Bike Rides in Bordeaux: 5 Must-Try Routes
Why not enjoy some bike rides around Bordeaux to get some fresh air and take a break from the everyday? Whether you’re visiting for a stay or living in the city, Bordeaux offers beautiful bike rides. With its many bike lanes, marked routes, and varied landscapes—between river, forests, canals, and vineyards—the Bordeaux region is a real paradise for cycling enthusiasts.
Here are 5 cycling routes to try without delay, plus a bonus loop for the more adventurous. A unique opportunity to explore Gironde differently—its heritage, nature, and lesser-known spots—through this Tour de France of cycling routes around Bordeaux, designed as a true guide for bike enthusiasts.
1. Loop Bordeaux – Parc Floral – Garonne Riverbanks (15 km)
A local favorite. This ride starts in the city center, follows the Garonne River, crosses the Chaban-Delmas Bridge, and leads to the Parc Floral in Bordeaux-Lac. The entire route is on a well-maintained bike path accessible to everyone.
- Duration: 1h30
- Difficulty: easy
- Scenery: river, park, city, architecture
- Start: Place des Quinconces
This cycling loop is perfect for a family outing, with playgrounds and shaded areas along the way. Don’t miss the panoramic view from the bridge over Bordeaux’s waterfront.
2. Garonne Canal via Roger Lapébie Bike Path (30 km)
A true classic. This ride follows a former railway line, now a shaded bike trail. The canal is lined with trees, small tunnels, and charming villages like Latresne.
- Duration: 2h30
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
- Scenery: countryside, forest, canal
- Start: Pont Saint-Jean, right bank of Bordeaux
It’s one of the most popular bike routes in the region, especially on weekends. Bring a snack or stop for a drink on a canal-side terrace.
3. On the Médoc Wine Route (30 to 50 km)
Looking to mix culture, nature, and wine tasting? Explore the Médoc vineyards by bike. Starting from Blanquefort or Parempuyre, this route takes you through the prestigious châteaux of Margaux, Moulis, and Saint-Julien.
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: medium
- Scenery: vineyards, architecture, small villages
- Start: Blanquefort train station (accessible by TER)
This cycling route is an immersive experience in Gironde’s wine heritage, combining quiet roads and breathtaking views.
4. Bordeaux – Lacanau via the Vélodyssée (65 km)
This is the ultimate adventure for reaching the Atlantic Ocean by bike. The Vélodyssée, a major cycling route that crosses France from north to south, runs through Bordeaux and takes you to Lacanau-Océan.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Difficulty: moderate
- Scenery: pine forest, greenway, dunes, ocean
- Start: Bordeaux city center, toward Bordeaux-Lac
Along this bike path, you’ll ride through the Landes forest and wild areas until you reach the ocean. Once there, enjoy a well-deserved break on the beach.
5. Loop Saint-Médard-en-Jalles – Le Haillan – Eysines (10 km)
Less touristy, this loop lets you breathe away from the city. It runs through parks, woods, and green bike paths in northwest Bordeaux, passing through Parc Majolan, Le Haillan’s wooded areas, and then back via Eysines.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Difficulty: easy
- Scenery: nature, park, streams
- Start: Saint-Médard-en-Jalles
Perfect for a quiet Sunday ride or a cardio session in a peaceful setting. The bike paths are clearly separated from the road—great for families.
Bonus: Bordeaux – Arcachon in 2 Days (70 km)
Want to turn a short ride into a real cycling trip? Try the Bordeaux – Arcachon route over two days. It follows bike trails through forests, sea views, oyster ports, and ends at Arcachon Bay.
- Duration: 2 days
- Difficulty: medium to hard
- Highlights: Dune du Pilat, ports, beaches
You can stay overnight in Biganos or Gujan-Mestras and return the next day along the bay. A must-do adventure during an extended stay in the region.
Practical Tips for Stress-Free Cycling
- Check GPX routes in advance using apps like Geovelo or Komoot.
- Always wear a helmet, especially on roads or outside the city.
- Choose a bike suited to the terrain: hybrid or e-bike for more comfort.
- Keep a map or guidebook handy.
- Capture your best moments to remember your rides!
In Summary: Bordeaux, a City Made for Cycling
With its bike lanes, location between river, forest, and ocean, and its variety of routes, Bordeaux is one of the top cycling destinations in France. Each ride is a new way to explore the region, its history, its châteaux, its landscapes, and to enjoy a real outdoor adventure.
So, ready to discover Gironde by bike?
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