London to Bordeaux Cycle

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

Easy:  Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes.  Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

Relaxed:  Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs.  Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling.  Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents.  Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents.  Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: The Shard, London – Portsmouth (83 miles)

We meet in front of an icon of London, The Shard. After a trip briefing, photos and loading luggage onto the support vehicle, we cycle southwest, leaving the city behind as we enter rural Surrey. There will be a few hills to overcome as we enter the beautiful South Downs National Park, but we should arrive in plenty of time for an evening meal in Portsmouth and our overnight ferry to St Malo. After a hot shower on board, we’ll retire for our first night in comfortable cabins.

Day 2: St Malo – La Chappelle-sur-Erde (116 miles)

After breakfast on board the ferry we will dock into St Malo early on Day 2. We’ll leave St Malo and cycle south passing through the Forêt du Mesnil then onto the small town of Combourg, home to a beautiful chateaux overlooking lake Tranquil. Our route continues south, reaching the small town of Rennes at the confluences of two rivers – the Ille and the Vilaine. We’ll soon reach our destination for the evening, La Chapelle-sur-Erde, just north of the city of Nantes. After an evening meal, and showers, we’ll spend the night in our hotel, ready for the following day’s ride.

Day 3: La Chappelle-sur-Erde – Rochefort (115 miles)

Today is an easier ride which begins by crossing the city of Nantes which is perched on the end of the river Loire. The sixth largest city in France, Nantes became the largest port in France during the 17th Century and was responsible for nearly half of the French Atlantic slave trade in the following century. After crossing the river Loire, our route heads southeast to the village of Vieillevigne before entering the small Roman town of Luçon. We skirt around Le Baie de l’Aiguillon, a popular nature reserve that’s home to thousands of waterfowl including ducks, geese and swans. Our route ends in the small town of Rochefort, just south of La Rochelle and on the banks of the river Charente.

Day 4: Rochefort – Bordeaux (97 miles)

We begin today’s ride by crossing the river Charente then heading south past Rochefort airport. Our route continues south to meet the Atlantic at the seaside resort of Royan where we’ll catch an early ferry across the Gironde to Soulac-du-Mer. We’ll then follow the Gironde estuary to the beautiful city of Bordeaux, a relatively flat final stretch to the end. Congratulations – you made it! After a few photos, we’ll retire to our hotel for our final night of the trip for a celebratory meal and drinks.

Day 5: Bordeaux – London

Your bicycles and luggage will be driven back to the UK so you have a full day to explore Bordeaux. A thorough exploration of the cathedral is a must, along with a visit to the Pont de Pierre and one of the many museums in the city before your evening flight back to London. Here you’ll be met by the More Adventure team who will hand back your bicycles and luggage and the trip comes to an end.

This itinerary is a guide only and can sometimes be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Whilst we endeavour to uphold the proposed daily mileages, this cannot be guaranteed due to changes to hotel bookings.

Map

Includes

• Cycle leader(s) and support driver(s)
• 3 x night’s hotel accommodation
• 1 x night ferry cabin accommodation
• Ferry crossing from Portsmouth – St Malo
• 3 x breakfasts
• 4 x buffet-style lunches
• Ferry from Royan to Soulac-du-Mer
• Bicycle mechanical support
• First Aid cover
• All luggage transported during your trip
• Bicycle and main luggage transfer back to London
• GPX files of the route (if requested)

Not Included

• Bicycle and Helmet
• Return flight from Bordeaux to London
• Transfers to Bordeaux Airport
• Breakfast on the ferry
• Evening meals, drinks and snacks
• European Health Card (www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do)
• Insurance

FAQs

Are there many hills on this trip?

Yes there is rolling countryside riding throughout the trip.

Will our bicycles and luggage be transferred back to London at the end of the trip?

Yes, the support vehicle will depart from Bordeaux on Day 5 and meet you and the rest of the team in London later that day.