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Highlights
Ride from Bordeaux wine country to Toulouse on this 7-day self-guided cycling tour
Enjoy an approachable and mostly flat cycling route from Bordeaux to Toulouse, tracing the Canal de Garonne.
Cycle at your own pace, taking in the peaceful villages, traditional architecture, and rolling vineyards of the French countryside.
Revel in the seductive beauty of southeastern France’s wine country, delighting in the wines of Bordeaux and Cotés de Bordeaux.
Treat yourself to gastronomical delights, savouring divine marmalades from local orchards and high-quality artisan cheese.
The Canal de Garonne is an idyllic setting for an approachable and memorable cycling holiday in France. The 7-day Canal de Garonne by Bike: Bordeaux to Toulouse tour beckons you on an unforgettable ride from the wine capital, Bordeaux, to the beautiful “pink city” of Toulouse.
A superb 210-kilometre route unfolds on approachable, mostly flat roads and trails, with all the freedoms associated with a self-guided tour afforded to you. The tour begins in Bordeaux, where you’ll spend two days exploring the exquisite wine country before pedalling south, where you’ll start to trace the Garonne Channel, which spans to the Mediterranean.
Stops in charming French villages like St. Macaire and Damazan pave the way, with gastronomical surprises around every corner. Delight in the seductive wines of Cotés de Bordeaux, enjoying expert pairings with locally produced artisan cheese. Cruise alongside determined pilgrims as you ride into the town of Moissac, an important stop on the Geneva variant of the St. James Way. Hop off your bike to uncover a hidden gem in Mas d’Agenais, where an encounter with an original Rembrandt painting awaits.
Discover the beauty of southern France on two wheels. Book the Canal de Garonne by Bike: Bordeaux to Toulouse tour and experience the best of France’s idyllic natural landscapes, fascinating history, delightful culture, and cuisine.
The Canal de Garonne is an idyllic setting for an approachable and memorable cycling holiday in France. The 7-day Canal de Garonne by Bike: Bordeaux to Toulouse tour beckons you on an unforgettable ride from the wine capital, Bordeaux, to the beautiful “pink city” of Toulouse.
A superb 210-kilometre route unfolds on approachable, mostly flat roads and trails, with all the freedoms associated with a self-guided tour afforded to you. The tour begins in Bordeaux, where you’ll spend two days exploring the exquisite wine country before pedalling south, where you’ll start to trace the Garonne Channel, which spans to the Mediterranean.
Stops in charming French villages like St. Macaire and Damazan pave the way, with gastronomical surprises around every corner. Delight in the seductive wines of Cotés de Bordeaux, enjoying expert pairings with locally produced artisan cheese. Cruise alongside determined pilgrims as you ride into the town of Moissac, an important stop on the Geneva variant of the St. James Way. Hop off your bike to uncover a hidden gem in Mas d’Agenais, where an encounter with an original Rembrandt painting awaits.
Discover the beauty of southern France on two wheels. Book the Canal de Garonne by Bike: Bordeaux to Toulouse tour and experience the best of France’s idyllic natural landscapes, fascinating history, delightful culture, and cuisine.
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Canal de Garonne Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your tour begins in the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux. As one of France’s most historic wine cities, Bordeaux is not only a hub of heavenly French food and wine but also home to several museums and historical sites.
Settle into your hotel here, then set out on a walk to familiarize yourself with this elegant city.
Overnight Location: Hotel Bordeaux
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle the Garonne to Cadillac
Your first day of cycling kicks off with a pleasant ride along the Garonne, a river that you’ll become well acquainted with during your tour.
Ride to Latresne before heading now towards La Sauve. Check out the gorgeous Romanesque abbey in La Sauve, then continue the route to Cadillac.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cadillac
Distance: 46.8km, 367m of ascent, 362m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Vineyards, Estates, and Quaint Villages
Set off this morning on two wheels, cruising inland lanes and some gentle climbs to the Bastide de St. Macaire, where you’ll hop off your bike to take in the grand manor house in a tiny fortified village above the Garonne.
You’ll find yourself swooped up this afternoon in a mesmerizing world of grand estates, vineyards, and authentic small villages as you ride to Meilahn-sur-Garonne. This afternoon, you’ll also join the la véloroute des Deux Mers after crossing the Garonne.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Meilahn-sur-Garonne
Distance: 45km, 794m of ascent, 748m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Ride to Sèrignac via Mas d’Agenais
Ride along the Canal de La Garonne this morning, departing Meilhan-sur-Garonne bound for Sèrignac.
Blanketed in the cool shade of ancient plane trees, seize the pleasant joyride and take advantage of ample opportunities to embark on fun detours along the way. Stop in Mas d’Agenais to witness an original painting by Rembrandt or refuel with coffee (or a glass of wine!) in the pretty village square of Damazan.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sèrignac
Distance: 69.8km, 385m of ascent, 387m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cruise to Mossaic
Begin today’s route by tracing the canal, cruising alongside vast rows of trees and vibrant orchards. You’ll soon reach an aqueduct, which you’ll then follow to Agen, a town known for its spectacular art museum.
After Agen, you’ll return to your steadfast guide, the Canal de Garonne, riding through Valence d’Agen and finally to Mossaic. Mossaic is home to a magnificent 11th-century abbey, well worth taking in.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mossaic
Distance: 47.1km, 277m of ascent, 258m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Ride to Toulouse, “The Pink City”
Follow the Pont-Canal de Cacor this morning, soon crossing the River Tarn and arriving in Castelsarrasin. Then, cruise the tranquil countryside through Grisoles, Castelnau-d’Estrétefonds, and on to Toulouse.
Known as “The Pink City,” Toulouse is a charming town with terracotta buildings giving it its nickname. Enjoy your final evening of the tour here, swept up in the allure and charm of this charming place.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Toulouse
Distance: 69.7km, 271m of ascent, 189m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Departure day
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”.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
Standard Accommodation:
- Single room: EUR1195
- Sharing a twin room: EUR830
- Sharing a double room: EUR815
- Sharing a triple room: EUR775
- Sharing a quadruple room: EUR740
Upgraded Accommodation:
- Single room: EUR1395
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR885
- Sharing a triple room: EUR930
- Sharing a quadruple room: EUR820
Accommodation on the Canal de Garonne by Bike: Bordeaux to Toulouse
This tour is based in hotels and B&Bs. Hotels and B&Bs on this tour are 2-star and 3-star and offer either basic or modern amenities to ensure you have a pleasant and comfortable stay. Accommodations are well-located and offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
What’s Included in the Canal de Garonne by Bike: Bordeaux to Toulouse?
Meals
6 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Bordeaux and after the tour in Toulouse are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also book ahead to extend your stay at the hotels along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage are included throughout the tour (1 piece per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
Optional Extras
- Bike rental (hybrid or e-bike)
- E-bike supplement
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
- How hard is the Canal de Garonne by Bike: Bordeaux to Toulouse tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Canal de Garonne by Bike: Bordeaux to Toulouse?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Bordeaux to start this tour?
- Where does Canal de Garonne by Bike: Bordeaux to Toulouse tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- What equipment is included in the bike rental?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
- Are there any travel restrictions for France?
- When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?
We rate this tour a 3/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 70km in a day, potentially with the help of an e-bike. The terrain is almost entirely flat (over 50%) with a few very easy climbs.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts and 1 dinners are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Bordeaux Airport (BOD) or Toulouse Airport (TLS). You can arrange a private transfer to your accommodations in Bordeaux as a supplement in advance, reach it by public transport, or arrange your own private transfer.
The tour ends in Toulouse. Reach your departure airport, either Bordeaux Airport (BOD) by train, taking approximately 2 hours, or Toulouse Airport (TLS) by public transport, taking under half an hour.
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are BATAVUS Zonar, 27-speed hybrid bikes or SPARTA e-bikes.
The bikes come with a pannier, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet, and lock.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Southern France for this cycling tour is during the shoulder seasons of March through May and September through November when crowds are lighter than during peak summer months (June-August). This tour is available from April through October, allowing you the option to travel during the shoulder season or the peak season.
Customer Ratings
With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
