Pont Canal d'Agen

From lock to lock along the Canal de Garonne

Fancy setting sail? Well then, jump on board a licence-free boat and become a skipper for a week or a weekend with your children and friends. As you go through locks and past aqueducts, you'll discover the charm of fortified medieval towns and villages and taste a host of regional specialities.

The Garonne Canal

Copyright-- Alban GILBERT CRTA - Alban GILBERT CRTA-Promenade fluviale sur le canal lateral a la Garonne dans le Lot-et-Garonne-10148-800

Even though, it's not as well-known as its bigger cousin the famous Canal du Midi, it's still an outstanding structure built back in the 19th century. Th Canal de Garonne, interspersed with some 53 locks, weaves its way through Lot-et-Garonne and proposes 193 km of cruising waterways set in the shade of century-old plane trees. Jump on board a licence-free boat that's easy to sail and accessible to all, for a slow tourism getaway with family or friends.

Promenade fluviale sur le canal lateral à la Garonne dans le Lot-et-Garonne

The sailing season runs from 1st April to 31 October, the period during which the locks are open. And although, from Agen, Le Mas-d’Agenais and Buzet-sur-Baïse, several itineraries await, your focus is on taking your time and enjoying an incomparable panoramic vista over the local heritage. Because, as you sail along, you're increasingly immersed in the rich, fertile valley of the Garonne. An opportunity to delight in gourmet stop-offs. The department is known for its Agen prunes, Marmande tomatoes as well as Buzet and Côtes du Marmandais AOC wines. It's also France's top strawberry producer. During summer, farms sell their produce directly. Take time out too to stroll around some of the many producers' markets and visit the Buzet-sur-Baïse winemakers' cellar.

When fortified medieval towns and villages tell their tales

Croisière fluviale sur la Baise près de Vianne

Fancy a trip on dry land? Well, get on your bike, pedal along towpaths laid out as bikeways and head for the fortified towns and villages. From Damazan to Sérignac and on to Meilhan-sur-Garonne, local storytellers have a host of anecdotes to share about nature, the stars and local heritage. In Couthures-sur-Garonne, make a stop at the Maison des Gens de Garonne (Les Fous de Garonne), an informational site dedicated to the river and its residents. A definite can't-miss trip. Fancy venturing off to even wilder realms? The boldest among you will branch off on the Baïse.

Port fluvial de Nerac-CDT47-816-800

This detour will take you to Nérac, famous for Henri IV's castle and the Parc royal de la Garenne, created by Jeanne d’Albret and extended by Queen Margot. A real journey back through time and the history of France.
www.tourisme-lotetgaronne.com

Must-sees, must-dos elsewhere on the waterways in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Copyright-- Alban GILBERT CRTA - Alban GILBERT CRTA-Croisiere oenologique sur l estuaire de la Gironde-9740-800

💙 Gironde / From Bordeaux to the estuary
Several companies propose cruises lasting several hours, a day or even a week, leaving from Bordeaux. On the agenda: discovering the islands along the estuary, wine-tasting sessions and visits to castles.
www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk

💙 Marais poitevin / Trips in flat-bottomed boats driven along using a "pigouille" (long wooden pole)
Fancy getting lost in the Marais Poitevin labyrinth? Jump on board a "batai", the traditional boat driven along using a "pigouille" (long wooden pole), and enjoy a one-and-a-half hour trip discovering local legends. The boat(wo)man will ensure you are treated to an extraordinary experience: the art of setting fire to water. So, how does it work?
www.niortmaraispoitevin.com
www.tourisme-deux-sevres.com

promenade canoe, marais poitevin

💙 Charente / at the helm of an e-boat
A wide variety of formulas offer you the opportunity to weave your way along the Charente. Houseboat rentals for the weekend, canoeing trips, SUP sessions, and more. Cruises on "gabarres" (traditional flat-bottomed boats) and e-boats are also available.
www.infiniment-charentes.com

eboat Charente ©S.LAval

RELATED
ARTICLES 

Sailing along the rivers of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is another way to enjoy your holidays, relaxed roaming along waterways...

The Lot and Garonne Valleys will thrill your taste buds over and over again! Discover our selection of the best places...

Fancy setting sail? Well then, jump on board a licence-free boat and become a skipper for a week or a weekend with your...

Sailing along the rivers of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is another way to enjoy your holidays, relaxed roaming along waterways...

Are you visiting the Cognac vineyard between the River Charente and La Haute Saintonge and looking for things to do...

Founded by the Romans on the banks of the River Charente, Saintes was the capital of Aquitaine in the 1st century A.D.,...

RELATED
ARTICLES 

Sailing along the rivers of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is another way to enjoy your holidays, relaxed roaming along waterways...

The Lot and Garonne Valleys will thrill your taste buds over and over again! Discover our selection of the best places...

Fancy setting sail? Well then, jump on board a licence-free boat and become a skipper for a week or a weekend with your...

Sailing along the rivers of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is another way to enjoy your holidays, relaxed roaming along waterways...

Are you visiting the Cognac vineyard between the River Charente and La Haute Saintonge and looking for things to do...

Founded by the Romans on the banks of the River Charente, Saintes was the capital of Aquitaine in the 1st century A.D.,...

My address book 

Oops! No results were found for your search and/or the filters applied. Try broadening your search criteria.

Select background map
PLAN IGN
PLAN IGN
PHOTOS AERIENNES / IGN
PHOTOS AERIENNES / IGN
CARTES MULTI-ECHELLES / IGN
CARTES MULTI-ECHELLES / IGN
TOP 25 IGN
TOP 25 IGN
CARTES DES PENTES
CARTES DES PENTES
PARCELLES CADASTRALES
PARCELLES CADASTRALES
CARTES AÉRONAUTIQUES OACI
CARTES AÉRONAUTIQUES OACI
CARTES 1950 / IGN
CARTES 1950 / IGN
CARTE DE L'ETAT-MAJOR (1820-1866)
CARTE DE L'ETAT-MAJOR (1820-1866)
CARTES LITTORALES / SHOM/IGN
CARTES LITTORALES / SHOM/IGN
SCAN EXPRESS STANDARD / IGN
SCAN EXPRESS STANDARD / IGN
SCAN EXPRESS CLASSIQUE / IGN
SCAN EXPRESS CLASSIQUE / IGN
OPEN STREET MAP
OPEN STREET MAP
GOOGLE MAP - SATELLITE
GOOGLE MAP - SATELLITE
GOOGLE MAP - PLAN
GOOGLE MAP - PLAN
GOOGLE MAP - HYBRIDE
GOOGLE MAP - HYBRIDE
IGN BELGIQUE
IGN BELGIQUE