The 193-kilometre-long Canal de la Garonne, with 53 locks, crosses quiet landscapes and represents an interesting cultural and architectural heritage. France is rich in breathtaking places and the south-western part of the country is an exceptional river destination. Renting a houseboat in Aquitaine will allow you to explore at your own pace, on the water, this region renowned for its wines and its cuisine. Your cruise along the Canal de la Garonne will take you to charming and characteristic towns and villages. Let yourself be seduced and go on a cruise to the land of King Henry IV and the musketeer d'Artagnan!
A cruise on the Garonne between history and cultural heritage
While discovering scenic and cultural places, your cruise on the Canal de Garonne will allow you to discover various characteristic landscapes in the heart of the south-west of the country. Enjoy your crouise away from stress to discover all the treasures of Aquitaine. Here is our selection of places not to be missed:
- Buzet-sur-Baïze: a real little paradise, this picturesque village and its preserved environment will fascinate you. Wine lovers will not be able to rent a houseboat in Buzet-sur-Baïze and leave without first a tasting at the Cave Coopérative des Vignerons de Buzet. You can also discover the double lock between the Baïse and the canal.
- Valence d'Agen: it is an authentic village overlooking the Canal de la Garonne. You should not miss the beautifully restored San Bernardo washhouses where washerwomen worked. Enjoy a wonderful break in this charming medieval village.
- Moissac: a mecca of Romanesque art in France and a stop on the road to Santiago de Compostela, Moissac is an essential stop on your cruise on the Canal de Garonne. Take advantage of your riverside stop to visit the famous Abbey of Saint-Pierre and its 12th century cloister. Don't forget to cross the bridge over the Cacor canal, an incredible structure that will give you unforgettable memories with friends and family.
- Castelsarrasin: a true town of charm, Castelsarrasin has managed to preserve its architectural, religious and historical heritage. We suggest you to walk through its typical medieval streets and its flowered gardens. If you moor in the port of Jacques-Yves-Cousteau you will certainly have the opportunity to cross paths with magnificent swans.
- Montech and its waterside: the town of Montech and its old brick houses is appreciated by yachtsmen for its famous waterside. The water slope is a ski lift that replaces a group of five successive locks. Even if the installation is out of service until further notice, do not hesitate to come and admire this unique work.
Gastronomic cruise
Canal de Garonne is the ideal destination for the most demanding too. In fact, the South-West of the country is one of the most renowned regions of France from the gastronomic point of view. Among foie gras, duck breast, porcini mushrooms, melons, regional cheeses and wine, a cruise on the Garonne should also include a small tasting. And along the Canal de Bourgogne, at each stop you can taste its delicacies. Among the stellar products, we invite you to taste the famous tomato of Marmande, the strawberries Gariguette and of course the famous plums of Agen. In the town of Moissac, enjoy the apple tart, a traditional festive cake made with a delicious dough. During your cruise on the Garonne, let yourself be tempted by a wine tasting and try particularly Buzet or Floc-de-Gascogne.
Between historic landscapes, locks, canal bridges and gastronomy, a cruise along the Canal de Garonne will offer you a nice break from the daily hustle and bustle. Along the water you will discover a green countryside surrounded by orchards and vineyards and you will enjoy a break in the heart of medieval villages with impressive architecture. Canal de la Garonne is an ideal destination for youngsters and adults, who will love to explore this region and its treasures.