Crossing the Tarn-et-Garonne by bike, along the Canal des 2 Mers

For a superb cycling holiday in the Tarn et Garonne, discover the route along the Green Way of the Canal des Deux Mers, also known as the Canal de Garonne (V80).

Over 70 km through the Tarn-et-Garonne, from Pompignan to Lamagistère. You'll have the pleasure of cycling through many of the department's must-see towns and villages. Countryside, architecture, panoramic views, culture, gourmet breaks... In short, pure enjoyment, all with your bike ! So, hop on!

Cycling in Tarn-et-Garonne

Tarn-et-Garonne is a very pleasant department for cycle touring. Follow the Canal des Deux Mers greenway for a leisurely ride, spending a day or several days there and stopping to visit towns and villages. Along your route, you will discover, among other things, from east to west:

• Grisolles ;
• Montech ;
• Castelsarrasin ;
• Moissac ;
• Valence d'Agen and Auvillar (if you move a little away from the Canal);
• Lamagistère...

The Canal des Deux Mers is a waterway built alongside the towpath. This is an old path that was once used to pull flat-bottomed boats carrying goods from the banks. It comprises the Canal du Midi (from Sète to Toulouse) and the Canal de Garonne (formerly called the Canal Latéral à la Garonne, which runs from Toulouse to Royan).

You'll be riding on a trail that sometimes boasts a very good surface, but some sections are rocky with roots obstructing the path, so we recommend using a mountain bike or a sturdy hybrid bike ! And to ride without getting tired, opt for an electric bike !

The section in Tarn-et-Garonne is pleasant and often lined with century-old plane trees, offering welcome shade on hot days. There are plenty of benches, so you can take a break to admire the cyclists, hikers, the canal's wildlife, and the boats passing by, perhaps while enjoying a picnic. Take advantage of your cycling trip to stop and visit vineyards, discover the wines of Tarn-et-Garonne, and appreciate the tranquility of the small river ports you'll encounter along the way.

From Pompignan to Moissac

We decided to cycle from east to west, crossing the Tarn-et-Garonne department from Toulouse, then continuing west to the Lot-et-Garonne. This magnificent journey begins with a trip through Grisolles, a town that holds more significance for us than you might think… In fact, it was in Grisolles that, until 1998, they manufactured the Sorghum brooms, the ones braided from yellow straw! More than 40 factories were dedicated to this production. Take a stroll through this small village and visit the Calbet Museum to learn more.

Then get back on your bike and head to the town of Montech. There you'll see the boat lift dating from 1974: La Pente d'eau (The Water Slope). Out of service for many years, its restoration was completed in 2021. Since then, visitors have been able to discover the new machinery. La Pente d'eau was designed at the time to replace a series of five locks. A considerable leap forward, at a time when the waterway was the most heavily used for transporting goods. It's a site steeped in history, and a scenic walk tells the story of this place.

A short detour to Montauban, the city of pink bricks and gastronomic delights?

You then arrive in Castelsarrasin, a pretty, flower-filled town. You'll cross a metal footbridge in the Eiffel style, spanning the canal. All around, there's a pleasant tourist port, perfect for strolling. Leave your bikes and explore the architectural heritage of this charming town: the Renaissance House, the Hôtel Lamothe-Cadillac, the Abbot of Prades' House, and the Rue de la Discrète and Rue de la Solitude, both typical of the Middle Ages…

Just before arriving in Moissac, you will cross the Cacor Canal Bridge. Enjoy it, because it's not every day you get to cross a waterway (the Tarn River) on a bridge filled with water!

Visit to Moissac

Moissac is one of the three major towns in Tarn-et-Garonne, along with Montauban and Castelsarrasin. Its two main attractions are the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, and the cloister with its 76 capitals.

Entry to the Abbey is free and unmissable. It's magnificent! You'll surely be impressed by its immense walls, painted in shades of ochre yellow. Once outside, turn around to admire the grand Romanesque portal. The sculpted details are incredible. There is an entrance fee for the cloister, but I highly recommend going in! It dates back to the Romanesque period and is one of the largest and best-preserved. If the sun is shining, its light will filter through the capitals into the galleries. Observe the pillars richly sculpted with bas-relief figures, which lend a serene atmosphere to the place.

Moissac is also known for its Chasselas AOP grapes. For wine tourism enthusiasts, you can enjoy a tasting at the Art Deco-style Uvarium kiosk, which offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, or directly from one of the local producers.

From Moissac to Lamagistère

The next leg of the journey takes you through the Garonne Valley. This is a pleasant stretch where you can discover picturesque little villages. After Moissac, you'll arrive in Valence-d'Agen, a 13th-century English bastide town where water is the most important element! It's surrounded by wetlands and enlivened by its port on the canal. Take a stroll to discover the old wash houses and small fountains. In summer, Valence-d'Agen is a worthwhile stop thanks to its many festive events. Enjoy the Tuesday morning market, and from November onwards, there's the foie gras market, perfect for stocking up on delicious local products.

A

 few kilometers away, it's a good idea to leave the Canal des Deux Mers Green Way and discover Auvillar with its circular grain market (a must-see, quite unique!). It's an artists' town. You can visit artists' studios and enjoy a beautiful view from the top of the village.

You are almost at the end of your cycling trip. You will pass through Lamagistère, a former port, bordering Lot-et-Garonne.

You've cycled through a beautiful part of Tarn-et-Garonne, discovered some typical gems, and probably tasted some delicious regional specialties ! This has likely inspired you to continue along the Canal des Deux Mers by bike? And why not continue on to Royan, towards Lot-et-Garonne?

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