The Garonne canal, from Bordeaux to Toulouse

From Bordeaux to Toulouse, crossing the Southwest by bike

Highlights

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.

Carte séjour Canal de la Garonne de Bordeaux à Toulouse
Niveau LeisureLeisure or Niveau FitFit
Day 1

BORDEAUX

Arrive to Bordeaux on your own.

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.

Day 2

From BORDEAUX to SAUVETERRE-DE-GUYENNE 63km 285m Niveau Loisir

Leaving from Bordeaux, you peacefully follow the banks of the Garonne. The Roger Lapébie cycle path, whose name pays homage to the famous Tour de France 1937 champion, takes you to Créon and its old station which serves as a reminder that trains preceded bikes.
You continue your journey surrounded by a landscape that combines forest and vineyards to stop at the Sauve-Majeure Abbey, a true masterpiece of Romanesque art, it offers exceptional sculptures and remains.
Once through the doors of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, let yourself be amazed by the arches and the remains of the medieval fortifications of this old bastide.

Day 3

FROM SAUVETERRE DE GUYENNE TO MAS D'AGENAIS 53km 234m Niveau Loisir

You leave Sauveterre de Guyenne 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.

Day 4

FROM LE MAS D'AGENAIS TO AGEN 53km 64m Niveau Loisir

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.

Day 5

From AGEN to MOISSAC 46km 82m Niveau Loisir

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 145m Niveau Forme

    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.

Day 6

From MOISSAC to TOULOUSE 69km 93m Niveau Forme

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 …

Day 7

TOULOUSE

Day on your own in Toulouse.

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.

Accommodation example
Façade de Hôtel des Voyageur BORDEAUX façade de la Chambre d'hôtes Les sequoias Sauveterre façade de Quand la ville AGEN Maison Lydia Façade de l'Hôtel Royal Wilson TOULOUSE

Starting from 865€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

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.

Accommodation example
Chambre d’hôtes B&B Cosy façade de la Chambre d'hôtes Les sequoias Sauveterre façade de Quand la ville AGEN Façade de l'hôtel Moulin de Moissac MOISSAC Hôtel de Brienne

Starting from 950€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices

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
  • Luggage transfer
  • Phone assistance 24/7
  • 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
  • Additional services included:
    • 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

    appareil GPS TwoNav Cross

    • We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
    • A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)

     


    You can also

     

    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.


    Touring Bike (woman)

    Equipped with reliable and lightweight components to offer you a carefree stay.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 fabric-wrapped chain lock, key type
    • 2 x 20 litre waterproof removable rear bags
    • 1 removable handlebar bag
    • 1 adjustable helmet
    • 1 can holder

    Touring Bike (man)

    Equipped with reliable and lightweight components to offer you a carefree stay.

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 fabric-wrapped chain lock, key type
    • 2 x 20 liter waterproof removable rear bags
    • 1 removable handlebar bag
    • 1 adjustable helmet
    • 1 can holder

    Ebike

    It 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

    • 1 fabric-wrapped chain lock, key type
    • 2 x 20 liter waterproof removable rear bags
    • 1 removable handlebar bag
    • 1 adjustable helmet
    • 1 can holder

    Children's Bike

    Supplied equipment per bike

    • 1 fabric-wrapped chain lock, key type
    • 1 adjustable helmet
    • 1 can holder

    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 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

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