Tour de Gironde by bike: stage 4 – La Réole / Bazas to La reole
32.24 km(s) 2h08 Difficulty : EasyEtape 1
Fontet is a small village on the banks of the canal. Its nautical centre offers all the services you need for a healthy break. A leisure centre with play area and picnic area. There's also a choice of restaurant, snack bar and bar where you can relax while admiring the boats in the little harbour.Etape 2
This commune is the result of the recent merger of the communes of Castets-en-Dorthe and Castillon-de-Castets: enough to throw maps and GPS units into a tizzy. At the bridge, you should follow the "Roaillan - Bazas" sign to cross the canal. Go on, then! Let's get crazy and continue to the end of the canal, lock by lock! Restaurant or picnic table: the choice is yours. If you're even braver, you can climb up into the village and visit the splendid Château du Hamel, which is still inhabited. It's only an 8km round trip. It would be a shame to miss out.Etape 3
Did you know? The speciality here is Bazas beef. This bovine has its own festival: the Fête des Boeufs Gras in February, every Thursday before Mardi Gras. Remember, the Tour de Gironde by bike is a year-round event! If you prefer something a little warmer, the Saint-Jean weekend is another not-to-be-missed event in June, when the town's patron saint is celebrated. It all takes place in the cathedral square, which is a must for your stopover. The city is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites as part of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. With its traditions, rich heritage and joie de vivre, Bazas is a great place to stop. We also recommend a trip to Lac de la Prade.Files
to consult
Leave the Garonne behind and cycle along an architectural marvel: the Canal de Garonne, which joins the Canal du Midi in Toulouse. That’s why you’re also cycling the Canal des deux Mers. If the Tour de Gironde by bike forks off in the direction of Bazas, we suggest you first cycle to the end of the canal, at its 53rd and final lock. It’s a delightfully bucolic ride along the waterway, past lock houses and canal-side restaurants and guinguettes.
For the second part of your leg, you’ll be following a network of small country roads: so take a break across the fields, respecting the landscape, or in an abbey to stock up on local produce.
The ultimate reward: the medieval town of Bazas, where you’ll come across pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
