Cycling Bordeaux and the Atlantic Coast, France

Where better to discover France's quiet countryside than Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world? From the verdant vineyards of the Gironde to the wonderful dunes and pine forests along the Atlantic, the region is ideal for cyclists looking to unwind and explore nature's beauty from the comfort of a saddle. This 8-day cycling holiday will combine all of the best spots in the region, from an exploration of the tranquil Gironde Estuary and lighthouse of Cordouan to the famous wine-growing regions of Margaux and Lamarque and the largest natural lake in France.

This is a self-guided holiday aimed at those who want the freedom to explore at their own leisurely pace, and the majority of the routes are flat and comfortable, ranging from quiet tarmac roads to designated coastal cycle paths. All of your accommodation will be sorted for you, and the collection of hand-picked hotels will provide an insight into the culture of this particular region, as well as fantastic local food and some of the world's best wine.

Here's a brief overview of the itinerary:

• Day 1: Start in Pauillac
• Day 2: A circular loop through the vineyards of the Medoc
• Day 3: Cycle as far as Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc before following the Gironde Estuary
• Day 4: An easy route to Montalivet Les Bains, where you can wander the markets and freshwater lakes
• Day 5: Head south through the pine forests towards Hourtin village
• Day 6: A circuit of the Lac d'Hourtin-Carcans, the largest natural lake in France
• Day 7: Return to Pauillac and the Gironde Estuary, through the Landes Forest
• Day 8: Depart Pauillac