Cycling the Canal de la Garonne : From Bordeaux to Toulouse

Cycle the flat, largely traffic-free Canal de la Garonne and experience some of the most beautiful scenery southern France has to offer. This 290km (180-mile) route takes you from the great wine city of Bordeaux through the stunning Gascony countryside to Toulouse, where the canal connects with the UNESCO World Heritage Canal du Midi. Completable in a week and suitable for first-time cyclists, experienced riders, families, and e-bike enthusiasts alike, this is one of France's most accessible and enjoyable long-distance cycle routes. This trusted Cicerone guidebook breaks the journey into 7 manageable stages of 31–59km (19–37 miles), with detailed 1:100,000 maps and elevation profiles for each section. You'll also find comprehensive refreshment and accommodation information, practical planning advice covering bikes and preparation, health and safety, and a full accommodation appendix covering the entire route. An optional 135km (84-mile) excursion from Bordeaux to the Atlantic coast at Lacanau is included, along with a series of side trips to historic towns and villages including Agen, Moissac, Marmande, Montauban, and the medieval bastide of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne. Use this essential companion to navigate the highlights of your journey with confidence—from bustling Bordeaux and beautiful countryside around Nérac to your final destination in Toulouse. Whether you're planning a week-long adventure or extending your journey onto the Canal du Midi for a longer coast-to-coast crossing from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, this guidebook has everything you need.