Skip to content
canal_garonne_a_velo_2_45e7feda27
  • South West 

The Garonne Lateral Canal by bike

From Bordeaux to Toulouse

ref RN13

From
730€/person

Presentation of your trip

From Bordeaux, listed among the UNESCO's world heritage cities, ride along the Garonne lateral canal, Canal du Midi's outcome to Atlantic Ocean. Quieter, it allows you to ride at your own pace in the Aquitaine countryside, by roundabout ways to charming still active ports where the impetuous river Garonne flows.
With the softness of that landscape, discover the famous Bordelais vineyards, the medieval cities rounded by majestic chateaux. Explore the rich heritage and the local gastronomy linked to cities as Agen or Moissac, to end in beauty to Toulouse, the pink city.

  • DestinationSouth West
  • TypeFree
  • Length of trip7 days and 6 nights
  • ActivitiesCycling/All Terrain Biking
  • Physical level

Possible periods for this trip

  • Jan.
  • Feb.
  • March
  • Apr.
  • May
  • June
  • Jul.
  • August
  • Sep.
  • Oct.
  • Nov.
  • Dec.

DescriptionProgramPratical informationDates and priceContact

Trip details

Highlights

  • Vineyards and numerous castles to visit
  • The famous history of the region and the crossing of medieval cities
  • The local gastronomy
  • End your stay in Toulouse, the beginning of the Canal du Midi

Complementary informations

  • Accommodation in selected hotels or guest houses
  • 7 days 6 nights - 6 biking days

Program

  • Day 1

    Arrival in Bordeaux

      Setting at Bordeaux hotel on B&B basis (night + breakfast included). Free evening in the centre town. From the Saint-Pierre’s bridge, discover the beautiful city and the Garonne’s docks listed on UNESCO world heritage list. 

    • Day 2

      From Bordeaux to Saint Macaire

      • Distance : 59 km
      • Elevation gain : 290 m

      Departure from Bordeaux Saint-Pierre’s bridge. Left behind you the city to start exploring vineyards and old castles, with names in relation with famous wines: Sentout, La Caussade… Discover the ruins of the fortress and the church of Lestiac. Ride towards medieval cities of Rions, Beguey and also the village of Cadillac; very well-known because of the car’s company!
      Once arrived to Saint Macaire, enjoy the local gastronomy, close to the market place and the splendid church.

    • Day 3

      From Saint Macaire to Marmande

      • Distance : 57 km
      • Elevation gain : 150 m
      • Type of accommodation : Hotel

      After this epicurean stop, settle comfortably into your saddle and ride along the calm waters of the side canal. Take a detour south to discover Pondaurat Abbey, then head to La Réole, following in the footsteps of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The village market halls await you before you admire the magnificent view from the terraces of Meilhan-sur-Garonne. Passing the boatmen, you will reach the peaceful village of Fourques-sur-Garonne, from where you will arrive in Marmande via small country roads.

    • Day 4

      From Marmande to Faugarolles

      • Distance : 58 km
      • Elevation gain : 110 m

      You spend the morning riding on shady paths, before stopping for lunch close to a nice church. Continue you way onto the past, riding among orchards, to reach the colorful bastide of Daumazan. This is the Buzet sur Baïse wine area, discover the village of Port Sainte Marie and once again an amazing church. Half board night in Feugarolles in a guest house.

    • Day 5

      From Feugarolles to Agen

      • Distance : 28 km
      • Elevation gain : 450 m

      With this stage, join the Garonne river. It is a unique opportunity to discover little medieval villages, and their romanesque churches. Once in Agen, you cross the Canal’s bridge, one of the most beautiful of the region. Take your time to discover the historical centre. For the epicure, the “rue des Cornières” is the best place here to have a delightful dinner. “Bon appétit!”.

    • Day 6

      From Agen to Moissac

      • Distance : 57 km
      • Elevation gain : 480 m

      During this stage, you will stray somewhat from the canal to discover authentic countryside dotted with a multitude of dovecotes. Stop off at the bastide town of Donzac to discover the richness of rural life in days gone by, and step back in time in the Gallo-Roman town of Auvillar with its famous market hall. For a grand finale, you will 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!

    • Day 7

      From Moissac to Toulouse

      • Distance : 68 km
      • Elevation gain : 390 m

      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. End of your trip in Toulouse.

    • End of trip

    On this tour, we offer trips around the canal to visit a pretty village or abbey. These detours induce climbs but they are optional. The announced gradients are avoidable from day 2 by taking the bike path of the side canal.

    Pratical information

    • Luggage

      Carrying is limited to business of the day and picnic. Luggage is carried by vehicle. Please allow 1 bag per person, maximum 15kg/bag.

    • Formalities

      • A valid official ID
      • We recommend travel insurance with repatriation included
    • DEPARTURE AND MEETING POINT

      Departure from Bordeaux (33).

      How to get there:
      By car: Highway of the south of France.
      By train: Bordeaux train station.
      By plane: Bordeaux airport then shuttle to the city center.

    • Accommodation

      Nights in double rooms in hotels ** and *** and guest rooms.

      Bed and Breakfast formula: night and breakfast included. 1 night in half board in Feugarolles on day 4: dinner at the table d'hôtes.

      We have selected our accommodations for their quality of welcome and comfort: to enjoy, thank you to book as soon as possible.

      Double room formula: you sleep in comfortable rooms for 2 people in hotels or guest rooms. Sheets and towels are provided. A bathroom is reserved for you.

      Extra night in B&B in Bordeaux or Toulouse: contact us.

    • Food

      No need to diet during your stay! It's the perfect opportunity to savor the local cuisine. During your stay, you'll enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast. The price does not include picnics, drinks and dinners (unless otherwise mentioned in the program).

    • Attendees

      From 2 people.

    • Difficulty level

      You have a good physical condition and practice fairly regularly cycling or other sporting activity, without being an athlete.
      Stages from 28 to 68 km per day. Elevation gain between 110 and 480m per day.
      On this tour, we offer trips around the canal to visit a pretty village or abbey. These detours induce climbs but they are optional. The announced gradients are avoidable from day 2 by taking the bike path of the side canal.

    • Options

      • Bike and/or e-bike rental, fully equipped for touring, one-way (delivery in Toulouse and drop-off in Sète)
      • Dinners
      • Accommodation in higher-category hotels
      • Tailor-made trip (duration, stages, itinerary, etc.)
    • Accompanying

      Free Ride:
      Equipped with the orientation material we give you: maps with highlighted route and detailed topoguide, you go alone to discover circuits designed by our team. You are guided by carefully prepared directions, for maximum precision.

    Dates and price

    Information

    Free departure dates: you choose your own departure dates according to your availability.
    For constituted groups, we adapt the level, duration, price and program on demand.

    Free departure from

    Price TTC per person

    Freedom package with luggage transport by cab
    Registration at 2 people850
    Registration at 4 people760
    Registration at 6 people730

    Options

    Single room supplement: +210€

    The price includes

    • Accommodation in bed and breakfast formula (except day 4 half board),
    • The dinner of day 4,
    • The transport of luggage,
    • Delivery of rental bikes on the morning of day 2.

    The price does not include

    • Diners except day 4 half board,
    • The lunches/ picnics,
    • Drinks,
    • Personal expenses,
    • Personal bike equipment (helmets, gloves),
    • Bicycles,
    • Transportation to the meeting point,
    • The return to Bordeaux by train with your luggage,
    • The parking lot,
    • Insurance.

    Request for quote or information

    The destination

    • South West

      LaRébenne invites you to discover the south-west of France in different ways. Hike on the mythical paths of Santiago de Compostela or cycle the Canal du Midi, 240 km of walks by the water. It connects the Garonne to the Mediterranean from Toulouse to Sète via Carcassonne and its medieval city and Castelnaudary. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a technical feat that is appreciated as an authentic masterpiece.

      See more trips
      Sud_Ouest_Canal_du_Midi_3bb2d6037a