Getting around by train on the Canal des 2 Mers

It’s very useful for cyclists to know that they can reach the starting point of their cycling trip by train, and there are many possibilities for getting on to the Canal des 2 Mers à Vélo cycle route by train.

Do though check on precise details for carrying a bike on the various SNCF train services, as not all trains do accept bikes, or for some, you have to reserve a bicycle space in advance. Also avoid rush hour!

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Transporting your bike on trains

Bike folded up or taken apart

If you can transport your bike either folded up or taken apart, then you can take it for free on all French trains (be they TER, Intercités or TGV trains). However, note that it should be carried in a special bag (dimensions 120x90cm).

Bikes that are not folded up

On TER and INTERCITÉS trains, you can normally transport your bike for free, without having to reserve a place for it, but note that places for bikes are limited. Doublecheck that the bicycle pictogram appears on information about the train you’re planning to take, to make sure that you can definitely take it on board.

On TGV and INTERCITÉS trains, for which you do have to reserve a place for your bike, the price at time of writing is €10 a bike. This amount per bike is directly added to the ticket price. You can reserve your ticket, including for your bike, via the Voyages SNCF website.

For further information, you can also consult the SNCF website dedicated to the transporting of bikes by bike.

To locate train stations along the route, see the interactive maps of the various sections and stages.

Getting around by train along the cycle route

Several different train services serve this cycle route, from Royan and from Bordeaux to Toulouse and on to Sète. Many TER regional trains operate between the main towns along the route and allow you to shorten a stage or return to your point of departure with ease. On our website, the location of train stations is indicated on the maps of the route and under the Practical information sections on the pages dedicated to the various stages.

Look in detail at the information given by the SNCF French national train service in timetables and on the internet. The following regional services are of particular interest for this cycle route: