S-CAPE TRAVEL - EMAIL: INFO@S-CAPETRAVEL.EU - TELEPHONE +34 985846455 - WWW.S-CAPETRAVEL.EU GASTRONOMIC E-BIKES CYCLING style : Selfguided level : duration : 7 days comfort : period: Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct code: FRSB264 Canal de Garonne cycling tour - France From Bordeaux to Toulouse 7 days, price from 745 Pleasant cycling through gorgeous landscapes in Bordeaux, Gironde, Tarn-et- Garonne Traditional architecture: historic bastides, old farms with elegant pigeon towers and many petits and grands chateaux. Delicious regional gastronomy including hearty stews, apple and prune marmalade and an amazing variety of locally-produced artisan cheeses. Bordeaux and Cotés de Bordeaux wines. Short detours to historical monuments along the way Welcoming family-run accommodations in peaceful villages and comfortable, charming hotels in the city. The "Canal de la Garonne" in south-eastern France makes the perfect setting for an easy cycling holiday. On this tour you cycle a total of 210km and more than 50% of it is absolutely flat! You follow a small channel which was constructed in the 19 th century to connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. The Garonne Channel starts 40km south of Bordeaux and meets the Canal de du Midi in the city of Toulouse. Your first two days explore the Bordeaux wine country -with its gentle hills- following the "Voie Verte" to reach Castets en-dorthe. From there it's all "straight ahead and on the flat", with optional side-excursions on quiet inland roads. Along the Canal you'll find small "bastides" and intriguing towns, as well as unexpected gems like the Rembrandt painting at the church in Mas d'agenais. On your last day of cycling you share the route with pilgrims as you approach Moissac, an important cultural heritage site on the Geneva variant of the Way of St. James. Age-old plane trees provide welcome shade in summer and the route is perfectly waymarked. In the larger cities a great effort has been made to guarantee safe cycling. Route Day 1 Arrival in Bordeaux Today you travel to Bordeaux by train, plane or car and settle in at your comfortable centrally-located hotel. Easy connections using public transport (tram or shuttle) are available. Be sure to get there early to leave time to explore Bordeaux, a very pleasant town on the banks of the River Garonne.
Day 2 From Bordeaux to Cadillac (49 km) Your first route takes you quickly out of town, via a cycling path on the right bank of the Garonne. In Latresne you turn north, to follow a converted railway. At the Romanesque abbey in La Sauve you turn southward on quiet tarmac lanes to reach the town of Cadillac and your hotel (with swimming pool), situated below the impressive 18th-century "Chateau de Cadillac". Day 3 From Cadillac to Meilhan sur Garonne (39 km) You start off again on winding inland lanes, to avoid the busy road between Cadillac and Saint Macair. You will have to do some ascents, but a rewarding landscape awaits: impressive estates, vineyards and tiny typically- French villages. After a visit to the Bastide de St Macair, you cross the Garonne to the beginning of "la véloroute des Deux Mers" - your cycling route "between two seas". Accommodation tonight at a charming chambre d'hôtes in Meilahn-sur-Garonne, or a bit further inland (8km) in Marcellus. Day 4 From Meilahn-sur-Garonne - Sérignac-sur-Garonne (72 km) Today you follow the Canal de la Garonne, cycling on the flat from Meilhan-sur-Garonne all the way to Sèrignac. Enjoy the shade of ancient plane 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 cup of coffee on the beautiful village square in Damazan, with its fortress and historic arcades. Another stop could be Tonneis, worth the 10km detour for its lovely square on the banks of the Garonne and a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and shops. Day 5 From Sérignac-sur-Garonne to Moissac (58 km) Today, you begin with a gentle section along the canal among plane trees and orchards. After 10km the channel intersects with an aqueduct, creating a unique way to reach Agen with its pleasant city centre and renowned Museum of Arts. Your route then continues along the canal, tucked in between the railway and a busy road until you reach Valence d'agen, another beautiful town with curious round washhouses. Your last section is peaceful once again, as you fully enjoy the scenery on your way to the historic town of Mossaic, a UNESCO world heritage site and important stop on the "Chemin de Saint Jacques" coming in from Geneva, with the 11th-century Abbey of St Pierre and its stunning cloister. Day 6 Moissac - Toulouse (67 km) Via the beautiful Pont-Canal du Cacor you cross the river Tarn and reach Castelsarrasin with its small port and 13th cent Abbey of Belleperche. In the shade of old planes you now follow an uninterrupted, quiet track to the centre of Toulouse. The last km short of this pink town are somewhat noisier. There s a lot to see on the way: the water slope in Montech, the special Ponts-Jumeaux and the junction of 3 canals. After Grisoles with its brick houses you reach the historic Castelnau-d Estrétefonds. From here you can, if you wish, cover the last 25 km of this Canal de la Garonne route by train. Day 7 End of the arrangement After a hearty breakfast, the arrangement comes to an end
Accommodation All hotels of this trip are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. You can find the standard hotels of this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked. Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way. Hôtel Majestic**** (Bordeaux) Located in an elegant 18th century building this hotel with character has 47 rooms each with a customized decoration. www.hotel-majestic.com Hôtel Château de la Tour*** (Cadillac) Close to Bordeaux, in a wine region with a rich historical past, the hotel-restaurant Château de la Tour is an ideal place to relax. It offers an incredible view over the Château de Cadillac and it has a privileged location to enjoy many sports and cultural activities. www.hotel-restaurant-chateaudelatour.com B&B Font d'uzas (Meilhan) www.fontduzas.com Hôtel Le Prince Noir*** (Serignac) This hotel is located at a former 17th century convent in the town of Sérignac-sur-Garonne. With a welcoming atmosphere and located in a unique surrounding. It has a tennis court, a swimming pool and a wide garden. www.logishotels.com Hôtel Pont Napoléon** (Moissac) www.le-pont-napoleon.com Hotel Royal Wilson** (Toulouse) www.hotelroyalwilson-toulouse.com Practical info You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between March and October. The closest airports to the Canal de Garonne are Bordeaux (BOD) and Toulouse (TLS).
Arrival in Bourdeux Flyint to Bourdeaus airport (BOD): From Bordeaux airport or train station (Gare St Jean), there are direct bus services to Place de Quinconces in the city centre, very close to your hotel. Flying to Toulouse ariport (TLS) If you're flying to Toulouse, you can connect to Bordeaux by train (several direct services a day). From Paris, you can take the TGV (high speed train) to Bordeaux. 2h15). For time tables and further information look at the website of the SNCF. Departure from Toulouse On the end of your trip you can take a train from Toulouse (direct trains back to Bordeaux, the journey takes 2 to 3 hours). For time tables and further information look at the website of the SNCF or TER-SNCF. From Paris to Bordeaux (approx. 6h - 590 km / 367 mi). Acces to driving routes see the website ViaMichelin. HYBRID RENTAL BIKE BATAVUS Zonar, 27 Speed The bikes come with pannier, handlebar bag, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock ELECTRIC BIKE RENTAL SPARTA The bikes come with pannier, spare tube, tools, pump, helmet and lock GPS tracks are available on request.
Included Included 6 Nights in selected 2*/3* hotels 6 Breakfasts 2 Dinners (day 3 & 4) Luggage transfers Tourist city tax Detailed information pack, route notes and maps 24/7 Bilingual Emergency hotline Not included Travel insurance Transport to first and from last accommodation Trains, busses or any transport wherever necessary Other Lunches & Dinners Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, additional transfers, etc Hybrid or E-Bike rental Extras Single Room Supplement Solo Traveller Supplement Additional nights Transfer from the train station to your hotel Transfer back from your last accommodation Hybrid bike rental E-bike supplement