Bordeaux: Bike Tour with Canelé Tasting & River Views

Summary

Cycle Bordeaux’s old stones, river breeze, pastry break and stories

You’ll ride comfortable Dutch bikes through Bordeaux’s UNESCO streets and along the Garonne riverfront with a local guide leading the way. Expect stories at every stop—from Roman ruins to cathedral bells—and a sweet pause for artisan canelé tasting. The city feels different when you’re moving with it instead of watching from behind glass.

What’s the experience like?

We were already wobbling a little on those Dutch bikes before Baptiste, our guide, even finished his safety talk. He grinned and waved us into the street — no fuss, just “Allez-y!” The city felt wide awake: bells echoing from Cathédrale St. André, a whiff of espresso from somewhere I couldn’t spot. Our small group threaded through narrow lanes where the stones looked older than my country. Baptiste kept tossing little facts over his shoulder — something about Grosse Cloche being rung for big news, but I was distracted by a kid waving at us from a bakery window.

The Garonne riverfront opened up suddenly, all sunlight and wind in your face. We stopped near Pont de Pierre to snap photos (mine came out crooked — typical) and Baptiste pointed out how the bridge lines up with the city’s old gates. At Palais Gallien, he let us touch the rough Roman stones; I got dust on my fingers and tried to imagine gladiators here. There was this moment in Jardin Public where everything slowed down — birds arguing in the trees, someone playing accordion nearby. It felt like we’d slipped into a quieter version of Bordeaux for a second.

I didn’t expect to care much about pastries but that canelé stop changed my mind. The outside was caramelized and sticky; inside, soft like custard but not too sweet. Baptiste said “You have to eat it in two bites,” which made me laugh because mine disappeared in one. We swapped stories about bad French accents (his English is better than my French will ever be). By the time we reached La Cité du Vin and looped back through the city’s neighborhoods, I realized I’d stopped worrying about traffic or looking silly on a bike — just enjoying it all as it came.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided bike tour of Bordeaux city

• Safety briefing and bike setup
• Cycle through Bordeaux Public Garden
• Photo stop at Palais Gallien
• Pass by notable city landmarks
• Photo stop and visit key sites
• Photo stop at Bordeaux Cathedral
• Photo stop at Grosse Cloche
• Pass by scenic riverfront views
• Photo stop at Pont de Pierre
• Enjoy 15-minute break with canelé tasting
• Photo stop at La Cité du Vin
• Return ride passing city highlights

Top questions

How long is the Bordeaux bike tour?

The guided bike tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is there food included on this Bordeaux bike tour?

Yes, there’s an artisan canelé tasting included during the ride.

Are bikes and helmets provided?

Yes, high-quality Dutch bikes and helmets are included for all participants.

How many people are in each group?

Groups are kept small—up to 12 guests per guide for a personal experience.

Is this Bordeaux bike tour suitable for beginners?

The tour is best for confident urban cyclists; if you’re new or unsure, consider safer options.

Does the tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is provided; you’ll meet at the starting point in Bordeaux.

What main sights do we see on this bike tour?

You’ll see Cathédrale St. André, Pont de Pierre, Grosse Cloche, Palais Gallien, Jardin Public, La Cité du Vin and more local neighborhoods.

Are e-bikes available?

E-bikes are available if selected when booking; groups may be mixed depending on numbers.

What’s included

Your day includes use of comfortable Dutch bicycles (or e-bikes if you choose), helmets for safety, baskets or panniers for your things, plus an exclusive canelé tasting from an artisan partner to fuel your ride. You’ll also get a handcrafted postcard by a local artist as a souvenir—just something small to remember weaving through Bordeaux’s streets with your guide.