Bordeaux to Toulouse

Eco-travelers often find their inspiration in Bordeaux for its vineyards, gastronomy, and unique art de vivre.

You will be spoilt for your choice of contemporary architectural works. 

To explore the city and its heritage, start with the most photographed site in Bordeaux - a truly magical location: the Mirroir d'Eau (a water mirror) 

Luckily, Bordeaux is a flat city, and several wine-growing areas are within pedal reach: begin with the Médoc, continuing to  Château Saint Ahon and Château Dillon.

You can also use a tram to shorten the ride! Hop off at the “Villenave Pyrénées” stop which is only 15 minutes away from a 5-kilometer pass that takes you to Smith-Haut Laffite, Carbonnieux, La Louvière, Haut Bailly, and Larrivet-Haut-Brion.

Today's path is entirely on a cycle green lane  named “Roger Lapébie” after the famous cyclist, winner of the Tour de France in 1937. 

The trail surface is fully asphalted which means it is suitable for all types of bikes and it is fully separated from vehicle traffic, so have a relaxed and safe ride today.

Leave Bordeaux on a cycle path leading between Dordogne and Gironde, by the city of Bastide de Créon, la Sauve Majeure (earlier Benedictine abbey). Cross the medieval village of Sauveterre de Guyenne, a beautiful fortified old town with four gates, founded in 1281.

 The geographical area between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne are well known as a Bordeaux wine-growing region.

Both red and white wine is produced in Entre-Deux-Mers, and it's worthy to note that the dry white wine carries the appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) "Entre-Deux-Mers".

 Visually the whole area is an attractive hill terrain, with old villages, castles, small country towns, and plenty of scope for unforgettable holidays. While the department of the Dordogne itself is mostly devoted to tourism, more remote areas further into the hills are "off the beaten track", and just waiting to be discovered.

Your stay will be in a guest house in Camiran with a swimming pool.

Leave this tiny quiet village by narrow roads to La Reole, the city fortified on both banks of the Garonne river. La Réole has preserved a heritage of exceptional richness stretching from antiquity to the present day. You will witness richness of the priory and that of the bourgeoisie who benefited during the period of the Anglo-Gascon Aquitaine.  It's worth seeing the  Benedictine monastery, restored after the religious wars.

After that, you reach the cycle path of the Garonne canal and follow the Mas d’Agenais. B&B in a guest-house 4* with a picturesque pond.

Located on the top of a limestone terrace overlooking the Garonne Valley and the Canal, Mas d’Agenais is a very old village in the Lot-et-Garonne. Occupied by the Romans, the site has about  2000 years of history and offers remarkable treasures such as the Venus of Mas d’Agenais, a roman church, and a stone bridge.

Until the beginning of the nineteenth century, the ferry was the only means of connection between the banks of the Garonne. A toll suspension bridge was built in 1840 and serves till now.

These days, the landing stage on the Garonne canal, the hiking trails, and the cycle touring routes that pass through the vast forest make Mas d’Agenais a great destination for boat trips. 

Biking along the green canal you will have plenty of opportunities to stop and savor the views. Soon you will pass by the quaint town of Damezan, situated along the Canal de Garonne. Looking back to its history, Damezan was founded in 1259 by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of St. Louis King of France, Damazan was then known as Castrum COMITALE. It functioned as a fortress, where, around the castle walls stood Comtal, joined to wide and deep ditches that made it almost inaccessible.

The rest of the day continues along the canal. You can expect a calm and gentle ride to the village of Sérignac. 

Overnight in B&B in a 3* hotel (a former monastery) with a swimming pool and a tennis court.

Today again along the Garonne Canal, you will pass by the superb bridge of Pont Canal d’Agen with a stop in the historical city center of Agen, so-called  prune capital on the banks of the Garonne. It's a welcoming, modestly-sized town which offers a walk through its historic center. Have a look at  emblematic landmarks like the very lively Place des Laitiers square, the arcaded Rue des Cornières, Rue Beauville with its old half-timbered, corbelled houses, Saint-Caprais cathedral – home to colourful 19th-century frescoes – and a fine art museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts).

The day continues along the canal until Moissac, center of roman art, on the Santiago de Compostella Way. 

The Abbey and the Cloister are part of the UNESCO world’s heritage. Moissac’s landscape is dominated by orchards and vineyards.

The famous Chasselas is the village which gave its name to the famous grape variety and the place where the Tarna the Garonne meet.

Overnight in B&B in a 3* hotel

Moissac grew between the sunny hills, blooming vines, and shady banks of the Tarna river. A bridge, inaugurated by Napoleon III is crossing Tarna and its banks are a pleasant place to stroll.

The Garonne canal will lead us into the heart of Toulouse «la ville Rose»,  at the end of 56 sluices of the Garonne canal. The pink color of the bricks of its buildings gives the city a unique charm.

Overnight in B&B in a 4* hotel If you have chosen the bike rental, you will leave your bicycles in Toulouse. 

Toulouse is a City of Art and History with an important architectural and artistic heritage, which has been well preserved over the last centuries. It is delightful to discover its historic center, abounded with mansions from the Renaissance period. This privilege makes Toulouse the richest city in France. The prestigious residences, built in the 16th century by rich pastel traders, remind us of the city's prosperity in the days of the pastel trade. 

Toulouse counts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Canal du Midi (designated in 1996 and shared with other cities), and the Basilica of St. Sernin, the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe, designated in 1998 because of its significance to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.

This and many more impressions will remain in your memory after exploring this charming place.