The river Garonne through great vineyards     Lands of plenty and fortified villages     The river Lot, from cliffs to fortified castles     All Gascony along the river Baïse     Roman art wonders and terroir delicacies     Along Riquet's canal, discovery of Unesco Heritage sites     The fabulous Canal Royal, among art and history     Mediterranean cruise to Camargue   Downstream ("au fil de l’eau")… a story: in Valence d'Agen you will attend a light show which is a reconstitution of the local life during a century in a life-size setting of the port of the Garonne Canal, a show that both parents and children will enjoy, for all the beautiful things they will be able to discover (in July and August). [more]

Roman art wonders and terroir delicacies The marvellous combination between Nature and History is an invitation to visit the local art of living and Romanesque Art. It is a new adventure marked by discoveries and sensual pleasures. Senses are thrilled by small images between sweet Agen and Toulouse, the capital of Midi-Pyrénées. Agen, which has always treated gourmands to its dried plums of Ente, can also change itself into stone with the Canal Bridge, rich with its 23 arches, that you will pass on arriving. There are only a few hours of navigation between the Church of Jacobins in Agen and the Church of Jacobins in Toulouse. But, in between, wonderful stops will mark your way, such as the Abbey of Moissac. This resplendent Romanesque "Abbaye" built in the Xllth century is well known beyond the French frontiers. You will be greatly moved at the sight of Montauban, mother of the South West bastides, and birthplace of two famous artists, Emile Antoine Bourdelle and Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres. This museumtown retains in its heart an extaordinary collection of sketches, paintings, sculptures of its local artists. This immersion in creativity leads you straight on to Montech water sluice, (pente d'eau) a unique system in the world. As fortune never comes singly, you will be offered the most prestigious product of the terroir: the golden Chasselas grapes matured on the hillsides of the Tarn and Garonne, putting a final touch to that horn of plenty, so rich with delicious fruit: cherries, apples, pears, strawberries, greengages. Do not miss any gourmand stop off on the small square of a village, a real bright coloured postcard with a full scented market. Highlights Moissac: a key stop on the way to Santiago de Compostela, for the pilgrims coming from the Puy en Velay. Moissac as beautiful and golden as the stones of its Romanesque Cloister, built in 1100, with the rich wealth of its 76 capitals, making it a unique masterpiece, known all over the world, as golden as the Chasselas grape, first grape to be granted an AOC ("appellation d'origine contrôlée": name with a registered origin). Montech water sluice (pente d'eau): this system was applied for the first time in the world in 1974. It enables barges to climb a slope of 14 meters (nearly 45 feet), in less than 10 minutes. Boats move in their own water, in a reach, pulled by two self propelling engines. Small boats, more reasonably, go through the 5 traditional locks. The Montech canal: this 13 kms long canal (8 miles) was restored to make it navigable in 2003. It links the Garonne Canal from Montech to Montauban, on the river Tarn. A cruise Departure from Agen: Moissac,Montech,Toulouse, return: 232 kms long (144 miles), 74 locks, 10 days long. Departure from Agen: Moissac, Catelsarrazin, Montech, return: 140 kms (87 miles), 46 locks, a weekend.

Rent a boat     Passing through the lockgates     Regulations     Sailing information     Download or order a brochure     Tourist information     Useful addresses     Contacts and legal statements     Links