1. Foodie docklands
Dining tables have replaced ships in the old hangars of the Garonne shipyards in Bordeaux. Seafood and other crustaceans are brought in fresh from local fishmongers to satisfy freshwater sailors. Why not join us? We’ve booked a chaise longue on the beach to catch the sunset.
2. Open-air state of mind
You can find Chez Alriq at the heart of Angéliques park on the banks of the Garonne (still in Bordeaux). In this open-air bar with its rural paradise vibes, you can fill your stomach with tapas in an unpretentious setting. Don’t worry, we’ve ordered some for you, too. See you in the cabin at the end of the garden for a nibble.
3. Street food on the bridge
All aboard! With its 687m² bridge, the I.Boat isn’t lacking for space. Moored in the Bassins à Flot in Bordeaux, it never weighs anchor and the tables are always set. The menu features a fresh take on street food... You’d prefer to eat inside on the deck, with a birds-eye view of the submarine base? At night, the barge becomes a techno club. See you on the dancefloor!
4. Farmer’s picnic.
Grab your picnic, grab your mates, and come join us in the Parc de l’Ermitage in Lormont. We’ll enjoy our sandwich in the shade of the trees, right by the water, before tending to the animals at the Iris petting zoo. Then we’ll climb up the belvedere and take in the view of the Cité du Vin in the distance. We can even catch the Bat3 ferry over there in time for cocktails.
5. A nautical break
La Halte in Lagruère, on the banks of the Canal du Midi south of Marmande. You can get there on foot, by bike, or by boat. What could be better? You can settle down to eat as a family, a couple, or with friends, before an ice cream at snack time or a “combinado” platter to share come evening. Don’t want to leave? We don’t blame you! And with the campsite, you don’t have to.
6. Lunch at the lock
When you’re passing Marmande, stop by La Chope et le Pichet in Villeton. Thierry and Katharina have retained the spirit of this former lockkeeper’s cottage, and unlock your taste buds as you savour their bistro-style dishes. After dessert, take a walk along the banks of the Garonne to aid the digestion.
7. Place du Tertre
See you for lunch at the top of the hill in Meilhan-sur-Garonne. Seen from this vantage point, the Garonne and its canal stand out as masters of Lot-et-Garonne. Brigitte will take care of lunch in her restaurant, Le Tertre. Then we’ll be back in the saddle and riding the middle path.
8. Cyclist’s café
A few minute’s pedal from the beautiful Agen bridge canal, we’ll see you at the Café Vélo, where bikes are more than welcome. Got a puncture? You can have it repaired in the workshop. Need tips on the best local cycle paths? Just ask at the bar when you order your organic tart for lunch. (Pedalling gives you an appetite!) Didn’t bring your bike? Not to worry, you can just hire one. Saddle up!
Places to go
• Les Chantiers de la Garonne
• La guinguette Chez Alriq
• I.Boat
• La Halte Restaurant
• La Chope et le Pichet Restaurant
• Le Tertre Restaurant
• Le Café Vélo
• Parc de l'Hermitage
To get to all of the spots listed in this article, take the Deux-Mers canal cycle path, which links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic along some 500 miles.
Journalist and editor