Bordeaux: Historical Bike Tour of the Three Bridges

If you’re looking to see Bordeaux from a different angle—literally—this Bike Tour of the Three Bridges promises a relaxed, informative way to explore the city’s diverse sides. Offered by Velotino, it’s a three-hour ride that combines city sights, history, and a touch of local flavor, all while on a comfortable bike. Whether you’re into architecture, local history, or just enjoy an active way to discover new places, this tour could be a good fit.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances main sights with unique perspectives. The ride is easy enough for most people who can cycle, and the focus on the Garonne river bridges gives a neat thread to the city’s story. Plus, the chance to sample a local specialty and a glass of Bordeaux wine adds a charming, authentic touch. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour might not be ideal for those who prefer more intense or longer sightseeing experiences or for anyone not comfortable riding a bike.

This tour suits travelers who want a comfortable, guided introduction to Bordeaux’s geography and history, especially those who appreciate a leisurely pace and some local gastronomy. It’s a friendly way to get your bearings, snap some great photos, and maybe even pick up a few insider tips from your guide.

Key Points

• Scenic Route Along the Garonne: The tour covers both sides of Bordeaux, highlighting key bridges and neighborhoods.
• Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides make the experience engaging and informative.
• Comfortable Equipment: Bikes come with helmets, baskets, and safety locks, making it easy and safe to enjoy the ride.
• Local Tasting: You get to enjoy a traditional “cannelé” and a glass of wine, adding a tasty local touch.
• Flexible for Different Riders: E-bikes are available at an extra cost, and kids’ bikes on demand, catering to a range of ages and abilities.
• Time and Price: For $80, you get three hours of guided exploration, which is reasonable considering the included tastings and the personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Bordeaux Bicycle Tour

This three-hour ride is designed to give you a solid overview of Bordeaux’s contrasting areas, all centered around the Garonne river. Starting at the B&B HOTEL Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint-Jean, you’ll hop on your bike and begin your journey along the river, passing over the city’s main bridges.

Exploring the Bridges and Neighborhoods

The tour’s core focus is on Bordeaux’s bridges—the Pont de Pierre, the Chaban Delmas bridge, and the Simone Veil bridge. Each has its own story and visual style, from the historic stonework of Pont de Pierre to the modern design of the newest Simone Veil. As you make your way from one to the next, your guide will share insights about the city’s development, architecture, and the significance of the river in Bordeaux’s life.

The Pont de Pierre is particularly notable for its history and aesthetics, with travelers commenting on how it’s a “beautiful and historic” spot. The ride by the Chaban Delmas bridge, which is more modern and industrial-looking, offers a different vibe—showcasing the city’s ongoing evolution.

Contrasts of the Two Sides

Bordeaux’s left bank is packed with monuments, historic buildings, and cozy streets—perfect for those interested in architecture and urban history. Meanwhile, the right bank feels more natural and open, with parks and redevelopment projects that reflect Bordeaux’s shift from industry to modern urban living. The tour gives you a window into both, making the experience well-rounded.

The Ride Itself

The bikes provided are comfortable and safe, equipped with helmets and locks. Most reviews mention how easy the ride is, even for casual cyclists, which makes it accessible for a wide range of travelers. The pace is gentle; you’ll be stopping frequently for photos and explanations, so it’s not a strenuous workout but rather a scenic, relaxed exploration.

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Tasting Local Flavors

Midway through, you’ll stop for a gourmet treat of cannelé, a classic Bordeaux pastry flavored with rum, vanilla, and eggs, which many describe as “delicious and authentic.” Plus, a glass of wine helps to unwind and enjoy the moment, enhancing the local experience. This is a simple but appreciated touch that adds flavor to an otherwise active tour.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Starting Point: You’ll pick up your bike at the B&B HOTEL Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint-Jean. The process is straightforward—just pick up your bike from the counter desk, and you’re ready to go.
• Pont de Pierre: The first stop is the historic Pont de Pierre. This bridge, built at the behest of Napoleon, offers beautiful views and a taste of Bordeaux’s past. Expect to spend some time here, taking photos and listening to your guide’s stories.
• Riding Along the River: From there, the route takes you along the Garonne riverbanks, passing by the newer bridges like Simone Veil, which is striking in its modern design, and the Chaban Delmas bridge, a massive structure that exemplifies contemporary engineering.
• Contrasts and City Highlights: The tour makes a “hook” by the historical Pont de Pierre, allowing you to see both the old and new sides of Bordeaux. The guide shares insights about the area’s industrial past and its current redevelopment projects on the right bank, which were initiated in the 2000s.
• Return: After approximately 3 hours, you’ll head back to your starting point, filled with new insights and photos.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $80 per person, the tour offers good value, considering it includes bike rental, guide services, helmets, baskets, a local pastry, and a glass of wine. The guided element adds a lot for those unfamiliar with Bordeaux’s layout or history, and the focus on bridges and neighborhoods offers a clear, engaging theme.

Some reviews mention that the bikes are well-maintained and comfortable, which makes the experience more enjoyable. Others point out that the pace is leisurely, so you don’t need to be a serious cyclist—perfect for most travelers.

E-bikes are available at an extra $20 if you prefer a less demanding ride or want to cover more ground with less effort. Kids’ bikes are available on demand, making this a flexible option for families or groups with children.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is generally praised, a few things are worth noting. The ride is centered around the bridges and key riverbanks, so if you’re hoping for a deep dive into Bordeaux’s entire history or its wine scene, you might find this tour a bit narrow in scope. It’s more about the geography and architecture than comprehensive city history.

Also, the tour is limited to those who can ride a bike comfortably—if you’re not confident on two wheels, this might not be the best activity. Babies under 1 year and people over 95 are not suitable, which is pretty standard for cycling tours.

Finally, if you’re expecting a more “active” or longer adventure, three hours might feel short, but for a scenic overview, it hits the mark.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a leisurely, guided introduction to Bordeaux’s bridges and neighborhoods. It’s perfect if you enjoy cycling, are interested in architecture, or simply want a different perspective of the city. The inclusion of local treats makes it appealing for foodies as well.

If you prefer a more intense or comprehensive city tour, or you’re looking for a deep dive into Bordeaux’s wine culture, you might want to pair this with other experiences. But for a casual, insightful, and scenic outing, it delivers what it promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for kids or families?
Kids’ bikes are available on demand, and the ride is generally suitable for most children who can ride confidently. However, it’s not specifically designed as a family activity, so consider your children’s cycling abilities.

Do I need to know how to ride a bike?
Yes, you should be comfortable riding a bike, as this is a cycling tour. The bikes are mechanical, and the pace is relaxed, but basic riding skills are necessary.

Can I choose an e-bike?
E-bikes are available for an extra $20 per bike, which can make the ride easier, especially if you want to cover more ground without exerting too much effort.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes bikes, helmets, safety locks, a local specialty cannelé, and one glass of Bordeaux wine per person.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year or people over 95 years old.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is at the B&B HOTEL Bordeaux Centre Gare Saint-Jean, where you pick up your bike at the counter desk.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, which includes stops and sightseeing.

Is the guide fluent in English?
Yes, the guide speaks English, ensuring clear communication throughout the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring water, and wear comfortable clothing suitable for cycling. The tour provides helmets and locks, so just focus on enjoying the ride.

If you’re after a relaxed, guided, scenic tour of Bordeaux’s main bridges and neighborhoods, this bike experience strikes a good balance between sightseeing and comfort. It’s especially well-suited for those interested in architecture, river views, and local food & drink, offering a taste of Bordeaux’s cultural fabric in just a few hours.

While it may not satisfy those seeking an intense or comprehensive city tour, it’s an engaging way to get your bearings, learn some history, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends who enjoy cycling, this tour provides a friendly, informative, and enjoyable outing that captures the essence of Bordeaux’s riverfront.

Happy cycling, and enjoy discovering Bordeaux’s bridges and beyond!

You can check availability for your dates here: