La Route des Cardinaux : Cozes / St Bonnet sur Gironde
The scenery is varied and diverse: you'll be immersed in a range of atmospheres, from small churches to the estuary and the marshes. This ride is particularly suitable for experienced riders.
DAY 1
15 km - Saint André de Lidon ➡️ Barzan
Where to sleep? Kiba Estate
This leg of the journey offers wonderful discoveries, blending heritage and gastronomy. Along the way, you can admire the church of Saint-Martin-d'Arces. For the night, the Domaine de Kiba, a certified equestrian stopover, welcomes riders and their horses in comfortable surroundings with spacious paddocks and equine care services. Those with a thirst for exploration can extend their journey by bicycle: towards Talmont-sur-Gironde, a fortified town perched on a rocky promontory, or to the archaeological site of Le Fâ in Barzan, a testament to Gallo-Roman grandeur. At the end of the day, a stroll to the port of Les Monards offers breathtaking views of the Gironde estuary.
DAY 2
13 km - Barzan➡️ Mortagne-sur-Gironde
Where to sleep? Le Clos de Bellevue
This stage offers a breath of fresh sea air, from Barzan to Mortagne-sur-Gironde, with the Gironde estuary as a backdrop. Along the way, you'll see the church of Saint-Etienne in Mortagne. In Mortagne-sur-Gironde, the village reveals its picturesque port, its postcard museum, and an exceptional panoramic view from the viewpoint. The monolithic Saint-Martial Hermitage completes this historical immersion. For the night, the Clos de Bellevue, a 19th-century property with suitable stables, offers a peaceful setting, ideal for riders and their horses.
DAY 3
32 km - Mortagne s/ Gironde ➡️ Saint Thomas de Conac
Where to sleep? Domaine de l'Estuaire
This stage connects two picturesque ports, Mortagne-sur-Gironde and Saint-Fort-sur-Gironde. En route, the Tour de Beaumont offers a superb panorama of the estuary, which once served as a landmark for sailors. In Saint-Fort-sur-Gironde, you can wander the narrow streets, admire the church, and visit the bookbinding workshop. After a stop in Port-Maubert, the perfect excuse to snack on local products at Délice de Maubert, you head towards Saint-Thomas-de-Conac. Along the way, you can stop at the Moulin du Sap, an ideal leisure center for relaxing and refreshing yourself. You'll spend the night at the Domaine de l'Estuaire, an elegant 18th-century building.
DAY 4
10 km - Saint Thomas de Conac ➡️ St Bonnet s/ Gironde
For this final stop, you can discover the Church of Saint-Thomas-de-Conac. The Gironde Estuary accompanies you throughout.