Discover a rolling countryside steeped in history as you walk through some of the most famous vineyards in the world. Bordeaux Wine Trail . This wine trail walking holiday in France traverses some of the most famous vineyards in the world.
Accommodation & Meals
Each night you’ll be staying in charming guesthouses, hotels***, and sumptuous castles or wine châteaux in the heart of the vines. They are 3 star equivalent in quality offering authentic and very comfortable accommodation. They are often in historic properties that have been lovingly restored where you’ll be reserved a warm and generous welcome and enjoy mouth-watering home cooked fresh cuisine.
When to Travel
Our self-guided walking holiday in the Bordeaux region is available from the beginning of April to the end of October. From April to October the Bordeaux region is generally warm, although it can be hot during July and August. However, relative humidity is often low (except during unstable thundery weather.) Ideal walking temperatures (ie late teens to the low twenties centigrade) are generally experienced from late April to early June and from mid September to mid October. Rainfall becomes more and more sporadic and linked to thunderstorms as you move from spring to summer, and this continues into the Autumn. On average there is rain on one in every three days, but this is often for relatively short periods. Autumn is often characterised by warm sunny days. Sunshine totals are characteristic of its position in France and the sun’s strength means that you must protect yourself against the sun even on overcast days.
Other things to consider are the fact that the leaves are often not the trees or the vines until at least mid April. The grape picking season is often during the first couple of weeks of September and this provides added activity to the countryside. In October the Bordeaux takes on a different character with autumn colours.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
Most of this walking holiday follows local trails waymarked in yellow. There are also several other waymarkings and signposts. The walking follows clear paths, tracks and minor roads for its entire duration. Our walking notes are very detailed (more information here) and include intermediate distances for sections of the trail. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply official walking maps produced by IGN at a scale of 1:25,000. Your trail is highlighted on the maps.
Luggage Transfers
On this walking holiday your main luggage is transferred between guest houses so that you only have to carry a day rucksack with picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 20kg. We only use hotels and small guest houses in historic buildings and some of the rooms are accessible by stairs.
Travel Info
Transfer between Bordeaux Airport or Bordeaux train station and Saint Emilion at the start of your trip is included in the price of your independent walking holiday. At the end of the holiday, you will be transferred to Barsac train station where you can catch a train to Bordeaux
Flight Options
Transfers from Bordeaux-Merignac airport
Transfers between Bordeaux Airport or train station and St Emilion are included in the price of your in
Extra Nights
There is the option to add an extra night in Saint Emilion as part of the standard holiday. It is also possible to add an additional night at most of the guest houses including Chateau de Camperos which is featured in our accommodation section.
City Breaks
The nearby city of Bordeaux is a great destination for a city break and can be easily combined with this walking holiday, as you’ll be picked up from the city. Bordeaux sits on the banks of the Garonne River and is known for its Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, notable art museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and its 18th- to 19th-century mansions, as well as public gardens which line the elegant river quays. We can book a city break for you and provide you with all the information you need for a great stay.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
Tailor Made Trips
If you want to learn more about the region’s culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out those trips that include a few days in the Bordeaux region or focus on wine. Contact us to add them to your hike.
French West Coast Adventure
Ride the waves of adventure from Paris to La Rochelle, Bordeaux and Biarritz where sophistication meets the laid-back vibes of the ‘French California’.
French Royal Journey Through History & Wine
A perfect trip to discover fundamental elements of French culture, including fancy castles and wines in Paris, Loire Valley and Bordeaux.
Family’s Adventure Through France’s History
Learn everything about French history on this fun family trip through the ages. Explore Paris, Bordeaux, Sarlat, Carcasonne and Marseille.
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