In Bordeaux, after the stone bridge, a route along river Garonne takes you to Latresne, starting point for the excellent Roger Lapébie cycle trail named after the 1937 Tour de France winner. Remarkably well laid-out, with several reception areas in vintage railway stations, this former railway line takes us to Créon and its famous bike station. Once a fortified town, this attractive little burough laid out around a central square with distinctive arches is definitely worth a visit.

The route continues along the cycle track, where former railway stations and buildings at level crossings remind us that trains ruled here before bikes! We recommend that you take a detour to La Sauve to admire the former abbey of Sauve-Majeure and the church of Saint Pierre, both listed as UNESCO world heritage sites as part of the Santiago de Compostela routes. This is followed by the fortified gates of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, leading to the central square surrounded by arches, in the heart of this former walled town dating from 1281.

In the heart of the Bordeaux Wine Route at Entre-deux-Mers, a transitional cycle trail passing through more demanding terrain links up with the Garonne at La Réole. This large village, listed as a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (Town of art and history), is home to a number of hidden treasures. In the maze of small streets, you'll find the church of Saint-Pierre dating from the 13th century. And the esplanade adjoining the former Benedictine abbey, with a superb view across the Garonne valley.

From La Réole, the route continues on to the Canal de Garonne, along a pleasant towpath in the shade of plane trees. Between Castets-et-Castillon and Bazas, we continue along a long-distance cycling route. The mediaeval town of Bazas and its cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, listed as UNESCO world heritage sites as part of the Santiago de Compostela routes, are particularly noteworthy. The delicious Bazas beef is a local speciality meat lovers must absolutely try.

Setting off from Bazas, the road follows a cycle path along the former railway line which once connected the Arcachon Basin to the Garonne. Two must see sites along the way: the collegiate church of Notre-Dame d'Uzeste, which houses the tomb of Pope Clement V. And the castle of Villandraut, built by the latter in the 14th century. This is also a great opportunity to sample the delights of the Bordeaux Wine Route in Graves and Sauternes.

How about a stop on the white sandy beaches of the Domaine Départemental Gérard Lagors in Hostens? This huge site is home to numerous open-air activities and services. A 100% nature-themed route awaits you in the Landes de Gascogne regional nature park. Home to Europe's largest planted pine forest, this area offers a number of relaxing places to stop off alongside the Leyre.

Leaving the Gironde's forests behind you, you now enter urban areas as you reach the Arcachon Basin in Biganos. While still along the former railway line, the atmosphere is radically different. You should get off the trail, to discover the oyster-fishing ports. And protected natural areas like Domaine de Certes-Graveyron. You'll find small seaside resorts along the way: Audenge, Lanton, Andernos, all perfect places to discover the region's charming coastal heritage. One variant of the route takes you to Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat, a giant sand dune. From here, a pleasant boat trip will take you to Cap Ferret.

After a visit to the Arès and Lège salt meadows nature reserve, the route weaves its way between the sand dunes and forests in a peaceful and relaxing setting well away from the cars, during this pleasant stage on the Tour de Gironde à Vélo. Feel free to veer off the cycle route to enjoy some of the trips out towards the sea. And to admire the magnificent ocean landscapes, particularly in Porge. Never straying far from the shore, the route continues on towards Lacanau.

Welcome to the Médoc Atlantique region. Everything here is "Oceanesque!". Travelling along the coast with its huge beaches, where surfing is king, particularly in Lacanau, the route flirts with the Médoc lakes. Here, you'll find plenty of options for bathing or a picnic, with attractions for children nearby. You can also do some bird watching at the Étang de Cousseau lake, or in the Lagune de Contaut.

The Côte d’Argent (Silver Coast) really is a paradise when it comes to cycling routes! There's no risk of losing your way either: you're literally on autopilot from Naujac-sur-Mer to Montalivet-les-Bains, with the exception of a large chicane and a slight curve. Another resort which is simply perfect for bathing and surfing, also well known for its naturist centres.

The next stage is extremely pleasant and forested, leading to Soulac-sur-Mer. Stop off to enjoy this charming seaside town with its lively narrow streets and villas before heading for the river Verdon at the Pointe de Grave. Opposite the Cordouan lighthouse, the oldest French lighthouse still in operation, the Pointe du Médoc is a multifaceted area depending on whether you explore it by bike on the Atlantic side to the west or the Gironde estuary and vineyards. At the Verdon's landing stage, the ferry crosses Europe's largest estuary. Take advantage of it: bicycles are transported for free!

Combining impressive 1950s architecture and turn-of-the-century villas, Royan and its Grande Conche beach is a family friendly town. The market is definitely worth a visit. Travelling along the cycling route, which continues along paths and small roads, you'll reach and pass through Meschers sur Gironde before reaching Talmont sur Gironde, an amazing waterside lookout point, listed as one of France's finest villages. The Caillaud cliffs and the Balai des Carrelets further add to the idyllic atmosphere. The route continues along small roads and paths where the terrain can be quite steep until you reach the port of Mortagne-sur-Gironde, sheltered from caprices of the estuary.

From Mortagne-sur-Gironde to Vitrezay, the landscape is one of huge stretches of marshland boarded by hills overlooked by vineyards and farms. Small harbours offer excellent stop off points, combining coastal environment attractions with those of the river Gironde banks. Vitrezay offers a great opportunity to discover nature as a family and perhaps go for a little boat trip.

We leave Charente-Maritime to continue along the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo route in Gironde. After an exciting visit to the Terres d'oiseaux bird park and a pleasant journey across the marshes, we arrive at Blaye's fortress via a well laid-out green route. The vineyards of the Bordeaux Wine Route in Blaye and Bourg stand in contrast to Vauban's fortifications, listed as UNESCO world heritage. Don't miss the visit to its underground sections! In Blaye, a ferry crosses the estuary to Lamarque, with no extra charge for bikes.

Over on the other side, you can discover the jewel in the crown of the Verrou Vauban (the Vauban defensive system): Fort Médoc. Next, it's time to explore the Bordeaux Wine Route in Médoc as you pass through the world-renowned Margaux area. The route continues along small roads which pass through the Médoc's vineyards, small hedged fields and moorland as far as Bordeaux. From Blanquefort, an undemanding route takes you to Bordeaux, an attractive and dynamic city with interesting urban features, mixing classical and neo-classical architecture with 18th century buildings and districts converted into stylish cultural establishments.