The Canal des Deux Mers, from Bordeaux to Sète

Arrive in Bordeaux and check into your accommodation in the late afternoon. Make the most of this first free evening to stroll through the city’s streets and discover its charms. Let yourself be captivated by the beauty of Bordeaux and the view of the Garonne quays, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your cycling adventure begins at the Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux. You gradually leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you immerse yourself in the rolling countryside of the Entre-deux-Mers, amongst vineyards, charming villages and châteaux steeped in history. You’ll follow the cycle route to La Sauve, home to the impressive Abbey of La Sauve-Majeure, before leaving the V80 to continue your journey along small country lanes. As you ride on, you’ll pass close to Benauge Castle and Malromé Castle, both testaments to the region’s rich heritage. Your route then takes you to Saint-Macaire, a medieval town that has retained its charm, and on to Langon, at the gateway to the Graves and Sauternes wine regions.

Hop on your bike! A detour to the south will take you to Pondaurat Abbey, before you continue along the Way of St James to La Réole, a charming town steeped in character. You’ll discover the village’s covered market halls, then enjoy magnificent views from the terraces of Meilhan-sur-Garonne. As you pass by the boatmen, you’ll reach the peaceful village of Fourques-sur-Garonne. Finally, follow the quiet country roads to arrive in Marmande.

Late in the morning, stop off at Le Mas-d’Agenais and enjoy the cool shade of its historic covered market halls for a well-deserved break. Be sure to visit Saint-Vincent Church, home to a remarkable Crucifixion attributed to Rembrandt, as well as the Hostellerie J. Champon, where you can step back in time.

Then continue your journey through the orchards towards Damazan, a charming bastide town bursting with colour. Carry on through the heart of the Buzet-sur-Baïse wine region, renowned for its wines, before reaching Port-Sainte-Marie. The village’s medieval heritage and church offer one final delightful discovery.

Hop on your bike and make your way towards the Garonne, taking the time to stop in the many medieval villages along the route, where Romanesque chapels and churches await discovery. Once you reach Agen, cross the canal bridge, one of the region’s most impressive engineering feats. Finally, soak up the charm of the historic town centre and its rich heritage. Food lovers will soon find their appetites whetted as they explore Rue des Cornières, with its historic arcades and charming old buildings!

Overpass the canal and discover a preserved countryside dotted of various pigeon houses.  Have a stop in La Bastide de Donzac and discover the past rural way of life and the famous Gallo-roman city of Auvillar. The finish is planned in Moissac, well-known for its turning bridge and of course for its exceptional cloister in the Saint-Pierre abbey. 

After crossing the Cacor canal-bridge, you are going to be surprised by the slope water of Montech, a real lift for boats! Continue trough the living port of Castelsarrasin and join Toulouse, avoiding the usual hustle and bustle typical of big cities, by riding along the canal until the “port de l’Embouchure”, entrance of the “Pink City” and starting of the canal du Midi. A possible other trip can lead you on the canal du Midi’s sides to reach the Mediterranean. 

Point of departure : Paul Riquet’s bridge.

Discover the “art of living” Toulouse style : its lilting accent, history and many hidden alleyways. Head out to Castelnaudary along the Canal du Midi, with a first stop in Avignonet, in the heart of the Lauragais, land of the Pastel flower, place of a battle against the Cathars. Pass over the highest point of the trip (190m high) and find several ancient canal locks such as the Lock of Sanglier, as well as many aqueducts, before reaching Castelnaudary. Castelnaudary is the city of cassoulet (a delicious local meat and bean stew) but perhaps this does not get your taste buds going so, as dinners are not included, feel free to choose another dish.

After a good night’s rest, ride along the Canal du Midi, through a delight of many different villages and landscapes. Make your way to Saint Papoul’s abbey, created in the 8th century, to discover the church in the middle of wheat fields. Then ride on until Bram passing quiet villages before heading for Carcassonne. Its architecture and the warmth of its narrow streets are waiting for you. You can enjoy the medieval walled town, which is also now listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Once you have drunk in enough of the secrets of Carcassonne, continue your trip and storm along to Homps and its port. Take your time to admire the buildings along the canal, a wonderful example being the Moulin de Trèbes. You can have a stop in Marseillette, an old Gallic village and in Capendu as well, to see its Romanesque church. Then continue on to arrive in Homps.

This typical south-east town, in love with wine, rugby and festivities, will open its arms to you. Cross the tunnel de Malpas and discover the oppidum of Ensérune (apart from Canal), to arrive by the spectacular 9 canal locks of Foncérannes, and then onto Béziers, Riquet’s birthplace. The city shows you lots of examples of his talent. 

For this last stage, cycle to Agde where the Herault River and Canal du Midi flow into the Mediterranean. The maritime’s influences are important and the landscape is different. The volcanic black stone of Agde, the wild black bulls and white horses are typical of this region.
Ride towards Sète port along Thau Basin. This city has a strong local culture, Sète will not miss to seduce you at your arrival. With chance, you maybe would see local sport played since 1666, nautical battles.