Cycling the Canal de la Garonne

Cycling the Canal de la Garonne

Guía para recorrer el canal de Garona en bici

Libros de Rutas en Bici

This guidebook presents a cycle ride along the Canal de la Garonne in the south of France. The 290km route is covered in 7 stages from bustling Bordeaux to the splendid rose city of Toulouse, with a 135km excursion from to Lacanau on the Atlantic coast. Optional side trips explore the countryside and historical towns and villages, including Agen, Moissac, Marmande and Montauban. Mainly flat and easy cycling, including 193km along the main canal towpath, this is an easy route suitable for lone cyclists, families, groups and those using e-bikes. It is perfect for those planning a cycling holiday, and for people boating on the canal or holidaying nearby who want to get out and explore. A detailed route description is accompanied by 1:50,000 maps, with fascinating information about the places encountered along the route and notes on the region's history and the building of the canal. The guidebook also contains practical information on travel, choosing the right bike and equipment, facilities and cycle shops

Seasons

This route is best cycled in spring, summer or autumn. It may be cycled in winter too but the weather is less predictable.

Centres

Atlantic coast, Bordeaux, Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, La Reole, Marmande, Buzet-sur-Bäise, Porte-Ste-Marie, Agen, Moissac, Montech, Montauban and Toulouse

Difficulty

An easy and highly enjoyable cycle and suitable for lone cyclists, families, groups and those using e-bikes. Most of it is flat or has a very gradual incline.

Must See

Bustling Bordeaux and the rose city of Toulouse. Sauveterre-de-Guyenne, Marmande, Agen, Valence d'Agen, Moissac, Montech and Montauban. Beautiful Gascony countryside and the rivers Garonne, Bäise and Tarn.

CONTENTS Map key Overview map Route summary table Introduction Regions of the canal The canal’s construction History Culture Wildlife Cycling the Garonne canal When to go Getting there Accommodation Food and drink Your bike What to take Health and safety Security Maps Money and communications Using this guide The Canal de la Garonne Prologue From Bordeaux to the Atlantic Stage 1 Bordeaux to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne Stage 2 Sauveterre-de-Guyenne to Marmande Stage 3 Marmande to Buzet-sur-Baïse Stage 4 Buzet-sur-Baïse to Agen Excursion 1 To Port-Sainte-Marie and Clermont-Dessous Excursion 2 To Nérac Stage 5 Agen to Moissac Excursion 3 To Auvillar Stage 6 Moissac to Montauban Stage 7 Montauban to Toulouse Appendix A Distances between locks Appendix B Accommodation Appendix C Useful information Appendix D English–French glossary Appendix E Further reading