These notes are intended to help you choose which areas to head for. Cycling routes close to Bike Express drop off points are available from the CTC. These routes are scenic, following quiet roads and a few include alternative ‘off road’ sections.

Gentle cycling: the pine forests of the Gironde and ‘Les Landes’ to the west offer flat and easy cycling along quiet roads and cycle paths: ideal area for a first cycle tour and for families. A chance to combine a bit of cycling with some lazy days on sandy beaches! There is also gentle cycling going south east from Bordeaux following rivers and canals. It’s possible to follow these all the way to the south coast (Mediterranean), a distance of some 400 kms, rejoining the Bike Express at Narbonne.

Bordeaux is surrounded by chateaux and famous vineyards. There are many ‘bastides’ (fortified towns) in this area too: Labastide D’Armagnac and the Chapelle Notre Dame des Cyclistes (a small cycling museum) are worth a visit. Bordeaux is a convenient start and end point for a tour of the popular Dordogne, Lot and Tarn regions.

For the intrepid who have cycled the 600 or so miles south from St Malo (a popular two week ride), what better destination to head for than Bordeaux for the Bike Express home.

Bordeaux also offers a gentle start for those cycling south into the foothills of the Pyrenees to meet the Bike Express at either Bayonne or Lourdes.