Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel Majestic in Bordeaux
A comfortable hotel well-located in Bordeaux offering guests several amenities like a breakfast buffet and a minibar.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Your tour ends in pleasant Sète this morning following breakfast. Check out of your accommodations and head to the airport to depart.
This self-guided tour of France is always run as a private tour for your group and the price per person depends on the number of people staying in one room and the season.
Prices below are per person:
Please note that the departures for this tour are not available on Thursdays, with an exception of July and August, when you can depart at any time of the week.
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.
A comfortable hotel well-located in Bordeaux offering guests several amenities like a breakfast buffet and a minibar.
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.
A lovely stay awaits at this cozy B&B with a charming traditional French atmosphere.
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.
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.
Located in downtown Toulouse this hotel is full of character and local charm.
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.
Enjoy this modern, centrally located hotel, bringing the best of Carcassonne right to your doorstep.
Guests will enjoy this quiet and pleasant B&B, which has a gorgeous sun terrace and large outdoor pool.
Lovingly renovated, this modern hotel is stylish and elegant and faces the beautiful Plateau des Poetes garden.
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.
11 breakfasts are included.
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 for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour. Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
How hard is the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean 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.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
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.
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean tour?
11 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Bordeaux to start this tour?
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.
Where does the Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean tour end?
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.
Can I rent a bike?
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.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to France?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for France?
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.
When is the best time to travel to France for this tour?
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.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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11 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10A route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10A made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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