The Canal de Garonne: From Toulouse to Bordeaux
Day 1
47 km
Toulouse → Montech
Leave behind the energy of the Pink City and ease into the quiet rhythm of the towpath along the Canal Latéral à la Garonne. At Castelnau-d’Estrétefonds, take a short detour to the Parc du Terroir or visit the hilltop Saint-Martin church.
Further on, you’ll cross the Agré forest and pass through a string of peaceful villages. Arriving in Montech, a medieval bastide where time seems to stand still, stroll the narrow streets lined with half-timbered brick houses, and visit the listed church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Visitation.
Day 2
66 km
Montech → Agen
Just outside Montech, stop to admire the impressive water slope—France’s only canal boat lift of its kind. Ride on through orchards and golden fields until you reach Moissac, a UNESCO-listed Romanesque treasure. Its abbey, cloister, and river port are well worth a long, slow pause.
Continue along the canal toward Valence d’Agen, known for its traditional washhouses and peaceful little harbor. The shaded path is dotted with moored barges, and you’ll finish your day in Agen—home to famous prunes, the colorful frescoes of Saint-Caprais Cathedral, and likely a terrace dinner by the Garonne.
Day 3
58 km
Agen → Marmande
Follow the canal westward through gentle landscapes where the air smells of ripe fruit and warm earth. Pass through Sérignac-sur-Garonne, with its distinctive twisted steeple, and Damazan, a colorful bastide with rural charm.
Locks set the pace as you ride into Marmande, known for its tomatoes, but also for the elegant Notre-Dame Collegiate Church and its French-style gardens. It’s a day for wandering and savoring.
Day 4
41 km
Marmande → Sauveterre-de-Guyenne
Today, leave the canal behind and climb gently into the rolling hills of the Entre-Deux-Mers region. Cycle small winding roads flanked by vineyards, cypress trees, and dry-stone walls. The terrain gets a bit more challenging, but the scenery—richer and more vinous—makes every effort worth it.
Arrive in Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, a fortified bastide with four monumental gates. Surrounded by AOC vineyards, it’s a perfect spot for a calm, convivial evening in the heart of Bordeaux wine country.
Day 5
56 km
Sauveterre-de-Guyenne → Bordeaux
Your final stretch follows the Roger Lapébie greenway—an old railway line turned into a smooth cycle path. The lit tunnel of Espiet adds a surprising, subterranean touch to your ride.
Pause in Créon for a bite or a cultural detour, then cruise through vineyards toward Bordeaux. Follow the grand Garonne River into the city, cross the iconic Pont de Pierre, and celebrate your journey at the Place de la Bourse—with the Water Mirror at your feet and a glass of Médoc in hand.