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Highlights
Cycle from the Bordeaux to Sète on this 12-day self-guided bike tour
Cycle with the Canal de la Garonne and Canal du Midi as your guides, tracing the Canal of Two Seas from coast to coast.
Soak in the authentic ambience of towns and cities like Bordeaux, Toulouse, Carcassonne, and more.
Pedal well-marked quiet greenways at your own pace, cruising through areas like Lauragais and the vineyards of Minervois.
Take in the antique boats, oval locks, and ancient villages along the winding Canal du Midi.
Embark on a truly exceptional cycling holiday in the south of France on the 12-day self-guided Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean tour.
The mesmerizing route unfolds along two of France’s most famed canals, the Canal de la Garonne and the Canal du Midi, which once formed the ancient shipping connection between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Beginning in elegant Bordeaux, where you’ll revel in the ambience of one of France’s most famous wine regions, you’ll pedal southeast, taking in ancient villages, antique boats and famous locks along the way. Visit exceptionally charming French cities and towns along the way, like Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Moissac.
Stay in charming accommodations, each well-located and reflective of local charm. Dining experiences along the route will be exceptional, with plenty of opportunities to savour regional specialties, like the delectable “cassoulet,” paired with a glass of the finest local wine.
Visit and stay overnight in Cadillac, Meilhan, Castelnaudary, and many more! The tour concludes in the gorgeous coastal paradise of Sète, home to the largest French fishing port on the Mediterranean Coast and renowned for its pristine beaches.
Enjoy this spectacular cycling tour in southern France, discovering for yourself the enchanting qualities of this dazzling region.
Embark on a truly exceptional cycling holiday in the south of France on the 12-day self-guided Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean tour.
The mesmerizing route unfolds along two of France’s most famed canals, the Canal de la Garonne and the Canal du Midi, which once formed the ancient shipping connection between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Beginning in elegant Bordeaux, where you’ll revel in the ambience of one of France’s most famous wine regions, you’ll pedal southeast, taking in ancient villages, antique boats and famous locks along the way. Visit exceptionally charming French cities and towns along the way, like Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Moissac.
Stay in charming accommodations, each well-located and reflective of local charm. Dining experiences along the route will be exceptional, with plenty of opportunities to savour regional specialties, like the delectable “cassoulet,” paired with a glass of the finest local wine.
Visit and stay overnight in Cadillac, Meilhan, Castelnaudary, and many more! The tour concludes in the gorgeous coastal paradise of Sète, home to the largest French fishing port on the Mediterranean Coast and renowned for its pristine beaches.
Enjoy this spectacular cycling tour in southern France, discovering for yourself the enchanting qualities of this dazzling region.
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Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Arrive at your centrally located accommodations in beautiful Bordeaux, one of France’s most prestigious and historic wine cities, where you’ll settle into your charming hotel.
Then, set out to acquaint yourself with this famous wine city set on the picturesque banks of the Garonne River.
Overnight Location: Hotel Bordeaux
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Cycle the Banks of the Garonne to Cadillac
Hop on your bike for a mesmerizing first day on two wheels! Your first begins on a scenic riverside path that will have you leaving town tracing the Garonne. Enjoy a lovely stretch of the riverside trail to Latresne, from where you’ll head north towards La Sauve.
Continue to the impressive Romanesque abbey in La Sauve, then press on to your hotel in Cadillac, where you can then enjoy a refreshing swim in the hotel pool!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cadillac
Distance: 47km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle Vineyards, Estates, and Villages to Meilahn-sur-Garonne
Rise and shine and hop on your bike following a delicious breakfast. Your route begins on winding inland lanes with some mild climbs as you ride towards the Bastide de St Macair, where you can enjoy a visit before continuing.
With your route flanked by grand estates, robust vineyards, and tiny French villages, you’ll find yourself joining the Véloroute des Deux Mers (Cycle Route Between Two Seas) as you cruise into Meilahn-sur-Garonne, where you’ll find your charming B&B.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Meilahn-sur-Garonne
Distance: 39km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Cycle to Agen
Today you follow the Canal de la Garonne, cycling on the flat from Meilhan-sur-Garonne all the way to Agen. Enjoy the shade of ancient plane trees and take time to make small detours along the way. Savour a cup of coffee on the beautiful village square in Damazan, with its fortress and historic arcades. Another stop could be Tonneins, worth the 10 km detour for its lovely square on the banks of the Garonne and a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and shops.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Agen
Distance: 69.8km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Moissac
After leaving the city of Agen, you will continue along the canal to Valence d’Agen, this is another beautiful town, with curious round washhouses. Your last section is peaceful once again, as you fully enjoy the scenery on your way to the historic town of Mossaic, a UNESCO world heritage site and an important stop on the “Chemin de Saint Jacques” coming in from Geneva, with the 11th-century Abbey of St Pierre and its stunning cloister.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mossaic
Distance: 58km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle Country Roads to “The Pink City”
More gorgeous scenery awaits you riverside this morning as you set out via the beautiful Pont-Canal de Cacor, crossing the river Tarn to reach Castelsarrasin.
Then, enjoying a pleasant stretch of quiet country road, you’ll ride through Grisoles and Castelnau-d’Estrétefonds, finally arriving in Toulouse. Enjoy an evening stroll in this charming town in the heart of southwest France, known as “The Pink City” because of the terracotta bricks used to construct most of its buildings.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Toulouse
Distance: 67km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 The Paul Riquet Bridge and the Canal du Midi
Depart beautiful Toulouse this morning via the famous Paul Riquet Bridge and continue the route along the Canal du Midi.
You’ll soon enter the Lauragais area, where you’ll be met by a real-life canvas of distinctive pastel colours characteristic of this scenic area. Stop for a break in Avignonet, home to medieval ruins and impressive churches, then continue by bike to Castelnaudary.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Castelnaudary
Distance: 58km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Views of Montagne Noire and the Pyrenees
With the towering Montagne Noire to the east and the mighty Pyrenees to the south, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery today as you pedal an ancient towpath to the Bram river port.
Continuing through ancient villages, you’ll notice the cornfields begin to turn into vineyards as you press on towards Carcassonne. Some highlights of the route before reaching Carcassonne are the Cugarel Mill, the Villepinte Dam and the Rebente aqueduct—all worth hopping off your bike to check out!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Carcassonne
Distance: 43km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Cycle through Wine Country to Homps/Olonzac
Enjoy a peaceful route today, as you return to tracing the canal, your route flanked by lovely sycamores. Take in the gorgeous bridge at Orbiel and the 12th-century chapel of Trèbes before continuing alongside gently rolling vineyards to Homps or Olonzac.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Homps or Olonzac
Distance: 42km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Cycle the Canal de la Robine to Capestang and Béziers
This morning you’ll sail past the lock of Argens, making your way along the hillside to Le Somail. Hop off your bike in Le Somail to admire the ancient library here, then continue the route via the Canal de la Robine to Capestang.
As you press on towards Béziers, you’ll take in Gallo-Roman ruins in Poilhes la Romaine, the impressive Malpas tunnel and the nine Foncérannes Locks.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Béziers
Distance: 62km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Cycle to the Mediterranean Coast
The breeze will likely carry the sweet and salty scent of the Mediterranean your way today long before you spot it! As the land begins to morph and flatten before your eyes, you’ll also note the appearance of dunes, swamps, and large lagoons. Enjoy pedalling your way through this gorgeous coastal region, cruising past the Pont bâche du Libron and Agde’s round lock.
Once you reach the lighthouse of Onglous, the Canal du Midi comes to an end. Press on to Marseillan, pedalling beachside until you reach sunny Sète.
Enjoy your evening in this coastal paradise tonight, making sure to stroll its shandy shores, and perhaps enjoy a farewell dinner at one of its many seafront restaurants!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sète
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Departure
Your tour ends in pleasant Sète this morning following breakfast. Check out of your accommodations and head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Standard accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: EUR2095
- Sharing a twin room: EUR1420
- Sharing a double room: EUR1405
- Sharing a triple room: EUR1420
Comfort Accommodation:
Departure on April 1st – October 31st, 2024:
- Single room: EUR2625
- Sharing a twin room: EUR1705
- Sharing a double room: EUR1635
- Sharing a triple room: EUR1705
Accommodation on the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to Mediterranean Tour
This tour is based in hotels and B&Bs. Hotels and B&Bs on this tour are 2-star and 3-star and offer either basic or modern amenities to ensure you have a pleasant and comfortable stay. Accommodations are well-located and offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Quadruple rooms are available on request. You can also upgrade to ‘comfort’ hotels for an extra charge.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer a single room or you are a solo traveller, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
What’s Included in the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to Mediterranean Tour?
Meals
11 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 11 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Bordeaux and after the tour in Sète are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also extend your stay at locations along the route as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour (1 piece per person). Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- GPS tracks (on request)
- Tourist city tax
- 24/7 emergency phone support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
- Hybrid bike
- E-bike
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Upgrade hotels to ‘comfort’
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities or excursions
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
- How hard is the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I need a visa to travel to France?
- Are meals included on the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Bordeaux to start this tour?
- Where does the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean tour end?
- Can I rent a bike?
- Can I bring my own bike?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
- Are there any travel restrictions for France?
- When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?
We rate this tour a 3/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 70km in a day. The terrain is a combination of flat and hilly.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
11 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Bordeaux Airport (BOD) or Toulouse Airport (TLS). You can arrange a private transfer to your accommodations in Bordeaux as a supplement in advance, reach it by public transport, or arrange your own private transfer.
The tour ends in Sète. Take a taxi to Montpellier where you can then catch a train to Toulouse (2-3 hours) or Bordeaux (4-6 hours) to reach your departure airport. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are BATAVUS Zonar, 27 speed hybrid bikes, or SPARTA regular-e, 400Wh e-bikes.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Southern France for this cycling tour is during the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November when crowds are lighter than during peak summer months (June-August). This tour is available during April-October, allowing you the option to travel during the shoulder season or the peak season.
Customer Ratings
With 25 years of experience running walking and biking tours in France, S-Cape France has a team full of energy and fresh ideas. Their multinational team can assist in various languages, and their large collection of itineraries means you’ll be able to find your dream adventure in France.
