Bordeaux to Toulouse Cycle

Make your way to your hotel in the heart of Bordeaux, world renowned wine capital on the banks of the Garonne River. Be sure to arrive early to allow time to explore. Bike rental begins on the morning of Day 2, bikes will usually be delivered to your accommodation on the evening of day 1 or the next morning before 9.30am.

After breakfast you head quickly out of town via a cycle path on the right bank of the Garonne. In Latresne you turn north to follow a converted railway track. At the Romanesque abbey in La Sauve you head south, cycling on quiet tarmac lanes until you reach Cadillac and your hotel, situated below the impressive 18th century Chateau de Cadillac. 317m/1040ft ascent, 312m/1023ft descent

You cycle today on winding inland lanes, to avoid the busy road between Cadillac and Saint Macair. There are some ascents, but a rewarding landscape awaits: impressive estates, vineyards and typically French villages. After a visit to the Bastide de St Macair, cross the Garonne to the start of the 'Veloroute des Deux Mers", the cycling route 'between two seas'. Accommodation tonight is usually in Meilhan-sur-Garonne (or subject to availability, a further 8km at Marcellus). 370m/1214ft ascent, 323m/1060ft descent

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 the 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 drink on the beautiful village square at Damazan, with its fortress and historic arcades. Worth the 10km detour is the town of Tonneis, with its lovely square on the banks of the Garonne and choice of restaurants and cafes. Overnight in Agen. 160m/525ft ascent/descent

After leaving the city of Agen, you will continue along the canal to Valence d'Agen, another beautiful town, with curious round washhouses. The last section is peaceful once again, as you fully enjoy the scenery on your way to the historic town of Moissac, an important stop on the "Chemin de Saint Jacques" (Le Puy Camino) from Geneva. The town is situated at the confluence of the rivers Garonne and Tarn, at the Canal de Garonne. Ensure you visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Romanesque Abbey of St Pierre and its stunning cloister. 96m/315ft ascent, 77m/253ft descent

Via the beautiful Pont-Canal du Cacor you cross the river Tarn and reach Castelsarrasin, with its small port and 13th century Abbey of Belleperche. In the shade of old plane trees you follow a quiet track to Toulouse. Along the way there is much to see, including the water slope at Montech, the special Ponts-Jumeaux and the junction of the three canals. After Grisoles with its brick houses you reach the historic Castelnau-d'Estretefonds. Here you can take the train into Toulouse (ticket not included, 25km) or if you prefer to cycle it is somewhat busier into the 'Pink City'. With its distinctive clay brick architecture, there is plenty to see in Toulouse, starting with its famous Place du Capitole. Overnight in Toulouse. 271m/889ft ascent, 189m/620ft descent

Trip concludes in Toulouse after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay in Toulouse we can assist with booking extra nights. Optional extension: continue cycling to Carcassonne. In this instance the trip is 9 days in total. From Toulouse you cycle to Castelnaudary, then to Carcassonne. A supplement applies, please request at time of booking. Or you can continue on our 7 day Canal du Midi Cycle (trip code CDM) from Toulouse to Sète on the Mediterranean.