Cycling the canal de Garonne

Cycling the Canal de Garonne: A Beginners Guide

Thinking about cycling the Garonne canal route? Here’s all the practical information you need to plan your trip, from difficulty level to maps, routes, equipment, and bike options. Get ready to cycle through the stunning, peaceful countryside of southwest France, shaded by the beautiful plane trees lining the Garonne canal.

Why the Garonne Canal is Perfect for Beginners

Stretching 270 km between Bordeaux and Toulouse, the Garonne Canal is flat, mostly on dedicated cycling paths, and entirely signposted. That makes it an ideal choice for cycling newcomers. No need to worry about complicated maps or GPS navigation. Phone signal is good along the route, and some kind of simple navigator like Google Maps would be useful for finding your accommodation.

The Garonne Canal is part of the larger Canal des Deux Mers route, which connects the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts from Royan to Sète.

Planning Your Trip: Distances and Stops

The Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo website is a great resource for planning your stages, offering detailed cycling path routes between Bordeaux and Toulouse. For the main route, it's more reliable than Google Maps, especially for sections like Bordeaux to La Réole, where Google sometimes directs you onto roads instead of cycle paths.

For the best experience:

• Plan longer stages along the flatter sections of the canal between La Réole and Toulouse
• Opt for shorter stages between La Réole and Bordeaux, where the route is hillier.

How Long Should You Plan on Cycling the Garonne Canal?

While the entire Canal de Garonne can be cycled in 2-3 days, most of our clients prefer 5-7 days to
allow time for leisurely lunches and exploring the area in the afternoons.

• 5 Days: Cover roughly 50 – 55 km/day – manageable without being too tiring.
• 7 Days: Cover roughly 35 – 40 km/day – a relaxed pace, perfect for soaking up the scenery.

Even though the route is shaded, summer temperatures can be high. Start early to beat the heat and aim to cover most of your distance in the cooler morning hours.

Choosing the Right Bike: Hybrid is the Way to Go!

• Mountain Bikes: With knobby tires, mountain bikes are slower. If you’re using one, swap to
  smooth tires for efficiency and make sure your tyres are well pumped up.
• Road Bikes: Lightweight, but not ideal – the rigid frame and narrow tires make for an
  uncomfortable ride, and punctures are more likely.
• Hybrid Bikes: The best option! With smooth tires for speed, front suspension for comfort, and a practical design, hybrids/trekking bikes are perfect for this route.

Our French-made Arcade Escape hybrid bikes are available for rent. Equipped with 21 gears, a suspension fork, and luggage racks, they’re well-suited for the Garonne Canal. We can deliver to Bordeaux or Toulouse and pickup at your final destination to make logistics easier.

Essential Gear for Your Trip

• Helmet
• Rear panniers and a handlebar bag (for essentials like your phone and wallet)
• Lightweight layers for chilly mornings
• A rain poncho, just in case
• Avoid backpacks – they’re uncomfortable in summer heat.

For ultimate convenience, you can opt for our luggage transfer service. Please contact us to discuss

Which Direction Should You Ride: Bordeaux to Toulouse or Vice Versa?

The route is well-signposted in both directions, there is not one “right way” to choose, our clients have very much enjoyed the route both starting in Bordeaux and in Toulouse. Our bike and luggage delivery services work the same in both directions :

• Bordeaux to Toulouse: This direction is often favoured as the prevailing wind comes from
  the west, giving you a tailwind (though it’s worth checking the forecast).
• Toulouse to Bordeaux: You’ll build up stamina before tackling the more varied and scenic landscapes at the end. The final stretch includes the beautiful Roger Lapébie cycling path, a converted railway track leading into Bordeaux. No matter the direction, allow extra time to explore Bordeaux’s renowned wine culture and the charming pink-brick architecture of Toulouse.

Best Time of Year to Cycle the Garonne Canal

While the canal can be enjoyed year-round with the right clothing (think gloves and layers in winter), the prime cycling season is April to October.

For the best experience, we recommend:

• June or September: Perfect weather and fewer crowds.
• July or August: Vibrant summer events like night markets add charm, but book your accommodation and bikes early to avoid the peak season rush.

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

The Cycles Sud-Ouest team is happy to answer any questions you have about your trip. Don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re here to make your cycling adventure as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.