Page 41 - World Expeditions: Active Europe - Sherpa Expeditions

HOTEL / B&B TOUR CODE: CAN
Follow the Canal de Garonne from Bordeaux to Toulouse
Together with the Canal du Midi, the Canal de Garonne connects the Atlantic
to the Mediterranean in what is known as the Canal des Deux Mers (Canal
of the Two Seas). The canal is lined with diverse landscapes of vineyards,
groves, orchards, and villages with numerous works of art and historical
monuments. On this self guided cycle across southwest France, you will take
in the important cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse and the many beautiful
vineyards, valleys and villages in between. Cycling along canal ways, past
locks and medieval towns, there is ample time to take a picnic and visit
vineyards en route to your accommodation in a charming B&B, guesthouse
or family run hotel.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrival in Bordeaux 2 | Cycle alongside the
Garonne River and through the Entre-Deux-Mers region (55-60km) 3 | Join
the greenway at the beginning of the Canal de Garonne (25-55km) 4 | Cycle
through the rich Garonne valley (60km) 5 | Discover bridges, aqueducts
and lakes on the way from Serignac sur Garonne to Moissac (60km)
6 | Cycle into Toulouse (64km) 7 | Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners Ξ 6 nights in a combination of B&Bs,
charming guesthouses & 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Ξ luggage transfer Ξ information pack including route notes & maps Ξ hybrid
rental bike including lock, repair kit, helmet, handlebar bag and pannier
Ξ emergency hotline
NOTES:This trip also runs in reverse beginning inToulouse & ending in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux to Toulouse Cycle
7 DAY SELF GUIDED CYCLE GRADE 3
The Pont de Pierre spans the Garonne River in Bordeaux
Toulouse
Moissac
Garonne Valley
Bordeaux
France
HOTEL / GUESTHOUSE / B&B TOUR CODE: CMX
Cycle the Canal duMidi fromToulouse to theMediterranean
through classic French countryside following the
Built by Pierre Paul Riquet in the 17th century, the Canal du Midi was an
engineering masterpiece created to connect the Mediterranean with the
Atlantic through the Garonne Canal. Travelling the length of the canal by
bike for 240km from Toulouse to Port‑la‑Nouvell is a rewarding journey. The
canal carves its way through a landscape rich in architectural and cultural
treasures. Discover the legends of the Cathars as you cycle to Carcassonne,
one of Europe's most impressive medieval cities. A side trip to the heart of
Cathar country is included in the itinerary however you can choose to take a
day off to wander the alleyways of the city. Each day's ride will allow you to
soak in the ambience of the picturesque tree lined canal scenery, explore
the small French villages as well as feast on the local culinary delights like
the regional speciality, the cassoulet. At day's end your luggage awaits
you in a range of specially chosen family run hotels. Thanks to the relaxed
cycling pace there will be ample time for sightseeing or appreciating the
atmosphere in a local café.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 | Arrive Toulouse 2 | Cycle along the canal to
Castelnaudary and dine on Cassoulet (66km) 3 | Cycle through Cathar country
to Carcassonne (43km) 4 | Rest day Carcassonne or cycle to visit Cathar castles
(around 40km) 5 | Cycle between the Aude River and the canal to Homps /
Olonzac(43km) 6 | Cycle along the 'Canal de la Robine' to Narbonne (42km)
7 | Cycle the final stage to the Mediterranean at Port-la-Nouvell, return to
Narbonne by bike or train (22.5kmor 45km) 8 | Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: Ξ 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner Ξ 5 nights in 3 star hotels, 1 night
in a 2 star hotel and 1 night in a B&B on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Ξ luggage transfer Ξ information pack including route notes and maps Ξ 21
speed hybrid bike with pump, repair kit, helmet, lock and panniers (baby seats,
trailers and trail‑a‑bikes also available) Ξ emergency hotline
NOTES: high season is from 1 June to 31 August ‑ supplement applies. Sections
of the route are affected by the tree replacement programwith detours in place.
The cycle route follows paths on different
surfaces, some which make cycling
more challenging due to the narrow
width and rocks and tree routes.
Canal du Midi by Bike
8 DAY SELF GUIDED CYCLE GRADE
The tranquil Canal du Midi | C.G. Deschamps
Toulouse
Carcassonne
NarbonnePort-la-Nouvell
France
Cycling along canal ways, past locks
and medieval towns, there is ample time to
take a picnic and visit vineyards en route
to your accommodation in a charming bed
and breakfast
| 41 >> for detailed trip notes visit >> utracks.com
new
DATES 2015
Daily from 1 Apr to 24 Oct
Joining Bordeaux
DATES 2015
Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays
from 1 Apr to 23 Oct
Joining Toulouse