Cycle from the Bordeaux to Sète on this 12-day self-guided bike tour
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.
Highlights of the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean
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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
Day 4 Cycle the Canal de la Garonne
This morning you’ll set out to trace the legendary Canal de La Garonne from Meilhan-sur-Garonne to Sèrignac. A beautiful route unfolds under the shade of ancient plane trees, with plenty of opportunities for adventurous detours along the route.
The church in Mas d’Agenais, which houses an original painting by Rembrandt, is well worth the stop, or perhaps enjoy an afternoon coffee in the pretty village square of Damazan.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sèrignac
Distance: 72km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Moissac via Agen
Begin your day with a gentle section that unfolds along the canal, whizzing past trees and blooming orchards. Then, reaching an aqueduct, you’ll trace it until you reach lively Agen, known for its impressive museum of arts.
Back on the bike, you’ll continue to trace the canal, riding through Valence d’Agen and then on to Mossaic. Once settled into your accommodations in Mossaic, head out to take in the 11th-century Abbey of St. Pierre and its marvellous 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
Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to Mediterranean Prices and Dates
This self-guided tour of France is run as a custom tour for your group and the price depends on the type of room you prefer.
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.
Private Self-Guided Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean
Have your own private tour with just your group! Prices below are per person:
Departures from April 1st to June 2nd:
- Self-guided solo travellers in single rooms: $2,650 USD
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in separate single rooms: $2,650 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared double rooms: $1,925 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared twin rooms: $1,550 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 3+ in triple rooms: $1,795 USD per person
Departures from June 3rd to September 22nd:
- Self-guided solo travellers in single rooms: $2,325 USD
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in separate single rooms: $2,325 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared double rooms: $1,595 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared twin rooms: $1,595 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 3+ in triple rooms: $1,525 USD per person
Departures from September 23rd to November 3rd:
- Self-guided solo travellers in single rooms: $2,650 USD
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in separate single rooms: $2,650 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared double rooms: $1,925 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared twin rooms: $1,550 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 3+ in triple rooms: $1,795 USD per person
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.
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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hôtel Majestic in Bordeaux ★★★
A comfortable hotel well-located in Bordeaux offering guests several amenities like a breakfast buffet and a minibar.
Hôtel Château de la Tour in Cadillac ★★★
In the heart of the Bordeaux wine region, you’ll find this charming hotel built atop an ancient vegetable garden of the Ducs d’Epernon Castle.
B&B Font d'Uzas in Meilhan
A lovely stay awaits at this cozy B&B with a charming traditional French atmosphere.
Hôtel Le Prince Noir in Sérignac ★★★
The Prince Noir lies in the heart of southwest France set in a former 17th-century convent that has been masterfully restored into a hotel and superb restaurant.
Hôtel Pont Napoléon in Moissac ★★
This combined hotel and restaurant provides guests with an exceptional experience, offering a quiet and tranquil atmosphere with amenities such as a hot tub and a bar and lounge.
Hotel Royal Wilson in Toulouse ★★
Located in downtown Toulouse this hotel is full of character and local charm.
Hotel du Canal in Castelnaudary ★★
Perched on the lovely Canal du Midi, this centrally-located bright hotel is full of character and offers several amenities like BBQ facilities, a billiards area, and a breakfast buffet.
Hotel du Pont vieux in Carcassonne ★★
Enjoy this modern, centrally located hotel, bringing the best of Carcassonne right to your doorstep.
B&B Le Jardin d’Homps in Homps
Guests will enjoy this quiet and pleasant B&B, which has a gorgeous sun terrace and large outdoor pool.
Hotel des Poètes in Béziers ★★
Lovingly renovated, this modern hotel is stylish and elegant and faces the beautiful Plateau des Poetes garden.
Hotel l'Orque Bleue in Sète ★★★
Located in the heart of the city, this unforgettable hotel strikes the perfect balance of modern, charming, and comfortable and offers guests several amenities like a coffee shop and lounge.
What’s Included in the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to Mediterranean Tour?
Meals
11 breakfasts 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. Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Detailed route notes and maps
- 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: $325 USD
- E-bike: $425 USD
- Additional nights before, during, or after the tour
- Upgrade to half board
- Airport transfers
- Optional activities or excursions
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