Bordeaux makes for such a fine city break, parting may be hard, but continuing along the Scandibérique, the cycle route via the Bègles tramline and through the little valleys of the Eau Bourde and the Eau Blanche makes it easy to ride south out of town. The splendid Cayac Priory at Gradignan, once a refuge for pilgrims, is worth a proper visit. Then head for Hostens via the famed vineyards of the Pessac-Léognan area. As you reach La Brède, it would be only fitting to uncork a bottle of finest Graves white in homage to Montesquieu, a major 18th-century political philosopher from here, and to visit his family château. After Graves’s vineyards come a mix of hardwood and pine woods. The greenway from La Brède leads peacefully down to Hostens.

After enjoying all the outdoor possibilities at Hostens, the Scandibérique continues south, via a long stretch of greenway, to the town of Bazas and, thanks to a recent extension, as far as Langon. This good-quality greenway in fact makes it possible to go from the Bassin d'Arcachon by the coast to the Canal de Garonne (via Langon and Castets-en-Dorthe). You cycle along a really lovely path through quiet pine forests. Note how different plots are planted with pines of different ages. While the colour green dominates, when heather and broom flower, Impressionist touches of yellow, white, pink, red and purple are added to the picture. If heading out quietly early in the morning, you may encounter deer on your path.

From Langon, the route joins the Canal de Garonne at Castets-en-Dorthe. Cycling along the next stretch, you can chart the progress of your reflection in the canal’s waters! From Fontet to Buzet-sur-Baïse, the Scandibérique follows the same path as the Canal des Deux Mers à Vélo cycle route. It’s easy to ride at a steady pace, although you may encounter quite a number of other cyclists as you pedal along in the shade of the plane trees. You pass a delightful array of bridges, locks, vineyards and orchards up to the port at Buzet-sur-Baïse, at the end of this stage.

The Scandibérique route now heads for the Pyrenees, taking you into the historical territories of the young Henri de Navarre, who would become King Henri IV of France from 1589 to 1610. After greenways, you ride along peaceful minor roads crisscrossing the Pays d’Albret area of Gascony, made up of a mosaic of lands. From the fortified bastide village of Vianne to Barbaste and its fortified Moulin des Tours, on to Mézin, a perched village, there are many little southern gems a stone’s throw from the route. Gascon culinary tradition encourage you to sample the spirit Armagnac, Buzet wines, and, if you’re up for it, foie gras. This is a blissful area for a cycling adventure!

From Mézin to Sos, the Scandibérique route runs in part along a greenway beside the Gélise River, the path shaded, the atmosphere quite unspoilt. The private Château de Poudenas with its Tuscan looks is the first curiosity you ride past. After Sos, you cycle along quiet county roads. As you approach Escalans Gabarret, you get closer to the edge of the great Landes Forest, the scent of its pines wafting over to you. Come evening, enjoy succulent local specialities on your stopover to regain your energy.

Welcome to the county of Landes, a land full of traditions, offering opportunities aplenty to enjoy the place’s conviviality, with many ferias and places at which to savour local specialities. From Escalans, the Scandibérique heads for Labastide d’Armagnac, a medieval village boasting a rich traditional heritage, nestled in the midst of vineyards that produce the oldest spirit in France. Every self-respecting cyclist should pay homage at the Chapelle des Cyclistes before tasting (in moderation, of course!) Armagnac made by a local producer. Cycling on towards Mont de Marsan, enjoy little detours to the village of Bougue and the archaeological site of Castets. At Mont-de-Marsan, the figurative sculptures at the Musée Despiau Wlérick, plus, not far off, but in the midst of forest, Marsan Lake, with its outdoor leisure centre, are two good reasons for prolonging your stay here.