Bordeaux Backcountry E-Bike Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting

If you’re looking for a way to combine sightseeing, cycling, and Bordeaux’s legendary wine culture in a single day, this Bordeaux Backcountry E-Bike Tour is a fantastic option. Spanning about 6 hours, it takes you from the lively city streets into the peaceful countryside of Entre-deux-Mers on an easy, mostly flat route. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll explore medieval towns, meander along historic cycling paths, and indulge in regional wines and cuisine.

What really draws us to this experience is the balance of active exploration and relaxing indulgence—a leisurely ride through stunning scenery paired with authentic tastings and a delicious lunch. One thing to keep in mind is the group’s size and the need to comfortably ride a bike, which might be a consideration for less experienced cyclists or those with mobility concerns.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a slower pace, want a taste of authentic Bordeaux countryside, and appreciate a mix of history, culture, and wine. It’s perfect for those who prefer small group experiences where expert guides can personalize the day, and for anyone eager to see beyond the city’s borders without strenuous effort.

Key Points

• Easy, flat route makes this suitable for most levels of cycling comfort.
• Authentic vineyard visits and tastings provide genuine insight into Bordeaux’s wine heritage.
• Delicious regional lunch adds a hearty, local flavor to the day.
• Small groups (up to 10) ensure a personalized experience.
• Expert guides enrich the journey with historical and cultural context.
• Scenic, traffic-free cycling paths allow relaxing riding with stunning views.

Discovering Bordeaux’s Backcountry on Two Wheels

This e-bike tour offers an excellent way to see Bordeaux’s countryside, especially if you’re not keen on strenuous cycling but still want an active, outdoor experience. The ride is around 40 kilometers round trip—more than enough for a half-day adventure—covering the picturesque Entre-deux-Mers region, famous for its vineyards and medieval towns. The use of e-bikes makes the journey accessible to most, as they assist on the flatter stretches, and the route is largely along dedicated cycling paths, with only a small portion sharing the road with traffic.

The journey begins at the vibrant Chartrons district, a hub for Bordeaux’s antique and wine lovers, with the meeting point at a conveniently located e-bike shop near tram line D. From here, your guide, who’s often praised for their knowledge and friendliness (many reviewers mention Mikail and Michael by name), will set the tone for a relaxed yet informative day.

What You’ll See along the Way

The route carefully balances city highlights with scenic countryside. Expect to pass landmarks like Jardin Public, Palais Gallien, and the Miroir d’eau, with quick stops for photos and stories. As you leave Bordeaux behind, the scenery opens up to rural landscapes dotted with vineyards, castles, and small towns.

One highlight is reaching Créon, a medieval bastide town with a history dating back to English origins. Many reviewers, including Marilyn, mention how the ride through the countryside is “beautiful and relaxing,” especially when avoiding busy city streets. The rail-trail—the historic Roger Lapébie path—serves as the backbone of your ride, offering smooth, traffic-free trails with plenty of charming views.

Stops in Créon and Beyond

In Créon, you’re treated to a delicious regional lunch at a local restaurant. Many reviewers rave about the quality of the meal—”superb” and “good value,” with some noting the restaurant’s friendly vibe and hearty, authentic dishes. After lunch, the tour continues to a local vineyard for a wine tasting session, where you’ll sample regional wines—many of which are controlled designations of origin.

Guests like Alex from the UK described the wine tasting as “delicious,” and Marilyn appreciated the knowledgeable guide who made the experience both educational and fun. The tasting often includes several wines, giving you a good sense of Bordeaux’s diverse wine styles.

Returning to Bordeaux

After the vineyard visit and tasting, you’ll cycle back towards Bordeaux, passing through scenic towns like Floirac and Bouliac, with brief stops for photos and sightseeing. The ride concludes at the original meeting point, where many guests reflect on the well-rounded experience—an excellent blend of activity, culture, and indulgence.

The Experience in Detail

Itinerary Breakdown

• Starting point at 16 Rue Dumaine: Easy for travelers staying in Bordeaux’s city center, with nearby tram access.
• City highlights: Guided tours of Jardin Public, Palais Gallien, and photo stops at the Miroir d’eau. These quick visits set the context for the day and allow for some city sightseeing before heading out.
• Scenic riding along the Roger Lapébie trail: An historic railway path that’s now a peaceful cycling route, offering lush views and a gentle ride.
• Passing through charming towns: Sadirac and Créon, with Créon being the focus for lunch and wine tasting.
• Lunch in Créon: A substantial, regional meal, praised by guests for its flavor and authenticity.
• Wine tasting: The highlight for many—sampling Bordeaux wines directly from the region, with guides sharing insights into the wines’ origins and production.
• Return trip: Scenic, relaxed, passing through rural landscapes, with opportunities for photos and soaking in local ambiance.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The quality of e-bikes consistently earns praise—many reviewers mention they were “brand-new” and easy to ride. The small group size (limited to 10) allows guides like Michael or Tino to give personalized attention and answer questions, making it more engaging than large bus tours.

Guests also value the professionalism and friendliness of guides, who often go out of their way to ensure everyone feels safe and well-informed. Marilyn, for example, describes the guide as “knowledgeable, very informative and fun,” which enhances the overall experience.

What to Expect in Terms of Value

At $152 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive package: quality e-bikes, a scenic route, a hearty regional lunch, and a guided wine tasting. Considering the inclusions and the small-group setting, this represents good value for those seeking an authentic, relaxed day outside Bordeaux. It’s not a rushed experience—most reviews mention the leisurely pace and the chance to really soak in the surroundings.

Practical Considerations

While the ride is mostly flat, participants should feel comfortable on a bike and be at least 155 cm tall. The tour is suitable for those who enjoy light physical activity but not for children under 16 or anyone with mobility issues. Bringing essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle can make the day more comfortable.

Weather can be unpredictable, and ponchos are recommended in case of rain, as no rain gear is provided. The tour is flexible—a full cancellation is available up to 24 hours beforehand, and you can reserve without immediate payment.

Final Thoughts

This Bordeaux Backcountry E-Bike Tour strikes a lovely balance between activity, cultural insight, and culinary pleasure. The emphasis on small group dynamics, expert guides, and genuine regional experiences makes it a highlight for travelers wanting to see Bordeaux’s countryside without the stress of strenuous cycling.

For those interested in wine, history, or simply enjoying a relaxing, scenic ride with terrific local food and drink, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s especially suited for casual cyclists, wine lovers, and small groups seeking a personalized adventure that introduces them to the essence of Bordeaux’s rural charm.

If you’re after a day of gentle exploration, delicious regional flavors, and stunning vistas, this tour is a smart choice.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the route is mostly flat, and the e-bikes assist on the climbs, making it accessible for most riders. However, you should feel comfortable riding a bike on paved paths.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes e-bike rental, helmets, a guided experience, a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, and a wine tasting at a vineyard.

How long is the ride?
The total cycling distance is about 40 kilometers, with most of it on dedicated cycling paths. The whole experience lasts around 6 hours, including stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility to plan ahead.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a charged smartphone, rain gear just in case, and a reusable water bottle. Large bags or luggage are not permitted on the tour.

Are children allowed?
No, children under 16 years old and those under 155 cm are not suitable for this tour, mainly due to safety considerations.

What if I don’t want to cycle the whole way?
The route is designed to be relaxed, but some guests may prefer shorter options or to skip certain stops—discuss this with your guide.

Is the wine tasting educational?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention guides sharing insightful details about Bordeaux wines, helping you appreciate regional differences.

What is the guide’s language?
Guides speak English, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear communication for diverse groups.

In sum, the Bordeaux Backcountry E-Bike Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to combine light physical activity with authentic regional culture. It’s a fun, relaxing, and tasty way to see the lesser-known side of Bordeaux, making it a memorable highlight of any trip to this wine-rich region.