Canal de la Garonne and Canal du Midi used to be the shipping connection between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. From the elegant, historic wine city of Bordeaux you follow the canal to the “pink” town of Toulouse. Cycling in a very relaxed way along almost car free routes through the magnificent typical South France countryside.
Highlights :
Check out our video to discover Bordeaux :
APP
The route descriptions we have made for this trip will be supplied via a travel app, for “GPS” navigation with visual/audio guidance (reading of the track on your smartphone). When you book this self-guided cycling holiday, we will send you explanations on how to use this app and send you an access code. The app contains routes and practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no internet connection is necessary.
Today you travel to Bordeaux by train, plane or car and settle in at your comfortable centrally-located hotel. Easy connections using public transport (tram or shuttle) are available. Be sure to get there early to leave time to explore Bordeaux, a very pleasant town on the banks of the River Garonne.
Your first route takes you quickly out of town, via a cycling path on the right bank of the Garonne. In Latresne you turn north, to follow a converted railway. At the Romanesque abbey in La Sauve you turn southward on quiet tarmac lanes to reach the town of Cadillac and your hotel (with swimming pool), situated below the impressive 18th-century "Chateau de Cadillac".
Challenge: 46.8km, 367m ascent, 362m descent
You start off again on winding inland lanes, to avoid the busy road between Cadillac and Saint Macair. You will have to do some ascents, but a rewarding landscape awaits: impressive estates, vineyards and tiny typically-French villages. After a visit to the Bastide de St Macair, you cross the Garonne to the beginning of "la véloroute des Deux Mers" - your cycling route "between two seas". Accommodation tonight at a charming chambre d'hôtes in Meilahn-sur-Garonne.
Challenge: 45km, 431m ascent, 385m descent
Today you follow the Canal de la Garonne, cycling on the flat from Meilhan-sur-Garonne all the way to Sèrignac. Enjoy the shade of ancient plane trees and take time to make small detours along the way. Savour a cup of coffee on the beautiful village square in Damazan, with its fortress and historic arcades. Another stop could be Tonneis, worth the 10km detour for its lovely square on the banks of the Garonne and a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and shops.
Challenge: 58.5km, 340m ascent, 355m descent
Today, you begin with a gentle section along the canal among plane trees and orchards. After 10km the channel intersects with an aqueduct, creating a unique way to reach Agen with its pleasant city centre and renowned Museum of Arts. Your route then continues along the canal, tucked in between the railway and a busy road until you reach Valence d'Agen, another beautiful town with curious round washhouses. Your last section is peaceful once again, as you fully enjoy the scenery on your way to the historic town of Mossaic, a UNESCO world heritage site and important stop on the "Chemin de Saint Jacques" coming in from Geneva, with the 11th-century Abbey of St Pierre and its stunning cloister.
Challenge: 57km, 311m ascent, 281m descent
Via the beautiful Pont-Canal du Cacor you cross the river Tarn and reach Castelsarrasin with its small port and 13th century Abbey of Belleperche. In the shade of old planes you now follow an uninterrupted, quiet track to the centre of Toulouse. The last km short of this ‘pink’ town are somewhat noisier. There’s a lot to see on the way: the water slope in Montech, the special Ponts-Jumeaux and the junction of 3 canals. After Grisoles with its brick houses you reach the historic Castelnau-d’Estrétefonds. From here you can, if you wish, cover the last 25 km of this ‘Canal de la Garonne’ route by train.
Challenge: 69.8km, 272m ascent, 193m descent
End of your trip after breakfast. We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to visit the beautiful city of Toulouse, "la Ville Rose".
All accommodations are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services.
We choose comfortable 2*/3* and 4* hotels or B&Bs where all rooms have private en-suite bathroom and every morning breakfast are included. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked.
The bike rental includes the drop-off fee for the bike’s return
BATAVUS Zonar, 27 Speed
SPARTA Regular-E, 400Wh
6 Nights included
2*/3* and 4* hotels or B&Bs
Tourist tax included
Breakfasts and 2 Dinners included during the trip (day 3 & 4)
Maps and tourist information on all the places of interest
Unfortunately, rental bikes cannot be delivered for this trip, but to be picked up at a bike shop in the morning of day 2.
24/7 Bilingual Emergency hotline
Luggage transport to your next accommodations. Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (20 kg maximum)
For time tables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
We strongly advise you to download the sncf mobile app prior to departure.
If you want to travel on a train with your bike, you can find more information via this link.
Parking information on request
We will supply the directions of this trip with a personalized code which gives you access to our travel App.
The closest airports to the Canal de Garonne are Bordeaux (BOD) and Toulouse (TLS)
From Paris, you can take the TGV (high speed train) to Bordeaux. 2h15). On the end of your trip you can take a train from Toulouse (direct trains back to Bordeaux, the journey takes 2 to 3 hours).
For timetables and further information check the website of SNCF or rome2rio for all French National trains (SNCF).
From Paris to Bordeaux (approx. 6h - 590 km/367 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin.
The hotels were of a consistently good standard. The meal in meilhan sur garonne was fantastic. The service and welcome in Brax was exceptional. The travel app is really excellent. The GPS tracks were very good.
Michael K.
I have watched in person how the bicycle routes are prepared. Very thoroughly, designed to lead along the most beautiful paths, every stretch checked in the field. Hotels are selected for quality and atmosphere, each personally inspected beforehand. Professionals! CS
55, rue Saint Jacques
24540 Monpazier
France
info@french-biketours.com
+33 (0) 5 53 73 08 61
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