Biking in France and Sunday Morning Coffee
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.
Season 4 Volume 36
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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
Our Backroads bike trip was a well-curated blend of physical activity, cultural immersion, and culinary indulgence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
We felt very safe the entire time as we mostly rode the backroads, and there were very few cars.
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!
Of course, we tasted and drank a lot of wine.
And we might have bought some to ship home, too!
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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
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
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
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.
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.
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My Biggest Challenge This Week
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!
- 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!
Try this Overnight Baked Blueberry Muffin Oatmeal.
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A Beautiful Mess shared these wonderful Peanut Butter Balls. Yum!
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And what a week it was!
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- Preparing For a Trip – S4/V33
- The Best Summer – S4/V32
- Sisters at the Beach – S4/V31
- Ready for Fall Decor – S4/V30
- Traveling with Girlfriends – S4/V29
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- Family Time – S4/V26
- Prepping My Craft Room – S4/V25
- Summer Decor Ideas – S4/V24
- A Trip to France – S4/V24
- A Surprise Birthday Celebration – S4/V23
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- Enjoying Spring – S4/V15
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- Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home – S4/V6
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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!
You can pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (click the Pin button in the top left corner) or follow me on Pinterest!
For more real-time updates, follow me on Instagram @My100YearOldHome
What a fabulous way to spend your anniversary! Breath taking views for sure. Happy Belated Anniversary 🗼🚲🍾
It was amazing. Thank you so much! ☺️
Oh my! Such a wonderful trip! That cobbled village street makes my heart flutter! There’s a trip to France in my future – I’ll look into some of these places. Thanks for the moments of beauty and the great travel tips!!
It’s such a magical place- you have to go!
So gorgeous! I pinned it, so I have all the information for next year!
Oh yay!! 🙌🏻