Nature bike ride north of Bordeaux

When we visit Bordeaux , we inevitably walk in the beautiful center but we often forget to visit the places that are nearby. What a shame, it has so many beautiful walks to do ... To discover the richness of these places off the beaten track , I invite you to ride a bike and explore the north of the sleeping beauty . Parks, pine forests, lakes and other peaceful places await you!

Great bike rides in Bordeaux

Like in Amsterdam, cycling is a must-do in Bordeaux . There are many cycling routes , both in the city and in the surrounding area. Did you know that it is even possible to reach the Atlantic coast by bike paths? Without going so far, we can be disoriented and walk in a bucolic setting about ten kilometers from the center.
I advise you to take a look at "Great bike rides" proposed by the tourist office of Bordeaux , to discover this beautiful city or its surroundings otherwise. For my bike ride of the day, I was inspired by the great ride called Tour and detours in Bordeaux Lac

My guide of the day!

Today, heading north of Bordeaux

Direction north of Bordeaux by bike

This circuit of about twenty kilometers round trip, makes us pass by many points of interest: the superb quays, the wood of Bordeaux, the velodrome ... I loved this route which guides us in very varied places but always on greenways. It is really an ideal outing for sportsmen or families .

Like a summer tune in Bordeaux Lac

After leaving the city center , drive towards Bordeaux Lac . I really like this peaceful place where you can walk in the pine forest at the edge of the water. In the summer, it is possible to swim at the lake beach, under the benevolent eye of the lifeguards on their high chairs! With 160 hectares of surface , the walkers will appreciate going round the lake to admire beautiful points of view and discreetly observe the fauna . Rabbits and ducks also love this place visibly ... On Sunday, Bordeaux people gather with friends or family to share a picnic or a good game of petanque . And for those who have not planned the meal, go for a walk to the Asian market that settles also on Sunday morning near the beach. Change of scenery guaranteed!

Is not it a great place to workout or relax?

Nature at your fingertips at the Barails Ecological Reserve

We continue the walk a little further north following a bike path in very good condition, towards the ecological reserve Barails . This green paradise of 156 hectares brings together the Bois de Bordeaux and the superb Parc Floral . What a wonder ... I really recommend a trip to this beautiful reserve. We enter the woods and we completely forget that we are 10km from the center of Bordeaux. The forest is vast and beautiful , the paths invite to walk, bike, scooter ...

Let's go exploring the Bois de Bordeaux!

Barails Ecological Reserve: This place is so peaceful!

Going to the Floral Park , the landscape changes and we discover beautiful meadows, lakes and many points of interest! I do not want to miss a single one and go all the ways. First there is the rose garden with these beautiful colorful flowers, a Japanese garden and even a stream of the Pyrenees . Thanks to an ingenious system and a small hill, it's like being in the mountains . Moreover the stones were imported from the Pyrenees . There are many walkers on Sunday to recharge their batteries here, but the place is so big that you feel alone in nature . No wonder when we know that this green space is the largest in Bordeaux!

It's almost like being in the mountains

Next step: Matmut stadium and the velodrome

A glance at the map and we left. This walk is also interesting to discover another architecture of Bordeaux , more modern and original: the Matmut stadium, the Ginko district, Villabois subdivision inspired oyster huts. The end of the walk takes us to another of my favorite places in Bordeaux: the quays . So calm in the morning and so animated as soon as the sun is out.

Back to the lively docks of Bordeaux

How to finish this ride in beauty?

Enjoying a little sweetness of course ! And for that, go to CafeInCup for a relaxing time around a delicious smoothie, a coffee or a small pastry.

Well-deserved gourmet break. CaféInCup Photo Credit

Sometimes I find it unfortunate that I do not have information about the places we walk through, that lacks anecdote and explanation. If this is your case too, you can discover the guided tours offered by Bordeaux Bike Experience ! This agency offers guided bike tours in Bordeaux but also around: Saint-Emilion, Margaux .... Small bonus: a wine tasting is offered at the end of the course.

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Article written by Mélanie Oliva for the Guide Bordeaux Gironde

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