The Canal de Garonne: From Bordeaux to Toulouse
Day 1
56 km
Bordeaux → Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
Set off eastward from Bordeaux by bike! Starting from the Garonne riverbanks, the Miroir d’Eau, and Place des Quinconces, follow the right bank to Latresne. Here begins the Roger Lapébie cycle path, a peaceful greenway through the Entre-deux-Mers region. Vineyards, bastides, country châteaux, and cool tunnels dot the route—a true breath of calm.
Pause in Créon, a lively bastide with a medieval flair, then continue through wooded hills and old railway stations turned cafés. A gourmet break in Espiet is a must. You’ll arrive in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, a pretty bastide founded in 1281, just in time for a gentle, golden-hour evening.
Day 2
41 km
Sauveterre-de-Guyenne → Marmande
Leave the bastide behind on quiet roads toward Fontet, passing peaceful villages and rolling vineyards. Stop in La Réole, a listed Town of Art and History perched above the Garonne. Stroll its cobbled lanes and soak in the southern light.
Continue along the shaded banks of the canal to reach Marmande—famous for its tomatoes and market gardens. Founded by Richard the Lionheart, this town offers you a warm welcome between orchards and laid-back charm.
Day 3
58 km
Marmande → Agen
In the morning light, ride under plane trees as the Canal de Garonne winds its way east. The locks set a steady rhythm. In Mas-d’Agenais, detour to see the church and its Rembrandt copy. Further along, Damazan enchants with its timber-framed houses in bright colors.
You cycle through a generous land of vines and orchards. Arriving in Agen—the prune capital—is a treat: stroll the ochre-brick streets, enjoy a scoop of ice cream on the riverbanks, and unwind in this vibrant town.
Day 4
66 km
Agen → Montech
Today’s ride takes you deep into southwestern countryside—along canals, orchards, and sleepy villages. Stop in Valence-d’Agen with its peaceful port, then ride to Moissac, a major stop on the Camino de Santiago. Its abbey and Romanesque cloister, both UNESCO-listed, are truly breathtaking.
In the afternoon, the terrain remains flat but the scenery changes: golden fields, quaint locks, and unspoiled nature. You arrive in Montech, famous for its pente d’eau—a bold invention that once replaced a staircase of locks. A quiet and ideal place to rest.
Day 5
47 km
Montech → Toulouse
Your final stage begins in Montech, where brick houses and timber-framed façades set the tone. A signposted route takes you easily to Montauban, a town perched above the Tarn. Look up and admire the elegant red-brick architecture of this historic gem.
Then continue south through the Agré forest and past vineyards. Passing Castelnau-d’Estrétefonds, you leave the peaceful wine country behind as you near the buzz of Toulouse. Follow the canal a little further, ride in the shade a while longer—then suddenly, you’re in the heart of the Pink City: a stunning old town, grand façades, and charming alleyways.
At journey’s end, simply drop off your bike at Paulette’s agency in Toulouse.