Biking in France and Sunday Morning Coffee

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This past week, we embarked on a biking in France adventure with Backroads through the picturesque regions of Bordeaux and Dordogne.

This trip was everything we hoped for and more—filled with scenic landscapes, Michelin-starred dining experiences, luxurious hotels, and unforgettable biking trails. It was the trip of a lifetime.

Two cyclists wearing helmets and bright jackets stand next to each other on a gravel path with expansive, green countryside in the background.
Season 4 Volume 36

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About Me

Aerial view of a vast, green agricultural landscape, with fields and scattered trees under a partly cloudy sky, extending into a distant hilly horizon.

Backroads Bike Trip to Bordeaux and Dordogne

If you’re considering a biking vacation or just looking for an immersive way to explore France’s famed wine country and historic villages, this trip is a must.

Here’s a detailed look at our itinerary, the restaurants we dined at (including three Michelin-starred gems), the hotels that served as our home away from home, and the stunning biking trails that took us through the heart of Bordeaux and Dordogne.

The Itinerary: A Perfect Balance of Biking and Exploration

Four cyclists in green and blue jackets, wearing helmets, stand with their bikes in front of a cave entrance surrounded by greenery and a mammoth sculpture. A white van is parked nearby.

Our Backroads bike trip was a well-curated blend of physical activity, cultural immersion, and culinary indulgence.

Two women stand outdoors, smiling at the camera, with green foliage and a stream in the background.
Me and my younger sister Jeni.

Dave and I traveled with my sister Jeni and her husband Tom, and we loved every day of our trip. We spent six days biking through the vineyards of Bordeaux, exploring the medieval towns of Dordogne, and soaking in the breathtaking views of the French countryside.

Two people in bright yellow jackets walk down a narrow pathway towards a historic stone church with a tall spire on a cloudy day. The path is lined with buildings and lush greenery.

Day 1: Arrival in Bordeaux
We arrived in Bordeaux and were immediately captivated by the city’s charm. After checking into our hotel, we relaxed and met with the Backroads guides and group the following morning. We had a welcome lunch with our Backroads guides and fellow cyclists. This was a great opportunity to meet everyone and get a rundown of what to expect for the week ahead.

That afternoon, we took a short ride and enjoyed a dinner of classic French dishes paired with local wines from the Bordeaux region—a preview of the culinary delights to come.

A green vineyard stretches into the distance with rolling hills and buildings visible under a clear blue sky.

Days 2-6: Exploring Bordeaux’s Vineyards
The trip was all about biking. Most days we biked in the morning and afternoon, for about 20 – 30 miles each. The trails took us through medieval towns, lush valleys, and past stunning castles. Dordogne’s history is rich and palpable—everywhere you look, there’s a reminder of centuries past.

A vineyard with rows of grapevines under a clear blue sky.

Biking Trails: Scenic and Serene

The biking routes on our Backroads trip were nothing short of spectacular. Each day, we cycled through some of France’s most beautiful landscapes, from the castles of Dordogne to the Bordeaux vineyards and valleys.

Narrow cobblestone street in a historic town lined with old buildings, greenery, and restaurant signs. Stone steps with handrails lead uphill.

Dordogne’s Rolling Hills and Castles

Dordogne offered a slightly different experience, with more hills and challenging climbs, but the views were well worth the effort. We cycled along the Dordogne River, past medieval castles perched on cliffs and through lush, green valleys. The highlight was biking to the village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, where we climbed up to the castle for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Every turn of the trail revealed another breathtaking vista.

A vineyard with neatly aligned grapevines, a large house, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Bordeaux’s Vineyard Trails

Biking through Bordeaux’s vineyards was like riding through a postcard. The routes were relatively flat and easy, making it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. We passed through quaint villages, stopped for wine tastings, and even had a picnic lunch in a vineyard – the combination of the scenic beauty and the cultural immersion made for an unforgettable few days of cycling.

E-Bikes

A row of parked bicycles with "Backroads" written on them, equipped with helmets and water bottles, lined up on grass.

I am sure you are all wondering about biking. Was it hard? Was it safe? And, was it fun?

The most important thing you need to know is that most of the riders use e-bikes. Dave and Tom used little (or sometimes no assistance), whereas Jeni and I used assistance, especially for the hills. The e-bikes allowed everyone to keep up and not feel intimidated by the hills. Every ride was a good workout but not painful or too difficult.

Typically, we rode two rides a day, but there was no pressure, and guests were encouraged to do what they wanted and always have fun.

Map showing the route of an E-Bike ride totaling 24.18 miles, with an elevation gain of 969 ft, completed in 2 hours and 7 minutes, starting in Saint-Léon-sur-l'Isle and ending in Trelissac, France.
Map showing a 21.86 mile e-bike route near Saint-Nexans, France, with an elevation gain of 1,520 feet, completed in 1 hour and 54 minutes. Route details and starting point are displayed.

We felt very safe the entire time as we mostly rode the backroads, and there were very few cars.

A man and woman wearing cycling gear, including helmets and gloves, stand together on a gravel road overlooking a green and yellow landscape with trees and a cloudy sky.
My sister Jeni and her husband Tom.

We were part of a group of about 25 (all from North America), and by the end of the trip, we became REALLY good friends!

And our guides were terrific!

Two people stand outdoors on cobblestone, one in an orange jacket and pink hat, the other in gray with an orange beret, next to a map display and a large orange drink cooler.
Angela and James sharing our ride map and exciting plans for the day!

Of course, we tasted and drank a lot of wine.

And we might have bought some to ship home, too!

Four people are standing in front of a wall of wine bottles at a wine tasting. Three of them are holding glasses of wine and smiling at the camera.

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

Waterproof Rear Rack Bag for Bicycle

ON Women’s Cloud 5 Sneakers

Women’s Long Hooded Rain Jacket

European Travel Plug Adapter

Osprey Daylite Shoulder Sling Bag

Small Sling Crossbody Bags

My Latest Project

My Latest Project

A light blue wooden door set in a stone wall, with vines growing around the frame and a bush on one side. Sunlight casts shadows on the ground and wall.

Luxurious Hotels: Rest and Relaxation in Bordeaux and Dordogne

One of the highlights of our Backroads bike trip was staying in some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in the Bordeaux and Dordogne regions.

Each hotel offered its blend of history, charm, and elegance, making every night feel like a retreat after a day of cycling. From a grand château nestled in the vineyards to a refined hotel in a medieval village, our accommodations perfectly reflected the French countryside’s beauty and sophistication.

Le Vieux Logis, Trémolat

Outdoor seating area with empty metal chairs and tables on a stone patio, surrounded by lush greenery and a quaint house in the background.

Our journey began at Le Vieux Logis, an enchanting 16th-century manor house in the picturesque village of Trémolat. This Relais & Châteaux property, with its idyllic gardens and charming stone façade, provided the perfect introduction to the elegance of the Dordogne region.

What made our stay here even more special was the Michelin-starred restaurant on-site, where we had our first taste of the local cuisine. Dining in the restaurant’s beautiful garden setting, we enjoyed dishes crafted with fresh, regional ingredients, perfectly paired with wines from the surrounding area.

The rooms at Le Vieux Logis were just as charming as the rest of the property, with a blend of rustic French decor and modern amenities. The peaceful atmosphere made it easy to unwind after a day of exploring the countryside on our bikes. Strolling through the manicured gardens or relaxing by the cozy fireplace in the common areas made us feel right at home in this magical setting.

Château des Vigiers, Monestier

A large historic building with white walls, red roof, and multiple windows. There is a courtyard with gravel, greenery, and statues in front of the building.

Our next stop was the stunning Château des Vigiers, a 16th-century grand château nestled among vineyards on the Bordeaux Route des Vins. This Small Luxury Hotels of the World member was a true gem, combining the elegance of a historic château with the modern luxuries of a five-star resort.

The property was breathtaking—imagine ivy-covered stone walls, expansive grounds, and views of vineyards as far as the eye can see.

Hôtel de Pavie, St-Émilion

A panoramic view of a historic town with beige stone buildings and tiled roofs. Rolling green fields extend into the distance under a partly cloudy sky. People walk along a cobblestone street below.
The view from Hotel de Pavie.

Our final stop was the luxurious Hôtel de Pavie in the medieval village of St-Émilion. This Relais & Châteaux member, with its two-Michelin-starred restaurant, was the epitome of refinement and understated luxury. The hotel is set in the heart of one of the most famous wine regions in the world, and its blend of modern sophistication and historical charm made it a highlight of our trip.

St-Émilion is a beautiful town, and staying at Hôtel de Pavie immersed us in the village’s rich history. The hotel’s location in the center of the town made it easy to explore the cobblestone streets, ancient wine cellars, and stunning architecture.

Close-up of a menu from "La Table de Pavie" by Yannick Alléno, with blurred wine glass and water glass in the background.

The two-Michelin-starred restaurant, led by chef Yannick Alléno, was a culinary journey. Every dish was a masterpiece, combining bold flavors and intricate techniques to create a dining experience we’ll never forget.

The rooms at Hôtel de Pavie were a blend of modern luxury and classic French elegance, with plush bedding, luxurious bathrooms, and views of the medieval village below. It was the perfect place to unwind after a day of cycling through the vineyards of Bordeaux, and the attention to detail in every aspect of the hotel made our stay truly memorable.

Close-up image of an Apple AirTag, displaying the Apple logo and text around the edge stating its design and assembly origins.

Apple AirTag

A set of three cream-colored travel bags, including a hard-shell suitcase with wheels, a large duffel bag, and a small toiletry pouch, all featuring brown handles and accents.

Suitcase Set 3 Piece

Rechargeable Travel Makeup Vanity Mirror

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My Biggest Challenge This Week

A pedestrian walks down a cobblestone street lined with outdoor cafes and shops. Umbrellas hang overhead as decorations, and the street extends toward a green, wooded area in the background.

We have been traveling for two weeks. Our trip started in New York City, and then we traveled to Paris, Bordeaux, and back to Paris. We even celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary in Paris!

We slept amazingly, almost better than we do at home. This is surprising, given the 9-hour time change from California.

But packing and unpacking twelve times on our trip was a challenge. Next time we do this, I will bring less and pack more efficiently. Had I counted the number of times we would be packing and unpacking, I would have brought all of my efficient packing essentials. I am not quite sure why I forgot to utilize them!

Set of beige travel packing cubes with mesh windows, including six cubes of various sizes, a drawstring bag, and a hanging toiletry bag with clear compartments.
Packing Cubes for Travel – 9 Set
A set of beige travel packing cubes and bags are displayed, containing folded clothes and various items. The set includes different sizes of cubes, from large to small, with transparent mesh tops.
8 Set Packing Cubes for Suitcases
Hands are rolling a striped garment inside a vacuum-seal storage bag, with instructional images printed on the plastic bag visible.
12 Compression Bags for Travel
Four beige mesh packing cubes of varying sizes, each with a zipper closure and a transparent mesh panel on the front.
Aerotrunk Compression Packing Cubes for Travel
A beige travel toiletry bag with a quilted exterior and carrying handles is shown. The bag is open, revealing multiple zippered compartments and a hook for hanging.
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook
Pink zippered travel organizer with multiple compartments and mesh pockets, holding various electronic accessories and cables.
Travel Cord Organizer Case

16 Pack Travel Bottles Set – TSA Approved

A travel toiletry set with green bottles, clear jars with black lids, a spray bottle, a pump bottle, a brush, labels, spatulas, a funnel, and a black carrying case.
GLAMFIELDS Travel Bottles for Toiletries
Five pink and white tie-dye packing cubes, varying in size, with zippers and handles, arranged neatly.
BAGSMART 6 Set/4 Set/2 Set Compression Packing Cubes
This week's to do list.
  • Unpack and play catch up after our two-week vacation.
  • Order craft supplies for my grandson.
  • Head to Northern California midweek to babysit Graham for four days. I am so excited for a fun crafting experience!
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This Week’s Top Sellers

We shared many of our favorite home items this week, and here are the top sellers!

A collage of home goods including baskets, candles, a blanket, a mirror, vases, a pillow, an air purifier, earbuds, a scrubber, skillets, a dish, bedding, a cabinet, and a rug titled "Amazon Home Last Week's Favorite Deals.
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Two cyclists in bright green jackets stand together smiling, with a scenic view of fields and hills in the background. Text below reads, "Biking in France and Sunday Morning Coffee.

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6 Comments

  1. What a fabulous way to spend your anniversary! Breath taking views for sure. Happy Belated Anniversary 🗼🚲🍾

    Reply

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