Cross the Tarn et Garonne by bike, along the Canal des 2 mers

For a superb cycling trip in Tarn et Garonne, discover the route along the Voie Verte du Canal des Deux Mers, also known as the Canal de Garonne (V80).

More than 70 km through Tarn-et-Garonne, from Pompignan to Lamagistère. You will have the pleasure of crossing many of the department's must-see towns and villages. Countryside, architecture, panorama, culture, gourmet breaks... In short, nothing but pleasure and all that, with your bike ! Come on, saddle up!

Cycling in Tarn et Garonne

Tarn-et-Garonne is a very pleasant department for cycle touring. Follow the greenway of the Canal des Deux Mers to cycle peacefully for a day or several, stopping at stages to visit some towns and villages. On your route, you will discover, among other things, from east to west:

• Grisolles ;
• Montech ;
• Castelsarrasin ;
• Moissac ;
• Valence d'Agen and Auvillar (moving a little away from the Canal);
• The Magisterium...

The Canal des Deux Mers is a waterway built along the towpath. It is an old path that once allowed flat-bottomed boats carrying goods to be pulled from the banks. It is made up of 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 are riding on a track that sometimes offers a very good quality surface, but some sections are stony with roots that block the road, we recommend you do it with a mountain bike or solid 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 hundred-year-old plane trees, offering welcome shade on very hot days... There are many benches. You can therefore take a break to admire the cyclists, hikers, the wildlife on the canal and the boats passing by for a little picnic. Take advantage of your cycling trip to stop and visit vineyards, discover the wines of Tarn-et-Garonne, but also to appreciate the tranquility of the small river ports that you will encounter on your route...

Canal des deux mers by bike, in Montech

From Pompignan to Moissac

We decided to ride from east to west, crossing the Tarn-et-Garonne from Toulouse, and then continuing west to the Lot-et-Garonne. This magnificent journey begins by crossing Grisolles, a town that has more importance than you might think in our daily lives… Indeed, it was in Grisolles that, until 1998, sorghum brooms were made, those braided from yellow straw! More than 40 factories were dedicated to this production. Stroll through this small village and visit the Calbet Museum to find out more.

Then take your bike back to the town of Montech. There you will see the boat lift dating from 1974: La Pente d'eau. Out of service for many years, its restoration was completed in 2021. Since then, visitors can discover the new machinery. The water slope was designed at the time to replace a set of 5 successive locks. A considerable grain of time, at a time when the waterway was the most used for the transport of goods. It is a site steeped in history which tells you, via a scenographic walk, the past of this place.

Montech, on the edge of the canal

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

You then arrive at Castelsarrasin, a pretty flower-filled town. You will cross an Eiffel-style metal footbridge, which spans the Canal. All around, it is a pleasant tourist port where you can stroll. Leave the bikes and go discover the architectural heritage of this pleasant town: The Renaissance House, the Lamothe-Cadillac Hotel, the Abbot of Prades House, the Rue de la Discretion and the Rue de la Solitude, typical of the Middle Ages...

Just before arriving in Moissac, you will cross the Pont Canal du Cacor. Make the most of it, because it's not every day that you cross a waterway (the Tarn), on a bridge filled with water!

Visit 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 listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Route of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, and the cloister with its 76 capitals.

Entrance to the Abbey is free and unmissable. It's splendid! You'll surely be impressed by its immense walls, painted with shades of yellow ochre. Once you're out, turn around to admire the large Romanesque portal. The sculpted details are incredible. Access to the cloister is paid, but I recommend you go in! It dates from the Romanesque period. It's one of the largest and best preserved. If the sun is there, it will pass into the galleries through the capitals. Observe the pillars richly carved with figures in bas-relief, giving a soft atmosphere to the place.

Moissac is also known for its Chasselas AOP grape. 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 region's producers.

From Moissac to Lamagistère

The rest of the route is in the Garonne Valley. It is a pleasant section where you can discover picturesque little villages. After Moissac, you will arrive at Valence-d'Agen , a 13th-century English bastide where water is the most important element of the city! It is surrounded by wetlands and energized by its port on the canal. Stroll to discover the 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, it is the fat market, perfect for stocking up on good things.

The charming little town of Valence d'Agen

A few kilometers away, it's a good idea to leave the Voie Verte du Canal des Deux Mers to discover Auvillar with its circular grain market (a must-see, quite unusual!). It's a town of artists. You can visit workshops and enjoy a beautiful viewpoint at the top of the village.

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

You've covered a beautiful portion of Tarn-et-Garonne, discovered some typical gems , and probably tasted some delicious regional specialties ! This has probably made you want to continue the Canal des Deux Mers by bike? And why not continue to Royan, towards Lot-et-Garonne?

Auvillar, its metal bridge and the view from the top of the village, over the Golfech power station in the distance

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Report produced in partnership with Jenny Diab JDRoadTrip