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Together with the Canal du Midi, the Canal de Garonne connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in what is known as the Canal des Deux Mers (Canal of the Two Seas). The canal is lined with diverse landscapes of vineyards, groves, orchards and villages with numerous works of art and historical monuments. On this self guided cycle across southwest France, you will take in the important cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse and the many beautiful vineyards, valleys and villages in between. Cycling along canal ways, past locks and medieval towns, there is ample time to take a picnic and visit vineyards en route to your accommodation in a charming B&B or comfort hotel.
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16kg of CO2-e PP per day
(96kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in Bordeaux
Make your way to your hotel in the heart of Bordeaux, world renowned wine capital on the banks of the Garonne River. Be sure to arrive early to allow time to explore. Bike rental begins on the morning of Day 2, bikes will usually be delivered to your accommodation on the evening of day 1 or the next morning before 9.30am.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle alongside the Garonne River to Cadillac (49km/30mi)
After breakfast you head quickly out of town via a cycle path on the right bank of the Garonne. In Latresne you turn north to follow a converted railway track. At the Romanesque abbey in La Sauve you head south, cycling on quiet tarmac lanes until you reach Cadillac and your hotel, situated below the impressive 18th century Chateau de Cadillac. 317m/1040ft ascent, 312m/1023ft descent
Meals: B
Day 3
Join the greenway at the beginning of the Canal de Garonne (45km/28.1mi)
You cycle today on winding inland lanes, to avoid the busy road between Cadillac and Saint Macair. There are some ascents, but a rewarding landscape awaits: impressive estates, vineyards and typically French villages. After a visit to the Bastide de St Macair, cross the Garonne to the start of the 'Veloroute des Deux Mers", the cycling route 'between two seas'. Accommodation tonight is usually in Meilhan-sur-Garonne (or subject to availability, a further 8km at Marcellus). 370m/1214ft ascent, 323m/1060ft descent
Meals: B,D
Day 4
Cycle through the rich Garonne valley along the canal to Agen (70km/45mi)
Today you follow the Canal de la Garonne, cycling on the flat from Meilhan-sur-Garonne all the way to Agen. Enjoy the shade of the trees and take time to make small detours along the way. The church in Mas d'Agenais has an authentic painting by Rembrandt on display. Savour a drink on the beautiful village square at Damazan, with its fortress and historic arcades. Worth the 10km detour is the town of Tonneis, with its lovely square on the banks of the Garonne and choice of restaurants and cafes. Overnight in Agen. 160m/525ft ascent/descent
Day 5
Discover bridges, aqueducts and lakes en route to Moissac (47km/29.4mi)
After leaving the city of Agen, you will continue along the canal to Valence d'Agen, another beautiful town, with curious round washhouses. The last section is peaceful once again, as you fully enjoy the scenery on your way to the historic town of Moissac, an important stop on the "Chemin de Saint Jacques" (Le Puy Camino) from Geneva. The town is situated at the confluence of the rivers Garonne and Tarn, at the Canal de Garonne. Ensure you visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Romanesque Abbey of St Pierre and its stunning cloister. 96m/315ft ascent, 77m/253ft descent
Day 6
Cycle into Toulouse with option to take the train (70 or 45km/43.8 or 28mi)
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 plane trees you follow a quiet track to Toulouse. Along the way there is much to see, including the water slope at Montech, the special Ponts-Jumeaux and the junction of the three canals. After Grisoles with its brick houses you reach the historic Castelnau-d'Estretefonds. Here you can take the train into Toulouse (ticket not included, 25km) or if you prefer to cycle it is somewhat busier into the 'Pink City'. With its distinctive clay brick architecture, there is plenty to see in Toulouse, starting with its famous Place du Capitole. Overnight in Toulouse. 271m/889ft ascent, 189m/620ft descent
Day 7
Trip concludes
Trip concludes in Toulouse after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay in Toulouse we can assist with booking extra nights. Optional extension: continue cycling to Carcassonne. In this instance the trip is 9 days in total. From Toulouse you cycle to Castelnaudary, then to Carcassonne. A supplement applies, please request at time of booking. Or you can continue on our 7 day Canal du Midi Cycle (trip code CDM) from Toulouse to Sète on the Mediterranean.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a 21-27 speed hybrid bike with handbrakes and panniers to carry your gear for the day, along with a pump, anti-theft device and repair kit. Helmets are included or you may prefer to bring your own well-fitted helmet. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft9in
GRADE 3 - The route mainly follows the 'Voie Verte' along the canal, which is often flat and free of car traffic. The first section from Bordeaux mostly follows a cycle track and there are some hilly sections. It is important to be aware that the quality of some of the paths are poorly maintained. These dirt paths are not always very even with tree roots and rocks and can be slippery after / during rain which requires more vigilance and cycling skills. Overall, the cycling is moderate, with daily cycling distances from 45 to 70km/28 to 44mi. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. It is not considered suitable for children due to the quality of some of the trail.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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