After Lonely Planet named Bordeaux as their City of 2017 we decided to take a closer look at some of our walking and cycling trips in and around Bordeaux as well as our expanded range of trips in France; including new walking in Corsica, the Dordogne and new cycling in the Loire valley.

Bordeaux

The city in south west France has shrugged off its reputation as France's sleeping beauty and although it has always been known as a top destination for wine lovers, Bordeaux is fast becoming known as a gastronomic powerhouse to rival the cities in the north. Improvements to ageing infrastructure, acclaimed museums and architecture, the redevelopment of the riverfront and improved connectivity with other parts of the country have strengthened Bordeaux's reputation as a top destination. 

As the name suggests the area around Bordeaux is wine country

Cycling

Spend time in the largest urban UNESCO World Heritage Site before setting off on a relaxed, week long cycling trip that follows the winding Garonne River and flat canal on the way to Toulouse. The perfect French holiday for those trying a cycling trip for the first time and interested in France's premier wine region.

The Canal du Garonne

The Bordeaux Vineyards & Beaches cycling tour is set primarily in the Gironde region of France with its treasure trove of historical, natural and cultural riches. As you cycle you can expect to come across oyster villages, sand dunes and endless vineyards in all directions surrounding gorgeous châteaux.

Out of the vineyards & into the beaches.

Walking

Our only walking tour close to Bordeaux is through an area famous for wine making. Entre-deux-Mers is a sub-wine region of Bordeaux which translates to 'Between two Seas'. Learn about the region's unique terroir and viticulture from master wine makers on loop walks that take you through the vineyards of Saint Emilion, and along the Gironde Estuary where the Canal du Midi flows out into the Atlantic. An important trade route, this canal was built in the 17th century and links the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. The tour finishes in Sauternes where many high-class wines are produced and where you can visit châteaux that dates back to the 12th century. 

Walking in wine country

New Walking & Cycling in France

Francophiles who enjoy a walking or cycling holiday will be pleased to hear that 2017 sees a number of new France tours available for booking through Macs Adventure. The Pyrenees are a fantastic mix of turquoise lakes, jagged peaks and flower filled meadows; the Walking in the Pyrenees National Park follows trails through classic mountain landscapes whereas the Carcassonne & Cathar Trails explores the medieval castles and fortified cities in what was, for a while, the home of Catharism in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Château de Montségur

Sitting in the Mediterranean between two great European nations, Corsica is an island that has held onto its unique culture and language in the 200 years since it was absorbed by France. Corsica's varied terrain and pleasant Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect destination for a walking holiday where one can enjoy mountain hikes and coastal walks on the same day. The Corsica: Island of Beauty walking tour explores coastal towns, wild mountain scenery and dense pine forests predominantly on the west coast whereas the Cycling Around the Cape of Corsica is set on the north of the island.

Mountains & coastline

The beautiful Loire Valley, an area renowned for its castles, gardens, nature is home to plenty of sightseeing options and, understandably, is designated a UNESCO Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site. We have 3 new cycling trips in the Loire Valley. Cycle the Loire Valley in luxury spending each night in fine châteaux on our Luxury Loire Cycle tour or pedal the easy going Loire River Cycle Path from Orléans to Chinon. Finally, the Châteaux of the Loire cycling tour sees you visiting the elaborate châteaux of Chambord, Chenoceau and Villandry as you cycle through the laid back Loire Valley each day.

Chateau & gardens of Villandry, just one of many classic Loire sights.

The Dordogne represents the very best of rural France. Discover the unspoilt, medieval villages, wonderful food & wine, and perfect rural landscapes of the Dordogne countryside. The Relaxed Sarlat & the Périgord Noir walking tour takes you through the Dordogne and Vézère river valleys amidst the idyllic French landscapes of the Périgord Noir. Tranquil trails and riverside paths link ancient villages, framed by magnificent limestone cliffs, rolling hills and thick orchards of apple and walnut.

A town built into the limestone

Europe’s finest alpine trek is filled with superlatives from start to finish, it is a challenging trek which is strenuous even for experienced walkers. We wanted to give more people the chance to experience the Mont Blanc Massif, so we created the Classic Walks of Mont Blanc tour. Graded as moderate this twin-centre walking tour explores the Mont Blanc Massif but avoids the challenging ascents by utilising cable cars where possible. Iconic Alpine walking without the daunting daily distances and steep ascents.

Beautiful Alpine walking

If you are interested in a walking or cycling holiday in France view the range of itineraries on our website or contact a member of our team on info@macsadventure.com.