Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is not only famous for its world-renowned wines but also for its rich history and stunning architecture.
For those who appreciate cycling, exploring this vibrant city and its surroundings from the saddle of a gravel bike offers a unique perspective that combines discovery, and delight.
In this post, we’ll take you through some of Bordeaux’s iconic monuments and suggest how you can enhance your cycling journey with exquisite wine tastings at local vineyards.
Chartrons District : Start your journey from the Notre-Dame street in the most charming district of Bordeaux : the Chartrons district.
Not only you will feel like being in Paris thanks to its cobbled streets and stone houses, but you will also notice this wine culture touch with some local cellars that showcase Bordeaux wines.
The Public Garden : After crossing the Chartrons district, here you are in the meeting place of local people.
A perfect spot to come back later and enjoy a drink while sunbathing.
The Gallien palace : Passing by Le palais Gallien is like traveling back through time.
Welcome around the 1rst century, where a small roman city called Burdigala was stablished.
Le palais Gallien was a coliseum which could host until 15 000 people at the same time. A great stop to better understand the beginning of Bordeaux !
La Cathédrale Saint-André : As your ride continues, make sure to visit the breathtaking Cathédrale Saint-André. Dating back to the 11th century, this Gothic marvel reflects the architectural evolution of the region.
You will notice that the bell tower has been built next to the main building; it is because the cathedral and its tower have been built on a sandy ground, which means that the soil is always in movement.
So, engineers judged that the vibrations of the tower bell could demolish the entire Cathedral.
La Grosse Cloche : Let’s grap your gravel bike and let’s go to the Grosse Cloche riding your bike through the city center. This bell tower, originally part of the city’s medieval gate, is adorned with intricate sculptures and offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
The Grosse Cloche was the main entry of the medieval city between the 12th and 15th century.
From this scenic place, you can imagine a wall surrounding Bordeaux.
Place de la Bourse : As you pedal along the riverside, make your way to Place de la Bourse. This beautiful square, with its classic French architecture and stunning water mirror, exemplifies the elegance of Bordeaux’s 18th-century design. It's a great spot to stop, take pictures, and immerse yourself in the history surrounding you.
The Stock square (Place de la Bourse) is a half palace built under the orders of Louis XV.
This beautiful square offers an incredible view of the city, but also an impressive view of the Garonne river.
Le Pont de Pierre : No cycling tour of Bordeaux is complete without crossing the Pont de Pierre. This iconic bridge, with its 17 arches, was commissioned by Napoleon and holds historical significance as a vital crossing point over the Garonne River.
From this point you will have the most beautiful view of the historic centre of Bordeaux.
After exploring the historic center of Bordeaux by Gravel bike, it is time to venture out and discover the Bordeaux countryside.
There are several possibilities available to you, here you have a list of our top 3 wineries near Bordeaux that you can discover by Gravel Bike and enjoy a wine tasting directly in the property :
Château de Malherbes
8 miles from Bordeaux by Gravel Bike
An exceptional wine estate located in Latresne, on the right bank of the Gironde, at the gates of Bordeaux.
The vineyard is a single plot of 12 hectares with a terroir remarkable in its composition, alternating between gravels and clay on a clay-limestone subsoil.
Château les Carmes Haut-Brion
3 miles from Bordeaux by Gravel Bike
A beautiful castle surrounded by vineyards. In addition to its beautiful building, the winery Haut Brion is also a magical place.
The history of Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion dates back to the 16th century and has been very consistent since its birth.
In 1584, the lord of Haut-Brion, Jean de Pontac, gave the Grands Carmes a vast mill with meadows and vines. A haven of peace and a garden of abundance, the place was supplied with pure, living water from the inexhaustible source of the "eubrion" fountain.
Château Le Grand Verdus
13 miles from Bordeaux by Gravel Bike
Located in the Entre-Deux-Mers natural region, the winery Le Grand Verdus is a must-see for all cycling adventurers and epicureans looking for authentic experiences.
You will be amazed by the castle dominating the property and its landscape of vineyards that dress the small hills of the surroundings.
After this bike tour, you will be an expert on Bordeaux monuments and you will know the best places to go and taste excellent wines directly on the property.
Tag @Gravel.explore on Instagram and share your best shots! We'll be delighted to see you explore Bordeaux by Gravel bike, the most authentic way!
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