Self-Guided Cycling Canal de la Garonne
Self-Guided Cycling Canal de la Garonne
Self-Guided Cycling Canal de la Garonne
7 Days Starting in Bordeaux and ending in Toulouse
Visiting: Bordeaux, Cadillac, Meilhan, Sérignac, Moissac, Toulouse
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CSVP
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Physical rating:
Medium, Easy To Moderate
Age range:
11-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Canal de la Garonne in the southwest of France makes the perfect setting for this easy self-guided cycling holiday. From Bordeaux start cycling through winelands over gently rolling hills before connecting with the Garonne canal, which leads you to Toulouse. Easy cycling - Follow the historic canal from Bordeaux to Toulouse Picturesque landscapes - Rewarding views of southwest France from the saddle Delicious local gastronomy - Accompany regional delicacies with a glass of Bordeaux
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Bordeaux
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation: Hotel, Majestic
Meals Included: No Meals
The first night of your holiday is spent in a charming 18th century hotel, complete with grand original features. From its city centre location, you are well-placed to explore Bordeaux, with its wealth of beautiful neoclassical architecture.
Your bike will be delivered either today or tomorrow morning.
Public transport options are available from Bordeaux Airport (BOD). Taxis can also be arranged locally at the airport
Day 2: Cycle To Cadillac Through Villages And Vineyards
Location: Cadillac
Accommodation: Chateau de la Tour
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast you head to the bike supplier on foot or you can choose to take a tram. You will be supplied with your bike and be able to make the necessary adjustments with the help of the friendly bike shop owner and after signing the agreement of care for the bike, you will set off to Latresne on a cycle path along the Garonne River. From here, your route turns north, winding through the hills and between impressive wine estates and typically-French villages. In La Sauve, you turn south again, following quiet tarmac lanes for the last leg of your ride to Cadillac. Here, your can look forward to a refreshing dip at your hotel swimming pool (in summer months), as well as views of the impressive 18th-century 'Chateau de Cadillac'.
Your total cycling distance today is approximately 47 kilometres (150 metres total ascent).
Day 3: Start Your Journey Along The Garonne Canal To Meilhan-Sur-Garonne
Location: Meilhan
Accommodation: Le Font d'Uzas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's route starts off on winding inland lanes, avoiding the busy road between Cadillac and Saint Macair. Although you face some ascents, a rewarding landscape awaits of impressive estates, vineyards and picturesque villages. After passing through Bastide de Saint Macair, you cross the Garonne to commence your route along 'La Veloroute des Deux Mers' - your cycling path along the Garonne Canal 'between two seas'. Tonight's accommodation will be in one of two charming chambre d'hotes (B&Bs), situated in either Meilahn-sur-Garonne, or a bit further inland in Marcellus.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 51 kilometres (Total 200 metres ascent and 140 meters descent)
Day 4: Pedal To Serignac; Enjoy Plenty Of Stops En Route
Location: Sérignac
Accommodation: Hotel Le Prince Noir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you continue along the Canal de la Garonne, cycling on flat terrain all the way to Serignac. Enjoy the shade of ancient plane trees along your route, and take time to make small detours. The church in Mas d'Agenais is worth stopping off at, with its authentic Rembrandt painting. You may also choose to enjoy a cup of coffee on the beautiful village square in Damazan, with its fortress and historic arcades. Another option is a visit to the town of Tonneins, worth the 10 kilometre detour for its wide choice of restaurants, cafes and shops. Tonight's accommodation in Serignac is in a converted 17th century convent, boasting exceptional hospitality.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 66 kilometres (Total 30 metres ascent and 60 meters descent)
Day 5: Continue Along The Canal To Unesco-Listed Mossaic
Location: Moissac
Accommodation: Hotel Le Pont Napoleon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today commences with a gentle ride between the plane trees and orchards along the canal. After 10 kilometres, the channel protrudes through an aqueduct over the river, providing a unique entrance to the city of Agen. We recommend spending some time here to explore its pleasant city centre and renowned Museum of Arts. Continuing along the canal to Valence d'Agen, this is another beautiful town, with curious round washhouses. The last section of today's route is particularly scenic as you pedal into the historic town of Mossaic. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a particularly important stop on the Chemin de Saint Jacques (Way of St James) coming in from Geneva. We recommend spending time exploring its 11th century Abbey of St Pierre, with its stunning cloister, before retiring to your comfortable and well-positioned hotel.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 58 kilometres (Total 60 metres ascent and 30 meters descent)
Day 6: Arrive In Toulouse; Explore 'La Ville Rose'
Location: Toulouse
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Wilson
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's ride takes you over an aqueduct and through pretty agricultural scenery. Passing from village to village, you will see elegant dovecots prodruding above old farms. From Montech, you may choose to jump on the train with your bike to avoid the busy roads in the outskirts of Toulouse. The last 10 kilometres of the route into Toulouse is especially busy. Once you have checked in to your conveniently-located hotel in Toulouse, the rest of your time is free to explore France's fourth-largest city. Knicknamed 'La Ville Rose' because of its pink stone buildings, the city is renowned for its thriving café and cultural scene, as well as its atmospheric old quarter.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 67 kilometres (Total 75 metres ascent and 50 meters descent)
Day 7: Trip Ends In Toulouse
Location: Toulouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.
Public transport options are available to Toulouse Airport (TLS). Taxis can also be arranged locally.
What's Included
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Bikes
Bikes are included in the cost of the trip but you must bring a helmet.
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 6 Dinner: 2
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Accommodation
2 nights premium hotel 4 nights comfortable hotel
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Drinks with Meals
What's Not Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Country Entry Visas
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Taxis can also be arranged locally at the airport
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We can assist in booking extra nights at the joining and ending hotels.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
There is no guide as this is a self-guided trip
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are e-bikes available on this trip?
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are available for an additional cost for the duration of the holiday. You will be required to pay a refundable deposit upon collection of the e-bike in country. Please contact us for more details or to request your e-bike.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, there is free time on the trip to explore.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
There is a solo surcharge is doing the trip on your own. Please contact us for rate.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
There is no escort on this trip as this is a self-guided trip
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Easy To Moderate
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
2 nights premium hotel 4 nights comfortable hotel
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No. Taxis can also be arranged locally to and from the airport
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Company Instant Book
Self-guided trips are on request.
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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