Cycling along the Canal de Garonne, from Bordeaux to Toulouse

Arrival in Bordeaux and check-in at your accommodation to ensure you’re well prepared to start the itinerary the following day.  The evening is free to explore the city. From the Saint-Pierre Bridge, admire this magnificent city and its quays along the Garonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Set off from the Pont de Pierre in Bordeaux. Leave the city’s reflection behind as you explore the region’s vineyards and numerous châteaux, many of which are associated with renowned wines. Follow the greenway to La Sauve and its ancient abbey, then take the country lanes to reach Saint-Macaire. Enjoy the local cuisine in the market square, overlooked by the church’s frescoes.

After this gourmet stage, settle comfortably into the saddle and cycle alongside the calm waters of the side canal. Take a detour south to explore Pondaurat Abbey, then head to La Réole, following in the footsteps of the pilgrims on the Way of St James. The market halls of this village await you, and you can then admire the magnificent view from the terraces of Meilhan-sur-Garonne. Passing the boatmen, you’ll reach the peaceful village of Fourques-sur-Garonne, then, via the small country roads, you’ll arrive in Marmande.

Late in the morning, you can take a break in the shade beneath the old market halls of the Mas d’Agenais. Nearby, the Church of Saint-Vincent houses a Crucifixion by Rembrandt, and the Hostellerie J. Champon welcomes you for a journey back in time. The route winds through the orchards to reach the colourful bastide town of Damazan. Be careful not to overindulge in the famous Buzet-sur-Baïse wine, so that you can admire the medieval setting of the village of Port-Sainte-Marie and its church.

As you cycle towards the Garonne, do stop off at the many medieval villages, home to Romanesque chapels and churches. Once you reach Agen, cross the canal bridge, one of the region’s finest structures. Finally, let yourself be charmed by the old town centre and its rich history. Foodies won’t be long to work up an appetite as they discover Rue des Cornières and its old restaurants!

On this stage, you’ll venture a little away from the canal to discover unspoilt countryside dotted with a multitude of dovecotes. Stop off at the bastide town of Donzac to experience the richness of rural life of yesteryear, then step back in time at the Gallo-Roman town of Auvillar and its famous market hall. To round off the day in style, you’ll arrive in Moissac, with its swing bridge and the exceptional cloister of Saint-Pierre Abbey, which reveals the secrets of the Bible through its 88 historiated capitals!

After crossing the Cacor canal bridge, you’ll be surprised by the Montech boat lift – a real ‘boat lift’! You’ll then pass through the bustling port of Castelsarrasin. You’ll then follow the canal, sheltered from the usual hustle and bustle of the outskirts of major cities, to the port of l’Embouchure, which marks the entrance to Toulouse and the start of the Canal du Midi.

The tour ends in Toulouse. Your luggage will be available by 6.00 pm at the latest at our dedicated luggage storage partner (unless you are staying an extra night in Toulouse, in which case it will be delivered directly to your hotel).