Two Seas Canal by Bike: Atlantic to the Mediterranean

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.

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.

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.

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.