4 days / 3 nights · may be a very good idea ! Night in Marmande, with dinner of your own choice....
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THE CANAL DE GARONNE BY BIKE FROM BORDEAUX TO AGEN 4 days / 3 nights
Transcript of 4 days / 3 nights · may be a very good idea ! Night in Marmande, with dinner of your own choice....
THE CANAL DE GARONNE BY BIKE FROM BORDEAUX TO AGEN
4 days / 3 nights
HIGHLIGHTS
• A Toulouse-based
company, located on the
banks of the Canal du midi
and in front of the SNCF main
train station
• A selection of B&Bs and
charming hotels, with
swimming pools if possible
• A bike trip with reasonable
‘étapes’ or stages in the most
beautiful sites of the Canal
de Garonne, chosen by our
local cycling experts
• New, comfortable bikes,
adjusted to your size
THE CANAL DU MIDI BY BIKE FROM
BORDEAUX TO AGEN
4 days / 3 nights
SELF GUIDED BIKE TOUR
This bike trip has you discover a delightful ride from
Bordeaux to Agen. You’ll begin by discovering the magical
city of Bordeaux, with its awe-inspiring architectural
heritage. You will be able to spend a few days in this city,
you can be quite sure you will not get bored! Leaving
Bordeaux, after trying the famous and delicious
« Cannelé », you will soon ride on the « Roger Lapébie »
cycling path. You ride along a peaceful and pleasant
wooded and well marked out path to Sauveterre de
Guyenne. Several fortified towns near the path will allow
you to appreciate local historic treasures.
You will enjoy spending the night in Marmande (Tomato
Capital), where you can appreciate the charm and
tranquility of the Agen (undisputed Capital of prune)
cloister (a must see!).
DAY BY DAY
Day 1: VISIT BORDEAUX BY BIKE OR ON FOOT
Guestrooms / 2* hotel
The meeting point is in Bordeaux, or in Latresne, if you prefer. You will
be able to explore the city, much of which is a protected UNESCO
World Heritage site (This label showcases the beauty and unity of
style of Bordeaux's architectural heritage, particularly related to the
« Port de la lune ».) In the 2° case, you will enjoy hiking on one of the
numerous hiking paths marked out by the small city of Latresne, full
of mansions and chateaux.
You find the rented equipment and your roadbook at your
accommodation. Night in Bordeaux/Latresne, with dinner of your own
choice.
Additional nights available on request
Day 2: LE CANAL DE GARONNE FROM BORDEAUX
TO COURPIAC/FRONTENAC
B&B / 2* hotel
You start the Canal de Garonne, very easy to follow as signs are visible
all along the path, from the « Pont de pierre » - stone bridge, in
Bordeaux. If necessary, you have in your roadbook, a guidebook and
maps you may put in the map-holder we provided you. After a 9km-
ride by the Garonne, you reach Latresne city and ride soon on the
Lapébie cycling path. You pass by lovely small châteaux (for instance:
the Chartreuse de Valrose) located just nearby the Garonne, that is
just amazing! Once you are on the Lapébie cycling path, you ride in
the valley nicely named « vallée de la Pimpine ». Créon is worth a
small stop to have a drink; l’abbaye de la Sauve Majeure is worth a
visit because of the beautiful sculptures on its capitals.
Night in Courpiac/Frontenac, with dinner of your own choice.
Cycling: 45 km (starting from Bordeaux)
– 37km (starting from Latresne)
Extra riding to Saint-Emilion possible (+ 24km for the return journey)
DAY BY DAY
Day 3: LE CANAL DE GARONNE FROM COURPIAC TO
MARMANDE
B&B / 2* hotel
You arrive in the lovely fortified town « Sauveterre de Guyenne »
easily. Then, the way becomes a bit harder to join La Réole. Before La
Réole, you ride on hilly little-used minor roads. If you feel fit enough,
you will pass by the terrific château de Lavison, if not, you may choose
the optional itinerary by Bagas, a bit longer but flatter. After La Réole,
you come back to peaceful and flat paths along the Canal de Garonne.
A stop in Meilhan sur Garonne to enjoy the view and to have lunch
may be a very good idea ! Night in Marmande, with dinner of your
own choice.
Cycling : 50km
Day 4: LE CANAL DE GARONNE FROM MARMANDE
TO AGEN
B&B / 2* hotel
A quick stop in Le Mas d’Agenais is worth it: it is a charming small
town with an old nicely restored church. Passing by Sérignac sur
Garonne, you’ll have to get to the church to admire the original bell
tower. Then, you reach Agen and feel its lively atmosphere. You will
admire the Canal Bridge and its 23 arches, major emblematic building
of the Canal de Garonne. Do not miss the art gallery, Saint-Caprais
Cathedral and its exquisite half-timbered houses. Night in Agen, with
dinner of your own choice.
Cycling : 60km
This tour ends when you arrive in Agen, but you can choose to stay for
an additional night(s) in Agen.
WHEN TO TRAVEL?
DEPARTURE DATES
Departure on the dates of your choice
TO BOOK Contact us by email:
By telephone: +33 (0)5.61.71.00.55
DISCLAIMER
The names and the photos of accommodation are given for
information purposes. According to availability, the B&Bs or hotels
could be modified and replaced without warning by another
accommodation of the same category.
OUR SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION
« Standard »
You sleep in pretty Bed and Breakfasts, or welcoming 2*
hotels, ideally situated for your overnight stays along the
length of the canal. The swimming pools will give you the
chance of a refreshing bathe at the end of the day (always
possible). Breakfast is included.
We have selected for you B&Bs with cachet where you will
find a warm welcome and a swimming pool as often as
possible. These are ideally situated along the length of the
canal. According to availability at the time of your inscription,
it could be possible that you are booked into a different B&B
of the same category or into a 2* hotel.
Upgrade “comfort”
You stay in B&Bs with cachet and in 3* hotels.
Relaxation assured, with a swimming pool as
often as possible for a refreshing bathe.
Breakfast is included.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET HERE
In order to limit your CO2 emissions, we encourage you to
carpool or use public transport.
IF YOU COME BY TRAIN
Tariffs and timetables on the website:
https://www.oui.sncf/
SNCF Train station Bordeaux Saint Jean.
IF YOU COME BY PLANE
Bordeaux airport
Shuttles leave the airport and reach the station in 30
minutes.
Your first night's hotel is located not far from the station.
IF YOU COME BY CAR
Find your route on the website:
www.viamichelin.fr or www.mappy.fr
YOUR STAY
MEALS :
To give you maximum flexibility, we
have left you free to choose your
own dinners rather than include
these in the holiday price. There are
numerous restaurants possible on
each night.
LEVEL :
Stages of 35 to 60 km per day.
Almost entirely flat, bike paths are
tarred on the whole itinerary.
Possible with sport-loving children
of 10 years and older.
GUIDING
MONITORING :
Self-guided, unaccompanied
holiday.
QUALITY BIKES AND EQUIPMENT
● Arcade hybrid bikes made in France, perfectly adapted
to the Canal du Midi
A fresh stock of more than 60 bikes of different sizes,
2017 models
Ride the latest, up to date bikes!
Our bikes are renewed each season and checked after
each hire by our specialist mechanics.
● All your equipment is included: helmet, panniers front
and back, lights front and back, lock, repair kit, yellow
high visibility jacket.
● A bike that fits you, we have 6 sizes available
● Electric bikes (e-bikes) available as an optional extra
CHARACTERISTICS
Aluminium frame, 21 speeds, ‘V-brake’ brakes, ‘Royal’ saddle, puncture resistant tyres, 28" wheels,
mudguards, weight 14 KG.
Given the nature of the terrain, 2 wheel trailers for children are not possible on the
section between Toulouse and Castelnaudary.
WE CAN ALSO PROPOSE
Tandems Bob Yak bike trailers Children’s trailers Panniers
Security deposit is to be given at the time of taking the rented equipment. A guarantee (a swipe of your credit card) as well as a proof of identity are requested. The guarantee is reimbursed upon the safe return of the bikes. For departures from places other than Toulouse, the deposit is to be made by telephone beforehand, or by sending a cheque by post (not cashed).
Bring one bag or suitcase for a change of clothes during your week. Transported by vehicle, you will
find your bag each evening in your B&B or hotel.
WHAT TO BRING
Clothes
• 1 sun hat or baseball cap • 1 neck scarf • 1 woolen/fleece hat or bandana • Breathable T-shirts Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry; bring short sleeve t-shirts in breathable material • I base layer (breathable material) or 1 shirt with long sleeves • 1 fleece • 1 jacket made of Gore-tex or similar, waterproof and breathable • I long and 1 short pair of cycling shorts, preferably padded for more comfort cycling • 1 pair of trousers for the evening • Under wear • Socks. Avoid cotton ‘tennis’ type socks which are slow to dry • 1 swimming costume for the swimming pools and your arrival at the sea
Shoes
• 1 pair of shoes ‘multi-activity’ for cycling and walking • Pumps or sandals for the evening This list should be adapted according to the season.
Equipment
• 1 pair of sun glasses of excellent quality • 1 head torch (optional): our bikes are equipped with lights • 1 pocket knife (to be put in the hold luggage on the plane) • 1 small waterproof bag for valuables and money Si vous prenez votre propre vélo : • 1 casque (non obligatoire en France mais fortement conseillé) • 1 paire de gants de vélo (facultatif mais fortement conseillé) • 1 porte-carte (facultatif) • 1 gourde (1,5 litre minimum) • 1 kit de réparation (chambre à air de rechange, pompe, rustine, colle à rustine…)
• Necessary toiletries: preferably biodegradable products • 1 quick drying towel • Toilet paper • Sun cream and protective lip balm • Soothing cream
If you take your own bike • 1 helmet (not obligatory in France but strongly recommended) • 1 pair of cycling gloves (optional but strongly recommended) • 1 map carrier (optional) • 1 water container (1,5 liter minimum) • 1 repair kit (spare inner tube, pump, puncture repair kit) • 1 bicycle lock • Panniers • Water carrier (optional)
Personal Pharmacy • Your usual medicines
• Vitamin C or multi-vitamins
• Pain killers: preferably paracetamol
• Adhesive tape (eg: Elastoplast) 6 cm wide
• Plasters of different sizes and antiseptic
wipes
• 2nd skin dressings for blisters (eg: Spenco)
• Mosquito repellent
YOU HAVE A QUESTION ?
WE HAVE AN ANSWER !
CONTACT US
☎
Par téléphone
+ 33 5 61 71 00 55 + 33 5 34 40 64 72
Par e-mail
Par courrier
Véloccitane - Maison du Vélo Toulouse 89 bd Pierre Sémard
31000 Toulouse
VÉLOCCITANE, THE CYCLING TRAVEL AGENCY
Véloccitane is a travel agency dedicated to self-guided biking tours.
Our office is ideally located along the Canal du Midi in Toulouse, in front of the train station
Matabiau. From there, why not visiting the gorgeous routes of the south-west of France? The Canal
du Midi, Canal de Garonne, Canal de la Robine, Rigole de la Plaine are waiting for you!
Our website www.veloccitane.fr
Our facebook : https://fr-fr.facebook.com/veloccitane/
Registration under the travel agencies register Atout France : IM031160002
Financial guarantee : Groupama Assurance Crédit – 5/7 rue du Centre – 93199 Noisy le Grand
Professional liability insurance : Groupama d’Oc – 14 rue Vidailhan – CS 93105 – 31131 Balma Cedex
Anaïs, your travel agent
She will be your privileged interlocutor in order to develop a stay that perfectly corresponds to your desires. Anaïs will be able to advise you the right addresses and the essential sites of the South-West. Always curious to discover a new destination combine with a rich customer relationship experience will work your heart out to guide you towards the realization of your next bicycle trip!
