A guidebook to cycling the Canal de la Garonne route from Bordeaux to Toulouse. Covering 290km (180 miles), this long-distance cycle across south-western France can be completed in 1 week and is suitable for both first-time and experienced long-distance cyclists.

The route is described from north to south in 7 stages, each between 31 and 59km (19–37 miles) in length. A 135km (84 mile) excursion from Bordeaux to Lacanau on the Atlantic coast is described as well as optional side trips exploring the countryside and historical towns and villages, including Agen, Moissac, Marmande and Montauban.

• 1:100,000 maps and profiles included for each stage?
• Refreshment and accommodation information given
• Information on cycle shops with repair facilities along the route
• Advice on planning and preparation

Route summary table
Map key
Overview map
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

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.

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