Bike Tour Reviews: Garonne Canal  From Bordeaux To Toulouse


Garonne Canal: From Bordeaux to Toulouse

COUNTRY: France

6 nights
3.5/5 (2)
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours

3.5/5 (2)
6 nights

Self guided from EUR € 1075

Self-guided:
Daily: Apr 1 -Oct 31, 2024

Description:
Glide by bicycle along the gorgeous Garonne Canal, an extension of the magnificent Canal du Midi that connects Toulouse with the Mediterranean Sea. Cycle along a spellbinding section known as the 'Canal of the Two Seas' ('Canal des Deux Mers'), a…

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  • Garonne Canal
    (4/5) Robert Sterndale November 7, 2022

    A beautiful ride through mostly rural, agricultural France

    Bordeaux and Toulouse are interesting cities alright but most of our time was riding through an expansive agricultural area. Finding our way out of Bordeaux was not difficult. Once we reached the canal we "sailed" along the paved towpath all day, every day. The bike trail was mostly well maintained paved surface with a few stretches that were bumpy. We saw active pavement maintenance so it is being improved where needed.
    The Roadbook navigating program served well as a way finder except on the last day when it took us to the wrong place in Toulouse a couple kilometers or more across the city from our hotel. That was a hassle.
    Being of a certain age, we opted for e-bikes on this trip. These were pedal-assist type bikes which we all mastered quickly. The terrain was mostly very canal-flat but the e-boost was welcome for the occasional rise and toward the end of the day the boost was welcome. The hotels along the way were not right on the canal and some hill climbing was involved there.
    Bikes were well maintained and thoughtfully configured for our various heights but no orientation or training was provided for the bikes, they were just left at the starting hotel.
    We enjoyed the hotel/B&B stays. B&B hosts were gracious and accommodating. Rooms were clean and comfortable.
    We did this in late September which is the end of their tourist season. Weather was fine. Bike traffic was light.
    The canal trail provided a very scenic but repetitious view. We saw an interesting variety of agricultural activity along the way.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    9
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • (3/5) Thomas Wall November 7, 2022

    Enjoyable ride with lots of canal views

    In order to ensure we had dedicated bike paths I think we sacrificed variety. The scenery was beautiful but we saw a lot of the canal. Enjoyed the small towns and our hosts were great! Small hiccup with luggage transfer was a bit aggravating. All-in-all, an enjoyable trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was the second
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    No
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Local tour company services