Are you looking for an idea for a walk or stay for your next vacation?
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite spots in Gironde: Castets-en-Dorthe and the Canal des Deux Mers.
Two options are available to you: a hike or a cycle route along the greenway from Castets-en-Dorthe to Fontet. By bike, you can rent bicycles on site offered by Canal Cycles (in the center of the village) or directly at the water's edge (at lock 52) in season.
On foot, you can start this pretty route where the canal meets the Garonne, at lock 53, with its beautiful house with its very special exterior stairs. Don't miss the pretty flood scale on the facade and in the background the Hamel castle which can be visited by appointment.
For lunch, you can bring your picnic and have one of the tables by the water, or take advantage of the excellent restaurant. Lock 52 inside or on the terrace, or enjoy a pizza in an original setting: the restaurant At the Delights of the Canal (in the direction of lock 51) located on a barge.
You can then take advantage of the paths on each bank, the bridges located near the locks allowing you to pass from one side to the other, and admire among the highest plane trees in Gironde. The nautical stop and the marina, at lock 52, give a view of boats and barges stopping over.
If you have chosen the bike option, continue your journey on the greenway to Fontet (30 mins).
Did you prefer the car? Stop off at the Saint-Romain church, at a place called Mazerac, to admire its steeple wall and its overhanging wooden gallery. It will then take you 15 minutes to reach Fontet.
Le Fontet Marina will be a healthy stopover or end of the journey, especially if you are accompanied by children, because it is also a leisure base. The reception pavilion will allow you to refresh yourself on the terrace (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays until the end of June. Then, every day during the summer season). There are also large playgrounds and a swimming area open in July and August.
At this stage, I'm sure you've already won over, aren't you?!
If this ride has made you want to, why not take advantage of a longer cycle route during your next vacation? You will find all the useful information on the major Girondin itineraries and in particular the Canal of the 2 Seas by Bike on the website of Gironde Tourism.
And to organize your stay in southern Gironde, contact theSauternes, Graves, Landes Girondines Tourist Office