert wines are made. One of our first stops will be in Sainte-Croix du Mont before having a look at the grave of the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in the lovely town of Verdelais. Then the route follows the winding banks of the Ciron River, whose icy waters flow into the warmer waters of the Garonne. In the autumn, when the climate is warm and dry, the combination of the two different temperatures produce the mist that descends on the vineyards, promoting the perfect conditions for the famous Sauternes wine.

You will pass the famous vineyards of Château d’Yquem, Château Guiraud, Clos Haut Peyraguey, and many more. You then head to Cadillac, which is located in the region of Graves, also known as the birthplace of Bordeaux wines. It is a fortified medieval village known as the Bastide in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region in between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.

Once back on board, you will travel along the Garonne River towards the enchanting city of Bordeaux, reaching the passage of the Stone Bridge and the pier in the city center, facing the region’s most prestigious panorama: the “Port de la Lune” with its sumptuous eighteenth-century façades.

Navigation from LOUPIAC to BORDEAUX in the evening

Day 4 (Tuesday) BORDEAUX

Tour through Bordeaux (10 – 31 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a good reason. The list of buildings, place and hidden gems is worth seeing. Walk into the city via la Porte Cailhau, the royal entrance. We suggest a thorough tour: Bordeaux is a city that doesn’t just glow due to its individual buildings but through the grandiose, well-preserved old city. Worth seeing is the amazing architecture, and the hidden gems, the Pey Berland Tower, the big bell, the Triangle d’Or, the Colonne des Girondins, the Miroir d’Eau (water mirror), the market of the Capucins (perhaps with tastings of wine and oysters), the Basilique Saint-Michel, the Pont de Pierre, the first bridge of the city, which was built back on Napoleon’s orders.

Take time to visit the newly opened Cité du Vin near the Chaban Delmas bridge and the very special Darwin Ecosystem, a refurbished factory where you will enjoy the view of the quay, drinking a good coffee in a tree-filled place.

This is a wonderful city to explore by bike or on foot. In and around Bordeaux are many opportunities for sightseeing and shopping.

And for bike challengers who want to ride a larger loop, the Roger Lapebie’s cycling lane will take you to Creon and La Sauve, in the Entre-Deux-Mers wine region.

Day 5 (Wednesday) LAMARQUE

Round trip: Margaux – Médoc (18 – 36 miles) – Level 1 bike ride

Navigation from BORDEAUX to LAMARQUE in the evening

Today we arrive in one of the most famous wine regions of the world. Quickly you will get to the Château Lamothe Bergeron. Tourism and wineries are developing around here. The most famous vineyards are Maucaillou, Poujeaux Rauzan Ségla Palmer, Issan, Priorat Lichine, Kirwan and the Château Margaux. They offer many opportunities for a stop. You also have the opportunity to extend today’s trip to Pauillac. You will pass by many vineyards: Chateaux Moutin Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Lynch-Bages, Cos d’Estournel, Pontet Canet, Pichon Longueville and other classified Grands Crus.

A romantic route will be sailed through in the evening by the MS Bordeaux. We will move further to Bourg-sur-Gironde, a little village built on a rocky promontory that overlooks the small harbor and offers you a breath-taking panorama on the estuary.

Navigation from LAMARQUE to Bourg-sur Gironde in the late afternoon

Day 6 (Thursday) BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE

Round trip: Côtes de Bourg – Citadel of Blaye (15 – 25 miles) – Level 4 bike ride

This part of the trip offers views on endless vineyards garnished with many castles. Beautiful and romantic is the church of Bayon. Don’t miss to visit some of the castles in the area, such as Tayac, Eyquem Monconseil-Gazin, Marquis de Vauban or others. Follow the beautiful Corniche Road, which leads in the direction of the mouth of the river. Here you will pass by the ruin of the gallo-roman villa in Plassac.

You soon will reach the Citadel of Blaye, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take your time for a tour. Back in Bourg, you may enjoy another small trip through the city and look forward to the sunset on board the MS Bordeaux. 

Navigation from BOURG-SUR-GIRONDE to LIBOURNE in the afternoon

Day 7 (Friday) LIBOURNE

Round trip: Libourne – Saint-Emilion (15 – 27 miles) – Level 2 bike ride

Today’s roundtrip will lead you to the town of Libourne as well as the famous vineyards of Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. You should take your time in Saint-Emilion. The medieval village is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the amazing medieval streets and the view on the surrounding vineyards. Visit the monolithic church and indulge in the small town flair with its wonderful bistros and restaurants.

Your trip will continue to scenic country roads, where you will have a nice overview of many well-known castles of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. Angelus, Beausejour, Ausone, Cheval Blanc, Dominica, Trottevieille, Gaubert, Barde-Haut Clos La Madeleine, Bel Air Monange Laroque, Fombrauge Grand Corbin, Gazin and Petrus. Here is where some of the most famous wines in the world are grown — a real paradise for wine lovers. 

At night, you will enjoy an unforgettable and festive Captain’s dinner followed by a cocktail and a dance party with the crew.  

Day 8 (Saturday) LIBOURNE

Disembarkation at 9 am 

After your last breakfast on board, it will be time to say farewell. You can take an (optional) bus to the train station of Bordeaux.

• Seven nights in booked cabin
• Full board: 7x breakfasts, 6x picnic lunches, 7x three-course dinners 
• Coffee, tea and chocolate the entire day
• Welcome and farewell cocktail
• Maps and roadbooks for the bike loops
• Six bike briefings with presentation of the main touristic spots and presentation of wine from all visited areas
• Assistance of the tour leader/guide for advice on loops, visits…
• Helmet (upon request) 
• WiFi
• Satellite television
• Luggage service on arrival and departure days
• GPS with all loops recorded against a 100€ refundable deposit

• Transfer by bus between Saint-Jean train station and the ship on arrival day
• Transfer by bus between the ship and Saint-Jean train station on departure day
• Bike rental
• Guided option
• Beverages
• Personal expenses
• Everything that is not mentioned in the “included” section

• Tour bikes, 21-gear freewheel model, unisex
• Equipment: one bike bag, one repair kit
• E-bikes: 8-speed pedals, freewheeling model, unisex
• E-bike equipment: same as rental bike + battery and charger
• Tandem available
• Special bikes, such as children’s bikes and road bikes, are available upon request.
• Bikes are rented at the latest on the first bike day in the morning and turned in on the last bike day in the evening.
• For your own safety, we suggest you wear a bicycle helmet. We can provide you with a helmet if you want (free of charge). Wearing a safety vest during bad weather outside of closed villages is mandatory in France.
• Please let us know during your booking about your height as well as your preferred kind of bike and if you wish to have a guide. Especially with E-bikes, we recommend making a reservation far in advance.

Rough distances for bike tours are indicated. They are equivalent to recommended bike tours. On most days, shorter, longer, easier and more challenging cycling options are offered — please ask your tour leader on board for details. Visits and wine tastings are most often booked the day before, depending on sailing hours and availability, also to be checked with your tour leader. Wine tastings in a “House of Wine” are normally for free, whereas wine tastings in the chateaux are charged at a price of 5 Euros (or much more depending on the wine). 

When a guest does not want to cycle one day, he or she can skip the bike tour, relax on board, or take a walking tour. 

The Garonne, Gironde and Dordogne are part of a bigger tidal river system. Water levels can shift to about 6 meters per day, including strong tides. Every effort is made to follow the scheduled itinerary; however, based on tides and weather conditions, it may be amended or modified for safety reasons. The ship will try its best to follow the intended travel itinerary, but tides may force us to adjust accordingly.

Even during individual bike tours, we ask you to adhere to the given times in regard to breakfast, dinner, as well as entering and leaving the ship.