The 2 seas Canal : Garonne Lateral Canal and Canal du Midi

Setting at Bordeaux hotel on B&B basis (night + breakfast included). Free evening in the centre town. From the Saint-Pierre’s bridge, discover the beautiful city and the Garonne’s docks listed on UNESCO world heritage list. Night in Bordeaux.

Departure from Bordeaux Saint-Pierre’s bridge. Left behind you the city to start exploring vineyards and old castles, with names in relation with famous wines: Sentout, La Caussade… Discover the ruins of the fortress and the church of Lestiac. Ride towards medieval cities of Rions, Beguey and also the village of Cadillac; very well-known because of the car’s company!
Once arrived to Saint Macaire, enjoy the local gastronomy, close to the market place and the splendid church. Night in St Macaire. 

After this gastronomic stage, lets’ ride the peaceful side of the lateral Canal. You can make a detour to discover the nice abbey of Pondaurat and reach after La Réole, on the steps of Compostela’s pilgrims. Enjoy the typical village before to climb on the Meilhan terraces for a great overview. Cross the village of Fourques sur Garonne by little roads to reach Marmande. Night in Marmande.

You spend the morning riding on shady paths, before stopping for lunch close to a nice church. Continue you way onto the past, riding among orchards, to reach the colorful bastide of Daumazan. This is the Buzet sur Baïse wine area, discover the village of Port Sainte Marie and once again an amazing church. Half board night in Feugarolles in a guest house.

With this stage, join the Garonne river. It is a unique opportunity to discover little medieval villages, and their romanesque churches. Once in Agen, you cross the Canal’s bridge, one of the most beautiful of the region. Take your time to discover the historical centre. For the epicure, the “rue des Cornières” is the best place here to have a delightful dinner. “Bon appétit!”. Night in Agen.

Overpass the canal and discover a preserved countryside dotted of various pigeon houses.  Have a stop in La Bastide de Donzac and discover the past rural way of life and the famous Gallo-roman city of Auvillar. The finish is planned in Moissac, well-known for its turning bridge and of course for its exceptional cloister in the Saint-Pierre abbey. Night in Moissac.

After crossing the Cacor canal-bridge, you are going to be surprised by the slope water of Montech, a real lift for boats! Continue trough the living port of Castelsarrasin and join Toulouse, avoiding the usual hustle and bustle typical of big cities, by riding along the canal until the “port de l’Embouchure”, entrance of the “Pink City” and starting of the canal du Midi. A possible other trip can lead you on the canal du Midi’s sides to reach the Mediterranean. Night in Toulouse.

Point of departure : Paul Riquet’s bridge.

Discover the “art of living” Toulouse style : its lilting accent, history and many hidden alleyways. Head out to Castelnaudary along the Canal du Midi, with a first stop in Avignonet, in the heart of the Lauragais, land of the Pastel flower, place of a battle against the Cathars. Pass over the highest point of the trip (190m high) and find several ancient canal locks such as the Lock of Sanglier, as well as many aqueducts, before reaching Castelnaudary. Castelnaudary is the city of cassoulet (a delicious local meat and bean stew) but perhaps this does not get your taste buds going so, as dinners are not included, feel free to choose another dish.

Night and breakfast in Castelnaudary.

After a good night’s rest, ride along the Canal du Midi, through a delight of many different villages and landscapes. Make your way to Saint Papoul’s abbey, created in the 8th century, to discover the church in the middle of wheat fields. Then ride on until Bram passing quiet villages before heading for Carcassonne. Its architecture and the warmth of its narrow streets are waiting for you. You can enjoy the medieval walled town, which is also now listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Night and breakfast in Carcassonne.

Once you have drunk in enough of the secrets of Carcassonne, continue your trip and storm along to Homps and its port. Take your time to admire the buildings along the canal, a wonderful example being the Moulin de Trèbes. You can have a stop in Marseillette, an old Gallic village and in Capendu as well, to see its Romanesque church. Then continue on to arrive in Homps.
Night and breakfast in Homps.

This typical south-east town, in love with wine, rugby and festivities, will open its arms to you. Cross the tunnel de Malpas and discover the oppidum of Ensérune (apart from Canal), to arrive by the spectacular 9 canal locks of Foncérannes, and then onto Béziers, Riquet’s birthplace. The city shows you lots of examples of his talent. 
Night and breakfast in Beziers.

For this last stage, cycle to Agde where the Herault River and Canal du Midi flow into the Mediterranean. The maritime’s influences are important and the landscape is different. The volcanic black stone of Agde, the wild black bulls and white horses are typical of this region.
Ride towards Sète port along Thau Basin. This city has a strong local culture, Sète will not miss to seduce you at your arrival. With chance, you maybe would see local sport played since 1666, nautical battles. Night and breakfast in Sète.

End of the stay after breakfast.