The Garonne canal, from Bordeaux to Toulouse
From Bordeaux to Toulouse, crossing the Southwest by bike
© Patrice Thebault - CRTL Occitanie
Duration
7 days and 6 nights
Level
Leisure
ou Fit
Departure date
From April 1st to October 31st
Trip type
Self-guided trip
Trip type
Itinerant crossing
Key features
- The Canal des 2 Mers by Bike, a marked and secure route
- The Sauve-Majeure Abbey
- The magnificent bastides of Aquitaine
- Moissac and its monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage
- Toulouse, the "Pink City"
The story behind the trip
It is with the construction of the Canal du Midi inaugurated in 1682, which links Béziers to Toulouse, that the story begins. The Canal de Garonne, connecting Bordeaux to Toulouse, was opened two centuries later, in 1856. It is the conjunction of these two waterways which today form the Canal des 2 Mers!
Since June 2015, the Canal des 2 Mers by Bike crosses the Gironde along 200 km from Blaye to La Réole, via Bordeaux, through vineyards and a Tuscan-style countryside. On the towpath, a bit faster than a barge, you follow a bucolic route. Cyclists, lock keepers, fishermen, boaters, walkers, you meet many lovers of this elongated space who are always happy to tell you the stories of their channel.
From Bordeaux, crossing the Southwest to Toulouse on the Garonne Canal
This bike trip takes you to explore the Southwest on one of the most emblematic cycle paths: the Canal des 2 Mers, a cycle route that links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic over nearly 800 km.
It all starts in Bordeaux, formerly known as “the sleeping beauty”, the city is now one of the most dynamic in France. Let yourself be charmed by the good life of the “Petit Paris” and get ready for a cycling adventure on the Canal de Garonne, the westernmost part of the Canal des 2 Mers by Bike.
The Canal de Garonne offers you one of the most beautiful cycle paths in France. Over 190 km, you travel to the rhythm of the water through bastides, locks and vineyards. What are you waiting for to cross the emblematic Canal Bridges of Agen and Moissac and you have to opportunity to visit the remarkable abbeys of Sauve Majeure in Créon and St-Pierre in Moissac, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
From the Gironde to the Lot, passing through the Tarn and the Haut-de-Garonne; the sweet life, conviviality and the charm of the landscape permeate you. Let yourself be lulled by the Southwestern accent in the flow of your visits and encounters.
The smell of regional cuisine awakens your appetite. Stop on a terrace at the foot of the Bastide de Damazan for lunch. It is a pleasant spot to enjoy a glass of local wine accompanying one of the many delicious and generous local recipes. On the markets, the specialties of New Aquitaine and Occitania are laid out for the pleasure of the eyes and later the taste buds, they awaken the senses.
The green tones of the sweet landscape give way to the warm colors of the Pink City. During a stroll, venture into the narrow streets of Toulouse to discover all its secrets.
Itinerary
Leisure or Fit From BORDEAUX to BLASIMON 52km 371m 
You leave the quays of Bordeaux to join the Roger Lapébie cycle path. The route quickly enters a wooded archway in the direction of Lignan-de-Bordeaux. The terrain becomes slightly more hilly as you enter the Entre-deux-Mers region. In Sadirac, the route runs alongside the Maison du Patrimoine Naturel du Créonnais (Créonnais Natural Heritage Center) before reaching the bastide town of Créon. You cross this central square, characteristic of new medieval towns. The route then takes you to the foot of La Sauve-Majeure Abbey, a major monument of Romanesque art listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You gradually leave the old railway line behind. The route continues between rows of vines on increasingly hilly terrain.
From BLASIMON to LE MAS D’AGENAIS 65km 433m
You leave Blasimon to reach the south and the Garonne Canal. The road becomes more hilly in this region of Entre-deux-Mers. Your effort is however quickly rewarded by the beauty of the hills and the multitude of vines that surround you. You then reach the medieval village of La Réole, do not miss exploring its small narrow streets and contemplate the view of the Garonne valley from the top of the old Benedictine abbey.Through dikes and locks, you then ride along the Garonne Canal on its cycle path to conclude your day in the charming village of Mas d´Agenais and its must-see collegiate church.
FROM LE MAS D'AGENAIS TO AGEN 53km 95m
You continue to pedal on the Canal des 2 Mers by Bike. The first highlight of your day awaits you in Damazan where the colorful facades and the central square, a characteristic element of the 13th century Bastides, will not leave you indifferent. Quickly, in a green and natural atmosphere, you will see the charming port of Buzet-sur-Baïse, ideal for a break. You continue your journey on the cycle path.
At the entrance of Agen, you cross the picturesque Pont-canal de la Garonne, one of the largest in France with its length of 600m, by bike. The capital of prunes contains many surprises and offers a remarkable concentration of the rich heritage and spirit of the Southwest.
From AGEN to MOISSAC 46km 79m
You leave Agen heading south on the greenway that runs along the Garonne Canal. Valence d’Agen is your first stop, the 13th century bastide offers a warm and authentic atmosphere around its preserved monuments (covered markets, washhouses, dovecotes) and its port.
You continue on the canal, the landscape goes by to the rhythm of the lock keepers to reach Moissac. A veritable epicurean stage on the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle path, you can discover exceptional monuments listed as World Heritage by Unesco. A must!
- For a few more km 53km 166m
For this variant, you move away from the Canal des 2 Mers. Further up, high up, the most beautiful village in France awaits you: the fortified village of Auvillar.
You will then find the canal to continue your road towards Moissac.
From MOISSAC to TOULOUSE 69km 134m
Once the Cacor canal bridge over the Tarn crossed, you will enjoy the tranquility of the Canal des 2 Mers towards the “Pink City”. A first stage in Castelsarrasin invites you to discover its marina and its multiple heritage riches. You continue your path towards the vineyards of Frontonnais. Do not hesitate to taste (in moderation of course) the unique variety from the southwest: the Négrette!
Further away, the green of the countryside gives way to the emblematic pink of the city of Toulouse. You access the cycle paths of the Canal du Midi to reach the heart of the city and its emblematic Place du Capitole. Let yourself be charmed by the singing accent of its inhabitants and the captivating and unique colors of Toulouse …
TOULOUSE
Day on your own in Toulouse.
They travelled with us
Practical information
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 945€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1050€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request
Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 6 nights in a Double room
- 6 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 7/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Cycling practical guide including topo maps, restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
Price does not include
- Bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
Homemade and fully tested itineraries
- Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
- Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
- A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
- A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Touring Bike (woman)Equipped with reliable and lightweight components to offer you a carefree stay. Supplied equipment per bike
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Touring Bike (man)Equipped with reliable and lightweight components to offer you a carefree stay. Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeIt will allow all terrain and distances to be considered serenely, thanks to their natural and progressive assistance as well as their generous autonomy. Supplied equipment per bike
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Children's BikeSupplied equipment per bike
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Child's trailer |  |
Getting here
Departure city : BORDEAUX
Coming by car
- at 5h45 from PARIS
- at 3h30 from NANTES
- at 5h30 from LYON
Parking*
- Parking Paludate – BORDEAUX
- Parking Gare Saint Jean – BORDEAUX
- Parking Grands Hommes – BORDEAUX
- Parking Gambetta – BORDEAUX
- Q-Park Clémenceau Auditorium – BORDEAUX
Coming by train
- Bordeaux train station - 2h15 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Bordeaux airport
Arrival city : TOULOUSE
Coming by car
- at 6h from PARIS
- at 2h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 5h15 from LYON
Coming by train
- Toulouse train station - 6h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Toulouse airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Toulouse to Bordeaux in 2H (hotline)
- Return by car in 2h30 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags (1 carrier bag supplied with bike rental)
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
- Electrical plug adapter (compliant with local standards)
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/en/general-terms-and-conditions/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 45% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Between 6 and 3 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 945€
Book your trip
Expert , 
Aventure
Easy
BORDEAUX
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.