Cycling guide and maps on the Canal des 2 Mers
The Canal des Deux Mers by bike, between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean
Looking to plan a cycling trip between two seas? We’re offering a route linking Royan to Sète that crosses diverse landscapes, including estuaries, vineyards, and historic towns. Called the Canal des 2 Mers by Bike, it’s a 750-km cycle route that takes you from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
From the Gironde estuary to the Mediterranean
The Canal des Deux Mers is a cycle route that connects the town of Royan to Sète. It follows the banks of the Gironde estuary, then those of the Canal de la Garonne in bike before joining the legendary Canal du Midi at bike, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route crosses several iconic regions of the southwest, such as Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie, between Bordeaux, Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Sète.
For nearly 750 km, cyclists pedal along historic canals lined with plane trees, pass through structures, stop at medieval fortified towns, and sample local specialties, from Fronton wine to oysters from the Arcachon Bay.
The route is 97% signposted, known as the V80 route. Some sections, particularly along the Canal du Midi by bike, can have uneven surfaces, but the majority of the route offers a pleasant experience, with numerous cycle paths between Bordeaux and Toulouse, and then towards the Aude and Hérault departments. We recommend taking the route by electric bike for greater comfort.
The must-see places of the Canal des Deux Mers by bike
By cycling along the Canal des 2 Mers, you’ll discover several cultural sites and a heritage steeped in history. To help you plan your trip, here are the must-see stops and places:
- The Cordouan Lighthouse, the guardian of the estuary and the starting point for the adventure in Royan.
- Blaye and its citadel, the impressive military barrier of the estuary.
- Le Mas-d’Agenais, the small village with a rich Romanesque heritage.
- Agen and its canal bridge, a feat of engineering not to be missed.
- Moissac, a place famous for its listed abbey and remarkable cloister.
- Damazan, the charming fortified town on the banks of the Canal de Garonne by bike.
- Castelculier and the archaeological site of Villascopia.
- Carcassonne, the fortified medieval city, an emblem of the South of France.
- The Malpas Tunnel and the Libron works, a marvel of river engineering.
- The nine Fonsérannes locks, a spectacular hydraulic system in Béziers.
- Agde with its unique round lock in Europe.
- The Ensérune oppidum and the astonishing dry lake of Montady.
- The Somail, the charming riverside hamlet popular with cycle tourists.
- The Thau Basin, the final stop before Sète, with its oyster beds.
- The Pointe des Onglous, where the canal meets the Mediterranean, marks the end of the journey.
This cycle route is ideal for exploring the region’s terroirs: the Entre-deux-Mers vineyards, the Lot-et-Garonne region, the Lauragais plains, and the Languedoc landscapes. To prepare your cycling trip, we recommend selecting the Routard Guide or the maps and the Canal des Deux Mers Chamina map, perfect for planning the stages.
Routes connected to the Canal des Deux Mers
The Canal des Deux Mers is connected to several major cycle routes, offering great opportunities to extend your adventure:
- The Scandibérique (EuroVelo 3) : This crosses the route between Bordeaux and the Toulouse cycle paths. You can thus go up towards Paris or down to Spain.
- The Tour de Gironde : A 430 km loop around the department, accessible from Bordeaux or Blaye.
- The Lot Valley by Bike : Near Agen or Moissac, you can branch off onto this bucolic and hilly cycle route.
- The ViaRhôna : In Sète, you join this cycle route connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, via the Rhône.
These connections make the Canal des Deux Mers a key route in the French cycle network, ideal for travelers on long trips or families wishing to divide the route into several sections.
Whether you’re planning a complete itinerary or looking to calculate your Canal du Midi cycling route, online resources and printed guides will guide you throughout the journey. Don’t hesitate to consult our other maps and guides in France and Europe.