This cycling tour starts in the beautiful city of Bordeaux and moves on to explore the Canal du Midi, its vineyards, fine food and towns and castles.
On your way, you will visit Cadillac and its Garonne River. You will then cycle to Marmande, home of a tomato variety. Your next ride will lead you to Agen, renowned for its Saint Caprais Cathedral. Your cycling trip will also pass through Moissac and Montauban. It will end up in Toulouse, an essential stop-off in the heart of the south west of France. Once the capital of the Visigoths and now the capital of the air and space industry, Toulouse invites you to explore its 2000 years of history.
Beautiful castles, famous wines, terrific food and great landscape : What more do you need to experience the real France by bike?
To
see
Cadillac castel/St Macaire, Ducs castel in Duras, as well as the vineyards of the Côtes de Duras.
Gastronomy
Cannelés Bordelais, the prune of Agen, the chasselas grape of Moissac, the cassoulet of Toulouse
Wine
St-Emilion, Côtes of Marmandais, Côtes of Frontonnais
Testimonials
« We very much enjoyed our self-guided cycling tour. We had great support and communication in the planning. Throughout our week everything went off as planned.
Mark B.
»
« This was my second experience with Discover France and had, again, an amazing time with my children. If you want to discover, on your own, little cities in France, this is what you have to do.
Linda G.
»
« Our first but certainly not our last trip to beautiful France! The routes were well laid out, the app worked well, the bikes were comfortable and the hotels were excellent.
Ingrid A.
»
« We truly had a glorious time and only have compliments for you and your company. Equipment, information, assistance, accommodation were faultless and Solène at Discovery France took care of us from the first e-mail of enquiry until the end of the cycle trip. We truly can’t wait for our next adventure with Discover France. Anna.V
»
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Basic : 2* or 3* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Standard : 3* or 4* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
Our hotels or B&B > provide amenities that are ideal
for
active vacations , located in easy walking distance to
downtowns,
restaurants and sightseeing. We prioritize family-owned , authentic
accomodations
over large chains.
Upgraded : 4* or 5* hotels.
If the hotel advertised on our website is full, we will book you in another
establishment equivalent in category.
J-1
Arrival in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a large city with good rail access and commercial airline flights from several European capitals. This historic city is very picturesque and offers a variety of attractions, including wine museums and shops for local wines. If you arrive early enough, take the chance to visit the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux. Transfer on your own to the hotel, settle into your hotel.
Accommodation : Hotel des Grands Hommes ** - Bordeaux
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Accommodation : Hotel de Normandie**** - Bordeaux
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Accommodation : Hotel La Zoologie & Spa**** - Bordeaux
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Included : Emergency support,concierge service,phone not provided,mobile guidance application,roadbook,travelbook,Orientation with a local guide,luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast
J-2
From Bordeaux to Podensac
Today you will ride from Bordeaux to Podensac.
Distance : 55km (34mi)
Elevation : 410 m
Accommodation : Hotel Restaurant du Chateau de la Tour *** - Cadillac - Beguey
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Accommodation : Chambres d'hote du Parc - Podensac (4 km Cadillac)
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Accommodation : Hotel Restaurant du Chateau de la Tour *** - Cadillac - Beguey
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You will stride across the French little roads to rich Cocumont. In a first time, you will left the Garonne banks just before going back to them around the kilometer 30. It correspond also at your passage in the nice city-state of La Réole, we advise you to stop there to visit this city built in 977. Following this, you will stay close to the river until crossing it to arrive in Cocumont.
Today, you will follow the Garonne canal. You can also make a detour to Marmande, famous for its eponymous tomato variety. In fact, you will enjoy a cycling path following the water, away from traffic flows. You will pass in a first time in the Mas d’Agenais village with its little port. Next, you will be able to admire, from the cycling path, the Buzet-sur-Baïse castle. This itinerary will end up with the canal bridge; which allowed the overlap between the Garonne River and its canal.
During your fourth day riding, you will keep up in the cycling path, but this time, riding along the Golfech canal. During this, bridges, lacs, locks and some marinas will pass in front of you just before going back to the Garonne. At this time, you will be surrounded by water, with on one side the river, and on the other one the canal. Finally, you will arrive Moissac where you will be able to lay down and relax.
Distance : 45 Km (28 mi)
Elevation : 190 m
Accommodation : B&B Au coeur des Elements - Saint Nicolas de la Grave
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Accommodation : Hotel l'Armateur*** - Moissac
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Accommodation : Hotel & Spa Le Moulin*** - Moissac
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Included : luggage transfer,bedroom and breakfast,dinner (no drinks)
Today will be the easier day with 23 miles. You will be out of Moissac by the Cacor canal bridge where you will be able to see the Bidounet Island. Your itinerary will guide to the charming city of Castelsarrasin, where we advise you, once again, to stop visiting. Later on your road, the Notre Dame de la Visitation church will appear in Montech, which is certified historic monument. After this city, you will left the banks to reach your final destination: Montauban.
Distance : 37km (23 mi)
Elevation : 151 m
Accommodation : Domaine de Belcayre - Montauban
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Accommodation : Domaine de Belcayre - Montauban
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Accommodation : Abbaye des Capucins Spa & Resort**** - Montauban
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Included : luggage transfer,Itinerary (no cue sheets),bedroom and breakfast,Access to the Spa,dinner (no drinks)
Your last day riding will be the longest one with more than 45 miles. You will enjoy one more time of the canal cycling path with some times vine lands on the other side. You will quite the canal for a loop to visit Grenade with its church, its covered market and its bridges. You will go back your itinerary to reach Toulouse, the final point of your trip. There, you will be able to visit the pink city and enjoy your last moments in France.
Distance : 72 km (45 mi)
Elevation : 183 m
Accommodation : Hotel Le Pere Leon*** - Toulouse
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Accommodation : Le Grand Balcon**** - Toulouse
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Accommodation : Plaza Hotel Capitole Toulouse***** - Toulouse
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Included : luggage transfer,Itinerary (no cue sheets),bedroom and breakfast
Today is departure day, you can take your time getting started in the morning, have breakfast and depart at your leisure from Toulouse by train for Paris or other destination. (Depart on your own). Other cycling itineraries are possible if you wish to extend this type of tour a little longer.
Included : breakfast
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Train: From Paris Montparnasse - Bordeaux St Jean; 3 hours 20 min TGV in both directions.
Flights to Bordeaux possible from many European cities; from Paris Orly around 1 hour
Departure from Toulouse by plane: Toulouse-Blagnac airport offers national and international flights
By train: Matabiau station offers rail services to many destinations
The SCOTT SUB SPORT 20 (or equivalent) features a sporty "trekking" geometry that suits trips of all distances. Equipped with a Shimano 27 speed transmission and integrated front and rear lights, this bike is begging to go on an adventure.
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your stuff during your ride.
Included with your bike rental :
Helmet
Lock
Hand pump
2 spare tubes
Rear pannier
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
1 souvenir water bottle
Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The SCOTT SUB TOUR ELECTRIC-RIDE 30unisex (or equivalent)
All the fun of cycling in an electric version. The SCOTT Sub Tour eRide 30 will assist you in all your rides in town or in the countryside thanks to its 500 Wh Bosch battery.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L
Your bike rental comes with 2 bags (1 Rear pannier + 1 front pannier) so you can easily carry your staff during your ride.
Included with your bike rental :
Helmet
Lock
Hand pump
2 spare tubes
Rear pannier
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
1 souvenir water bottle
Pedals are included, flat by default or toe straps on request
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The SCOTT ROAD BIKE ADDICT 30 Disc (Standard) (or equivalent)
With a new geometry that focuses more on endurance. The SCOTT ADDICT 30 Disc will become your preferred choice for long distance travel.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Rear pannier
Helmet
Odometer
Lock
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Equipped with a Shimano 105 Di2 12 speed drivetrain and a brand new carbon frame, the Pinarello X3 is designed to go the distance thanks to its ability to filter vibrations and absorb the shocks present on your next road.
Sizes available: XXS,XS,S, M, L, XL,XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump.
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise.
Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Included with your bike rental :
Front pannier containing:
Toolkit
Tire levers
Patch kit
2 spare tubes
1 hand pump
Helmet
2 souvenir water bottles
Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
SCOTT Speedster Gravel 30 (Standard) (or equivalent)
A talented and versatile gravel road bike. Designed to go the distance, explore the roads less traveled or speed up your daily commute. It's high enough for long-distance comfort and forward-leaning enough for speed.
Available sizes :XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Availability: This type of bike has limited availability, and is likely to move very quickly.
Note: "’Please note that any bike change during the trip may incur an extra fee."
Details
Included
ACCOMODATIONS
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath.
MEALS
- Daily breakfast at each hotel
- 3 dinners
BIKES
- Hybrid bike rental included
GEAR
- Complimentary Discover France Gear (including water bottle, drawstring bag)
- Guidance Application (phone not provided)
SUPPORT
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including detailed maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary.
- Comprehensive trip litterature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
- Concierge service available to assist you for your requests during your trip (taxi transfer, restaurant, activities...)
- Concierge service available to assist you for your requests during your trip (taxi transfer, restaurant, activities...)
TRANSFER
- All luggage transfers
Not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals and dinners are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
- Cue sheets.
- Multirisk travel insurance
Other questions?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.
The hotel is located in the historic heart of Bordeaux, a stone’s throw from the Marché des Grands Hommes, the Grand Théâtre, Théâtre Fémina…
An ideal location for holidays.
Our hotel is in ideal base from which to discover Bordeaux’s wonderful architectural heritage, as well as its pedestrianised streets and quays. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
https://bordeaux-centre.brithotel.fr/
The hôtel de Normandie is located in the heart of the 18th-century centre of Bordeaux, listed as a World heritage Site by UNESCO. The Garonne riverfront, the Grand Théâtre opera house and the city’s other main monuments are only a short walk away.The CIVB (Bordeaux Wine Trade Council), situated opposite the hotel, will allow you to discover the Bordeaux wine country. The windows of the hôtel de Normandie offer a view of Bordeaux’s famous Esplanade des Quinconces, a short distance from the Grand Théâtre and the Place Tourny square.
http://www.hotel-normandie-bordeaux.com/
Located in Bordeaux, Hotel La Zoologie & Spa Bordeaux features a gym, a garden, a terrace and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel features a 24-hour front desk, room service and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.
https://www.hotelzoologie.com/en/
Hotel Restaurant du Chateau de la Tour *** - Cadillac - Beguey
Set in the green and tranquil environment of a 7-acre park, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool. Enjoy innovative gourmet cuisine in the elegant restaurant or on the lovely garden’s terrace. Cadillac and the area surrounding the Château De La Tour are full of historical castles and fortified villages to visit. The Château De La Tour’s location in the heart of the vineyards between Sauternes and St Emilion means there is plenty of excellent wine and gastronomy to be explored too. The Bastide of Cadillac is just 100 m away.
http://www.hotel-restaurant-chateaudelatour.com/uk/index.php
Chambres d'hote du Parc - Podensac (4 km Cadillac)
Our guesthouse, open all year round, is located in a village of 3000 inhabitants, in the Graves, the oldest wine-growing region of Bordeaux. Dating from the 19th century, it was enlarged in 1931. This work was done by a Dutch architect who gave it the Arcachon style. On our side, we have brought the comfort of today while keeping the charm of yesteryear. The 5 rooms are spacious, very bright and welcoming.
http://www.chambresdhotesduparc.com/
Hotel Restaurant du Chateau de la Tour *** - Cadillac - Beguey
Set in the green and tranquil environment of a 7-acre park, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool. Enjoy innovative gourmet cuisine in the elegant restaurant or on the lovely garden’s terrace. Cadillac and the area surrounding the Château De La Tour are full of historical castles and fortified villages to visit. The Château De La Tour’s location in the heart of the vineyards between Sauternes and St Emilion means there is plenty of excellent wine and gastronomy to be explored too. The Bastide of Cadillac is just 100 m away.
http://www.hotel-restaurant-chateaudelatour.com/uk/index.php
Set overlooking the garden, Le Nid du Coucou features a seasonal outdoor pool, garden, communal lounge and terrace. Wi-Fi connection and private parking are both available free of charge at Le Nid du Coucou.
You'll find a private bathroom with a shower in each accommodation, as well as free toiletries, a hairdryer and bathrobes.
A continental breakfast is served daily.
https://www.lenidducoucou.com/
Set overlooking the garden, Le Nid du Coucou features a seasonal outdoor pool, garden, communal lounge and terrace. Wi-Fi connection and private parking are both available free of charge at Le Nid du Coucou.
You'll find a private bathroom with a shower in each accommodation, as well as free toiletries, a hairdryer and bathrobes.
A continental breakfast is served daily.
https://www.lenidducoucou.com/
Set overlooking the garden, Le Nid du Coucou features a seasonal outdoor pool, garden, communal lounge and terrace. Wi-Fi connection and private parking are both available free of charge at Le Nid du Coucou.
You'll find a private bathroom with a shower in each accommodation, as well as free toiletries, a hairdryer and bathrobes.
A continental breakfast is served daily.
https://www.lenidducoucou.com/
ASTORIA is an Appart Hotel which welcomes both business and leisure clients for one or more nights, a week or several months.
The spacious apartments of 31 m² consist of a separate bedroom, a living room with kitchenette, a large bathroom and provide you with all the comfort you need for your stay.
Several restaurants located nearby will allow you to eat without taking back your car.
The fitness room welcomes you every day to take care of your physical condition.
The continental buffet breakfast served from 6:00 am during the week and 8:00 am at weekends offers a wide choice of sweet and savoury dishes to meet your expectations. A 55" TV screen allows you to follow the news during your breakfast.
http://residenceastoria.com/
ASTORIA is an Appart Hotel which welcomes both business and leisure clients for one or more nights, a week or several months.
The spacious apartments of 31 m² consist of a separate bedroom, a living room with kitchenette, a large bathroom and provide you with all the comfort you need for your stay.
Several restaurants located nearby will allow you to eat without taking back your car.
The fitness room welcomes you every day to take care of your physical condition.
The continental buffet breakfast served from 6:00 am during the week and 8:00 am at weekends offers a wide choice of sweet and savoury dishes to meet your expectations. A 55" TV screen allows you to follow the news during your breakfast.
http://residenceastoria.com/
Put a little bit of style into your Agen getaway by staying at Quand la ville dort in the famous "maison noire", a characterful residence clinging to the hillside of the Ermitage, five minutes walk from the train station and the city centre, with a direct access to the Canal du Midi.
Its dominant position offers panoramic views over the canal, the town and the hillsides, and its neo-basque facade nestled in Mediterranean vegetation immediately catches the eye.
The interior, resolutely chic in pure Art Decoration style, its high ceilings, monumental staircase, alcoves and Mid-Century mouldings create timeless spaces. And it's a very gentle stay that awaits you with the amenities that combine modern equipment and a retro glamorous look. Enjoy a hushed and relaxed atmosphere, the pool area and numerous intimate terraces for a relaxing leisure or business stay.
https://www.quandlavilledort.com
B&B Au coeur des Elements - Saint Nicolas de la Grave
We welcome you “In the Heart of the Elements”, in the very beautiful 1820 mansion that we have just renovated with care and passion. Certified “4 epis” by Gites de France, the guest house offers great quality services.
Less than an hour away from Toulouse, the situation of the guest house, in the heart of the village, provides access to all amenities on foot, makes it possible to visit great monuments or museums and to enjoy quiet and green landscapes.
https://www.aucoeurdeselements.com/
The Armateur is located just a short walk from Saint Pierre Abbey in Moissac, in the quarter once inhabited by river boatmen, between the Tarn and the Canal des Deux Mers. After 9 months of renovation work, this generously-proportioned 18th century residence now provides a comfortable, light-filled space whose design is timeless thanks to the omnipresence of brick. The hôtel is intended to be a perfect stopover on the Santiago Pilgrim Ways with its 16 spacious bedrooms, for 2 to 4 people, a restaurant worthy of the home of the renowned Chasselas grape, plus a garden where a shady terrace and swimming pool.
http://www.hotelarmateur.fr/
The Hotel Moulin de Moissac is a majestic place in the Tarn-Garonne region in southern France. It features a piano-bar and spa, and boasts a striking position on the River Tarn. All the rooms at Hotel Moulin de Moissac have private bathroom facilities and a TV. Free Wi-Fi is available. Traditional French cuisine is served in the hotel's restaurant, the M.1474, which offers views of the Napoleon Bridge. The 500 m² spa and wellness centre features a hot tub, sauna, hammam and a selection of massages and well-being packages. There is an adventure playground for children and the riverside offers recreational activities including canoeing and boating. Guests at Moulin de Moissac are ideally located for visiting the famous Saint-Pierre abbey and exploring the Tarn region.
http://www.lemoulindemoissac.com/
Set in a former farmhouse, Domaine de Belcayre is located in the countryside, 4 km from the centre of Montauban.
Each room is individually decorated and features a view of the garden. Free Wi-Fi access is provided. Each guestroom includes a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath or shower and free toiletries.
A continental breakfast is served daily, and you may enjoy evening meals prepared by the hosts on request.
https://www.domainebelcayre.com/
Set in a former farmhouse, Domaine de Belcayre is located in the countryside, 4 km from the centre of Montauban.
Each room is individually decorated and features a view of the garden. Free Wi-Fi access is provided. Each guestroom includes a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath or shower and free toiletries.
A continental breakfast is served daily, and you may enjoy evening meals prepared by the hosts on request.
https://www.domainebelcayre.com/
In the heart of Midi-Pyrénées, enter in the hushed and luxurious universe of this 4-star hotel in Montauban. The hotel is an old abbey of the 17th century. It was nicely refurnished for your confort and pleasure. From the Classique category to the Suite Prestige, we have designed 85 rooms and suites in a pared-down style and sober decor. In the will to respect and enhance our architectural heritage we offer you to stay in a establishment mixing French authanticity heritage, the atypical setting of an abbaye and the modernity of a 4* hotel.
http://www.hotel-montauban-restaurant-spa-reunion.com/
Ideally located Place Esquirol in the very heart of the city, “Le Père Léon” hotel enjoys an exceptional position in the historical and cultural heritage of Toulouse. After 2 years of work, the completely renovated establishment is the perfect point of departure to discover Toulouse and its “must see” tourist sights as its picturesque and loaded of history streets, the well-known “Place du Capitole”, the Garonne river, the “Cité de l’Espace”, theaters, museums... All the air-conditioned rooms at Hôtel Le Père Léon are soundproof and feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. They provide a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer and a bathtub or shower.
http://www.pere-leon.com/en
A warm welcome at the Hotel Le Grand Balcon, a luxury hotel located at Place du Capitole in the city center of Toulouse. The interior decoration of this mythical hotel of the 1930s was designed by the architect Jean-Philippe Nuel. This charming hotel, combining trends and traditions, offers very chic amenities and a trendy design.
http://www.grand-hotel-opera.com/fr/
In the center of Toulouse, this 5-star hotel is set 80 m from Theatre du Capitole Opéra House. It features a fitness center and an interior courtyard with a fountain and sculptures. Some of the classic-style rooms feature a hot tub and views of Place du Capitole. Luxury products are available in the marble bathrooms. Savor gourmet French cuisine in the restaurants at the hotel Crowne Plaza. An American and continental breakfast is served every morning. Guests can enjoy cocktails in the Plaza Bar. Crowne Plaza Toulouse offers wired internet access and a tour desk. A butler service is also available.
http://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/toulouse/tlsfr/hoteldetail
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DURATION 8 days/7 nights
PRICE FROM 1785 €
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