Arrive in Bordeaux via train, plane or car and take some time to relax in your centrally located 4* hotel. We recommend leaving plenty of time to explore the town and the banks of the River Garonne. Bordeaux is a beautiful town and sets up your week-long cycling holiday perfectly.
Your first route brings you out of the Bordeaux city centre along a scenic cycle path on the right bank of the Garonne. Ride to Latresne before changing direction and riding north. Here you’ll follow a converted railway which is now a small cycle path towards the Romanesque abbey in La Sauve.
Join the quiet tarmac lanes from here and you’ll be taken towards the town of Cadillac where your hotel for the night awaits. With a pool included, this hotel is located next to the impressive Chateau de Cadillac, built in the 18th century.
Jump back onto the winding cycle path that avoids the busy roads between Cadillac and Saint Macair. There will be a small section of climbing on this leg of the journey but this is rewarded with stunning landscapes and views. Ride through vineyards, estates and quintessentially French villages. Following a rest-up at the Bastide de St Macair, cross over the Garonne and join onto the start of “la vélo route des Deux Mers”, translating to “the cycle route of the Two Seas”.
Your stay tonight will be in the Chambre d’hôtes in Meilahn-sur-Garonne. Alternatively, you stay further inland in Marcellus or another destination of your choosing.
Follow the Canal de la Garonne once again and ride along the flat cycle paths from Meilhan-sur-Garonne through to Sèrignac. As this trip is entirely flexible, we strongly recommend taking short detours away from the canal. You’ll come across spanning fields, quaint villages, markets and wonderful coffee shops. Let adventure guide your ride today.
A few places we recommend visiting are the Mas d’Agenais church where an authentic Rembrandt painting will be on display or the Damazan square with its impressive fortress. We also suggest a 10km detour ride to Tonneis where a lively but authentic square sits on the banks of the Garonne. Choose to eat in one of the restaurants or cafe’s and explore the shops. This is one of our favourite towns to visit on the holiday so we recommend you spend a bit of time here relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.
The day ends in Sérignac-sur-Garonne at the 3* Hôtel Le Prince Noir, a delightful residence surrounded by vineyards with a swimming pool, tennis court and large garden to relax in.
Rejoin the canal for a gentle ride among plane trees and orchards. Following 10km on this path, an aqueduct will intersect the route and provide you with a ride into the charming city centre of Agen and its famous Museum of Arts. Follow alongside the canal once again before arriving in the beautiful town of valence d’Agen.
The final section of your ride will be stunning once again as you make your way towards the historic town of Mossaic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the 11th Century Abbey of St Pierre and its stunning cloister before spending the night in a centrally located hotel in Mossaic.
Cross over the river Tarn and reach Castelsarrasin via the beautiful Port-Canal du Cacor. Castelsarrasin boasts a charming port and 13th century Abbey of Belleperche. Take the time to explore this town before moving on. Back on the bike, you’ll follow a quiet track to the famous city of Toulouse where it will begin to get busier and more lively. Take in the sights on the way including the water slope in Montech and the Ponts-Jumeaux.
Ride through Grisoles before reaching the historic Castelnau-d’Estrétefonds. There is an option to ride the final 25km of this Canal de la Garonne route on the train if you prefer.
Your trip sadly comes to an end today. Spend the morning enjoying the atmosphere and lifestyle of those in Toulouse as well as sitting down for a great final breakfast. Following a final exploration of the city, head to the airport for your journey home. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your holiday in France, this can be arranged. Just let our cycling experience team know when you enquire.
The south of France boasts beautiful weather for the majority of the year and an array of colours and landscapes that constantly change with the seasons. The vibrant countryside and expanse of vineyards are ideal for relaxing rides whilst the pastel coloured towns and historical landmarks break up your rides perfectly with incredible food on offer throughout. Visit the famous cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse as well as a number of picturesque villages and towns that feature throughout the cycling holiday.