We have been curating bespoke luxury holidays since 2004 and, if you relish the idea of discovering exceptional wines while cycling through some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes, our travel experts at Grape Escapes have the perfect getaway for you.
Picture yourself gliding effortlessly through some of the most iconic vineyards of the region before stopping off for a tasting surrounded by rolling green hillsides. We believe that exploring on two wheels is one of the more iconic means of immersing yourself into the region, whether that’s by e-bike or bicycle.
Bordeaux
A bicycle holiday in Bordeaux, France, boasts beautiful panoramic views of riversides and iconic villages. Cyclists often choose to visit Bordeaux for its impressive 700km network of cycle paths and the opportunity to explore the picturesque French countryside.
Ride through the UNESCO-listed landscapes of St-Émilion, where quiet country lanes weave between vineyards, medieval villages and celebrated wine estates, before continuing through the scenic countryside of Sauternes.
Along the route, keen wine enthusiasts may catch a glimpse of some of Bordeaux’s most renowned châteaux, including Château Angélus and Château Pavie, which have helped cement the region’s reputation as one of the world’s premier wine destinations.
Bordeaux is one of our most sought-after wine regions in France, renowned for producing some of the world’s best wines for centuries. After a day of cycling through one of France’s most accessible wine regions, soak in the rays of the golden sun by sipping on a glass of smooth Sauvignon Blanc-led white Bordeaux or discover the rich red blends for which the region is famed.
Alternatively, for those with a sweeter palate, Sémillon-based wines of Sauternes offer a truly indulgent taste of Bordeaux’ finest wine styles.
“Maddi Renwick, I want to thank you for a wonderful itinerary to Bordeaux that you developed for my wife and myself. Everything from the accommodations at the Intercontinental Hotel to the winery tours to our wonderful driver, Vincent, to the meals at La Tupina and Le Pressour D’Argent were incredible. The sites, views and landscape of St Emilion were heavenly. Working with you and Grape Escapes was exceptional.” – George Williams, Google Reviews
Burgundy
Formed across four smaller regions, Chablis, the Côte d’Or, the Côte Chalonnaise and the Mâconnais, Burgundy is bursting with rolling hills and medieval villages from Vézelay, Noyers-sur-Serein and Châteauneuf-en-Auxois along with smaller villages tucked among the vineyards.
Our travellers are always big fans of how each village is connected through quaint and quiet paved trails, perfect for guests seeking a peaceful chance to explore this stunning region at their own pace by bike.
Achieving UNESCO status in 2015 for its impressive vineyards, a Burgundy cycling experience is a must for those wanting to combine their love for wine and leisurely travel. Here, there is a vast selection of wines to try, with the Côte de Nuits celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir wines and the Côte de Beaune renowned for producing some of Burgundy’s finest Chardonnays.
Did you know that the white wines crafted in Burgundy are among the most complex and valuable in the world? The perfect way to unwind after a morning of exploring the area’s undulating cycle paths.
Find out more about the tours and itineraries of our Burgundy getaways that cater to keen cyclists.
Champagne
Champagne’s historic hillsides offer a rewarding mix of climbs and descents for cyclists exploring the region by bike. With this region being so highly popular for cyclists in Europe, bike hire services and Champagne cycling tours are plentiful.
You’ll explore a wide range of notable sights whilst leisurely drifting through sleepy towns, meadows and country roads. Cycle along Marne Canal – a man-made waterway that extends for over 300km across the French countryside – or perhaps head towards Epernay, a beautiful, quaint village nearby, nestled within vineyards and fresh fields. Epernay is one of our team’s favourite spots to head to for a quiet escape. It’s also home to the world-famous Avenue de Champagne: a must-see for any trip to the region. This is the perfect spot to pause for a well-deserved glass or two in a Champagne bar.
By choosing to join us on one of our Champagne tours, you can expect to taste Champagne crafted at world-famous Champagne houses, including Moët and Chandon estate, Veuve Clicquot and many more. We have a wide range of Champagne tours available, including an exclusive three day ‘make your own champagne’ experience, perfect for romantic getaways or group trips with your friends.
Loire Valley
Often compared to a fairytale, a cycling holiday in the Loire Valley gives you views of exceptional châteaux and vibrant gardens. Our local travel experts note that all cycling paths in the region are well marked and great for beginners because of their flat terrain. Sticking alongside the sandy riverbank, Loire à Vélo is the most popular cycle route, but remains quiet and peaceful, with very little traffic.
During your cycling trip to the Loire Valley, we recommend visiting celebrated wine regions including Chinon, tasting local delicacies and exploring renowned wineries, where private tours offer fascinating insight into the region’s winemaking heritage. Chinon is famous for its elegant Cabernet Franc reds, offering aromas of red berries, violets and subtle spice.
Along the route passing some of Loire Valley’s must-sees, like Azay le Rideau and Villandry, you’ll have opportunities to sample wines in family-run cellars and historic estates, pairing them with regional specialities such as goat’s cheese, rillettes and freshly baked breads. The perfect snacks to break up a long day of picturesque cycling.
Get in touch
If you’re ready to experience a bicycle wine holiday in Europe filled with exceptional wines, spectacular scenery and unforgettable cycling routes, speak to our friendly team here. Our team are experts in building your dream getaway and are happy to discuss any queries you have.
