Canal des Deux-Mers

Leaving Bordeaux, you follow a cycle path along the right bank of the Garonne. In Latresne you turn north, to follow the Roger Lapébie cycle path. This is a beautifully converted railway track, named after the 1937 Tour de France winner and passing several old railway stations.

At the Romanesque abbey in La Sauve you turn southward on quiet tarmac lanes to reach the town of Cadillac and your hotel (with swimming pool), situated below the impressive 18^th Century “Chateau de Cadillac”. Cadillac is located in the centre of a wine region of international fame.

Overnight: Cadillac

You start off again on winding country lanes, to avoid the busy road between Cadillac and Saint Macair. There are some ascents, but a rewarding landscape awaits: impressive estates, vineyards and tiny typically French villages. After a visit to the Bastide de St Macair, you cross the Garonne to the beginning of “la véloroute des Deux Mers” – your cycling route “between two seas”. Accommodation tonight at a charming chambre d’hôtes in the perched village of Meilahn-sur-Garonne, or a bit further inland in Noaillac.

Overnight: Meilhan-sur-Garonne (dinner included)

Today you follow the Canal de la Garonne, cycling on the flat from Meilhan-sur-Garonne all the way to the charming village of Sèrignac. Enjoy the shade of ancient plane trees and take time to make small detours along the way. The church in Mas d’Agenais has an authentic painting by Rembrandt on display. Savour a cup of coffee on the beautiful village square in Damazan, with its fortress and historic arcades. Another stop could be Tonneis, worth the 10 km detour for its lovely square on the banks of the Garonne.

Overnight: Sérignac-sur-Garonne (dinner included)

Today’s route begins with a gentle section along the canal among plane trees and orchards. After 10 km the channel intersects with an aqueduct, creating a unique way to reach Agen with its pleasant city centre and renowned Museum of Arts. You then continue along the canal to Valence d’Agen, another beautiful town with curious round washhouses. The last section is peaceful and scenic, as you make your way to the historic town of Moissac, a UNESCO world heritage site and important stop on the “Chemin de Saint Jacques” since the Middle Ages. The Romanesque cloister of the 11^th Century Abbey of St Pierre is regarded as one of the most beautiful of its kind in the world.

Overnight: Moissac

Via the beautiful Pont-Canal du Cacor, you cross the river Tarn and reach Castelsarrasin with its small port and 13^th Century Abbey of Belleperche. From there, you follow an uninterrupted greenway in the shade of old plane trees right into the centre of Toulouse. There’s a lot to see on the way; the water slope boat lift in Montech and the Ponts Jumeaux (Twin Bridges) where the Canal de Garonne joins the Canal du Midi and the River Garonne. After Grisolles you reach the historic Castelnau-d’Estrétefonds. From here you can, if you wish, cover the last 25 km of this ‘Canal de la Garonne’ route by train.

Known as ‘La Ville Rose’ (the pink city), due to its red brick buildings and ochre rooftops, Toulouse is a lively university town. Its charming Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter) contains many fine restaurants and architectural treasures, including the Place du Capitol, St. Sernin’s Cathedral and the Couvent des Jacobins; a beautiful 13^th century Dominican Monastery.

Overnight: Toulouse

Leave Toulouse via the Paul Riquet bridge and follow the cycle path along the tree-lined Canal du Midi. You will pass numerous characteristic barges before entering the rolling countryside of the Lauragais. Take a break in Avignonet, scene of numerous battles during the Albegenic crusades.  Here you will find lots of medieval remains and statues of crusaders, as well as the magnificent gothic church of Notre-Dame des Miracles.

At the foot of the Montagne Noir, you reach the highest point of the canal. This is the Narouze watershed, between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. From here, you descend to to Castelnaudary, where you will spend the night. Why not take the opportunity to try a real authentic cassoulet!

Overnight: Castelnaudary

Surrounded by the Montagne Noir in the east and the Pyrenees in the south-west, you cycle along an original, thousand- year-old tow path to the river harbour of Bram. The surrounding landscape changes from cornfields to vineyards. You pass centuries-old villages and waterworks like Béteil and the Lalande lock. You will pass the Cugarel mill, the Villepinte dam and the Rebenty aqueduct, before the fairytale medieval castle of Carcassone finally comes into view, dramatically perched on a rocky hilltop. Staying here for the night allows you to explore the medieval citadel in peace, after the tourist day-trippers have left.

Overnight: Carcassone

Leaving fabulous Carcassonne behind, you return to the peaceful tranquillity of the canal, surrounded by imposing plane trees. Admire the bridge at Orbiel and the 12^th century church in the port of Trèbes. It is worth making a stop in the Gallic village near Marseillette and taking a walk to Capendu to visit its Roman chapel. Continue through undulating vineyards to the charming village of Homps.

Overnight: Homps

After the lock of Argens, you follow the winding path along the hillside to Le Somail. Take a break here in the old library. After that you cycle along the Canal de la Robine to Capestang with its magnificent collegiate church, already visible from afar. From its bell tower you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.

Getting back on your bike, you continue past the Gallo-Roman remains of the village of Poilhes la Romaine and the Oppidum d’Ensérune. You can also admire the Malpas tunnel and the 9 locks of Foncérannes. They are evidence of the brilliance of the architect Paul Riquet, the man responsible for the construction of the Canal du Midi. Monsieur Riquet’s native town – the historic Béziers – is your destination today.

Overnight: Béziers

Leaving Béziers, the sea is not yet visible – but you can smell it! The landscape now becomes flatter, forming a mosaic of dunes, swamps and lagoons. This coastal region is home to many egrets, who strut proudly among the horses and cattle. As you reach the old town of Agde, with its 12^th century black cathedral, you cross the Hérault river in the direction of the Thau lagoon.

The Canal du Midi reaches its endpoint at the lighthouse in Onglous. The last part of your cycling route then follows the beach from Marseillan to the fishing port of Sète. This authentic town, full of pastel-coloured houses with wrought iron balconies, is crossed by several connecting canals and the Thau Basin. In the harbour you find an abundance of fish restaurants, where everything is as fresh as can be!

Overnight: Sète

Your cycling holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning in the pleasant town of Sète. The largest fishing port in France, Sète is also known for its beautiful beaches. Perhaps you will have time for a refreshing morning swim before beginning your homeward journey!