You leave Blaye with the citadel at your back. The town quickly falls quiet. The Gironde, broad and brown, stays in view for a little while longer. Then you cross over to the Médoc, the wine region.
The day is flat. Properly flat: you barely notice any change in height. That makes it a day for rhythm, not for strength. Rows of vines, small châteaux among the fields and long straight stretches follow one another. The landscape is open, so the sun and wind decide how the day feels. You are on the road for almost five hours and reach Arsac without your legs protesting. Settle into an easy pace and take in your surroundings.