Aquitaine
About Aquitaine
Indulge your palate in sunny Aquitaine
Known for its fabulous wines and gourmet cuisine, the Aquitaine epitomizes the best of gastronomical boating in France.
The Canal Latéral à la Garonne and the River Baïse make your playground, winding through meadows, orchards and medieval villages that tempt you to tie up and spend time simply sipping wine in the warm sunshine with your family and friends!
Aquitaine map
= Le Boat Base = Canal = Navigable river = No navigation beyond this point
The perfect boating region for...
Gastronomy
A food lover's sweet spot, the Aquitaine is renowned for French gastronomy. Fois gras, wild mushrooms and regional cheeses like Brebio, Etorki or Bleu des Basques cheese are wonderful with a bottle of Bordeaux. Whilst you're in Condom, check out the Hôtel Restaurant Les Trois Lys!
History & Heritage
On a history vacation in Aquitaine, you can visit Castets-en-Dorthe's 12th-century Château du Hamel and Nérac's Château Henry IV! Agen offers several wonderful museums. Everywhere are historic churches like the Abbey of St. Pierre in Moissac.
Wine Tasting
Time your Aquitaine wine tasting cruise with the Buzet Wine Festival held every August in Nérac! Visit the Buzet Wine Cave in Buzet and tour Château Le Courréjot near Moncrabeau, a producer of Armagnac and Chablis! Try some samples!
Useful information
Download our region guide
We've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.
You could call the Canal Latéral à la Garonne at 193 kilometres (120 miles) in length the second cousin of the more famous Canal du Midi. Together, both of these beautiful waterways link the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Collectively, they’re dubbed the Canal des Deux Mers. The Garonne Canal drops 128 metres (420 feet) by the time it reaches the junction with the River Garonne from Toulouse, running straight as an arrow over much of its course.
You can also hop off the Garonne Canal for some river cruises in France! Take the River Baïse southward towards Condom amidst magnificent scenery. There are plenty of quiet places to stop for a picnic lunch. In the past, Aquitaine waters were busy with commercial barges, but today the only traffic you’ll see will be canal boats for rent, just like yours!
France’s network of canals helped make it an industrial power and spur the Industrial Revolution. As the need to move more goods increased, the ribbons of blue canals grew in number. The Canal Latéral à la Garonne is a prime example. It was built in part to avoid the rocks and shoals of the River Garonne. Work began in 1839, and by 1850 canal boats were plying the waters between Toulouse and Agen. The entire canal opened for business in 1856.
We've partnered up with some of the best local businesses from the towns and villages in the Aquitaine to help you get the most out of your Le Boat vacation.
Discover our range of exclusive offers, only available to Le Boat customers.
The waterways of the Aquitaine are easy to navigate and superb for beginners.
It is no longer possible to access the River Lot while cruising in the Aquitaine region.
Take a look at our waterway and lock closures page to find out if there are any scheduled cruising restrictions that will affect your vacation plans.
Locks are automatic and free of charge. There are 53 locks on the Canal Latéral à la Garonne.
Opening hours: During the busy summer season locks are open 09:00 - 18:00. Locks are closed for lunch from 12:00 - 13:00.
Public holidays: Locks are closed on some public holidays (May 1) otherwise they are open.
Lock Closure dates: Please be aware about the lock closure dates by local authorities. During that day(s), you won’t be able to go through the locks. For more details and questions, please contact our sales team.
Moorings are plentiful in the Aquitaine.
To find out how to get to our base in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available nearby, click on the link below:
- Rental of the boat and its onboard equipment
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and linen for all passengers
- A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
- Technical support
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Passage through locks
- Optional vacation extras
- Boat damage waiver
- Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour (by the litre in Scotland).
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside services if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
- Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
- Food and drink
Interactive map of Aquitaine
= Le Boat base = Point of interest
Great to see...
Route suggestions
To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here's a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You dont have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you've booked - you're free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we'd recommend an average of 2 - 4 hours cruising each day.
Please note: Any route suggestions and itineraries on the Le Boat website are examples only and any of the suggested potential routes, attractions, restaurants, towns, villages or sections of the waterway included in them may not always be open or accessible at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
32 hr(s) of cruising
152km 50 locks 7 nightsThe Arts and Armagnac Cruise
Le Mas-d'Agenais RETURN via Valence-sur-Baïse & Condom
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Overview
You’ll cycle, picnic, shop and explore to your heart’s content! Following the waterways, are relaxed days stopping to see the glassworks at medieval Vianne and ambling through the market square in Nérac. The Armagnac brandy is almond-flavoured nectar, a specialty of the village of Condom. As you indulge on the sundeck, you anticipate with pleasure the barge holiday in France!
Top highlights:
- Playing petanque with the locals in Damazan
- Wine tasting in Buzet
- Exploring the fortified walls of Vianne
- The Armagnac Museum in Condom
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Le Mas d'Agenais: Usually awash with colorful flowers, Le Mas d'Agenais is home to a marvelous old wash basin, and the ruins of a destroyed castle which are both worth a visit.
- Damazan: Damazan is a pretty, quiet and colorful town. Esplanade des Promenades is a beautiful place, where old men sometimes play petanque in the shade of cedars.
- Buzet: Discover Buzet, a pretty town where the great wine Buzet is made. Visit the house of the wine growers and sample a delightful glass of the 'good stuff'.
- Lavardac: Discover Lavardac, a brilliant example of a typical bastide - an organised village built in the 14th century in southern France.
- Vianne: Vianne has a long history to tell you. It begins in the Roman period. War after war, new fortifications appeared, which explains why the church is so well-fortified. It is now a charming and welcoming village with very good restaurants.
- Nérac: Nerac will offer you wonderful landscapes of a typical village of southern France. Visit and discover the huge d'Albret Castle. Don't forget the impressive Saint-Nicolas church.
32 hr(s) of cruising
152km 50 locks 7 nights56 hr(s) of cruising
302km 68 locks 14 nightsThe Great Aquitaine Long Break
Le Mas-d'Agenais RETURN via Moissac, Nérac & Castets-en-Dorthe
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Overview
You chose this barge holiday in France for its diversity! Languid days tied up in mediaeval towns wash the tension away as you get into the fun of travelling by boat through the Garonne Valley. You smile as you stop to breathe in the fragrance of Castets-en-dorthe’s wonderful gardens or sip a Bordeaux in Nérac, aside the great Henri IV castle. Agen delights you with urban pleasures!
Top highlights
- Indulging in fresh chocolate from L'Attrape Rêves in Sauveterre-St-Denis
- The monuments and circular grain market of Auvillar
- Exploring the fortified walls of Vianne
- Walking along the canal banks of Castets en Dorthe
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Le Mas d'Agenais: Usually awash with colorful flowers, Le Mas d'Agenais is home to a marvelous old wash basin, and the ruins of a destroyed castle which are both worth a visit.
- Damazan: Damazan is a pretty, quiet and colorful town. Esplanade des Promenades is a beautiful place, where old men sometimes play petanque in the shade of cedars.
- Buzet-sur-baïse: Discover Buzet, a pretty town where the great wine Buzet is made. Visit the house of the wine growers and sample a delightful glass of the 'good stuff'.
- Agen: Agen is a large city with a rich medieval past. Discover the typical timbered houses, the church of the Jacobins, and the rich history of this pretty town.
- Sauveterre-St-Denis: This stop is for chocolate lovers. Moor at St-Jean-de-Thurac, cross the bridge and walk across to the small village of Sauveterre-St-Denis (2km away). The chocolate master Philippe Jarasson invited you to discover his original creations in his store 'L'Attrape Rêves.
- Valence d'Agen: Stroll around Valence d'Agen's pretty streets and see the unusual ancient round wash houses.
- Auvillar: Shortly after Valence-d'Agen is the small village of Pommevic. Moor here to go to Auvillar, classified among 'the most beautiful villages of France'. (5km south of the Canal - the slope is steep to get there). Auvillar is worth the detour for its circular, covered market and its impressive viewpoint over the Garonne valley.
- Moissac: Cruising along the Garonne, you will arrive at Moissac and immediately see a luxurious hotel located on the banks. It's called the Moulin de Moissac. The great abbey Saint-Pierre de Moissac is also pleasant to visit.
- Vianne: Vianne has a long history to tell you. It begins in the Roman period. War after war, new fortifications appeared, which explains why the church is so well-fortified. It is now a charming and welcoming village with very good restaurants.
- Lavardac: Discover Lavardac, a brilliant example of a typical bastide - an organised village built in the 14th century in southern France.
- Nerac: Nerac will offer you wonderful landscapes of a typical village of southern France. Visit and discover the huge d'Albret Castle. Don't forget the impressive Saint-Nicolas church.
- Marmande: In Marmande, the church Notre-Dame de Marmande is really interesting, with its beautiful cloister and its great gardens. Downtown, you will appreciate the decoration of the Place Clemenceau, and also the garden of Verdun.
- Meilhan-sur-Garonne: In Meilhan-sur-Garonne, there is a place you have to see. Located along the left bank, a beautiful vista across the valley of the Garonne awaits you. It is a perfect spot to have a rest, to fish, or go for a bicycle ride.
- Castets en Dorthe: In Castets-en-Dorthe, a green and quiet city, you will enjoy having a walk along the canal banks of the Garonne. See the great Hamel Castle and the Eiffel bridge.
56 hr(s) of cruising
302km 68 locks 14 nights8 hr(s) of cruising
40km 6 locks 3 nightsThe Bastides Short Break
Le Mas-d'Agenais RETURN via Buzet-sur-Baïse
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Overview
Aquitaine river cruises are often all about indulging in fine dining and savouring local wines, a nod to your passions and sensory pleasures. As you explore the waters at the heart of this region, it becomes clear why famous French painters favoured the area. Medieval towns with bustling market squares, soaring ramparts and stone fortresses make river cruising in France delightful.
Top highlights:
- Trying your luck at petanque with the locals in Damazan
- Wine tasting in Buzet
- Exploring the fortified walls of Vianne
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Le Mas d'Agenais: Usually awash with colorful flowers, Le Mas d'Agenais is home to a marvelous old wash basin, and the ruins of a destroyed castle which are both worth a visit
- Damazan: Damazan is a pretty, quiet and colorful town. Esplanade des Promenades is a beautiful place, where old men sometimes play petanque in the shade of cedars.
- Buzet-sur-baïse: Discover Buzet, a pretty town where the great wine Buzet is made. Visit the house of the wine growers and sample a delightful glass of the 'good stuff'
- Lavardac: Discover Lavardac, a brilliant example of a typical bastide - an organised village built in the 14th century in southern France.
- Vianne: Vianne has a long history to tell you. It begins in the Roman period. War after war, new fortifications appeared, which explains why the church is so well-fortified. It is now a charming and welcoming village with very good restaurants.
8 hr(s) of cruising
40km 6 locks 3 nights15 hr(s) of cruising
80km 22 locks 4 nightsThe Henry IV Short Break
Le Mas-d'Agenais RETURN via Nérac
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Overview
The River Baïse stretches before you, sparkling in the sunshine and leading you closer to charming Buzet. In a few more minutes, you’re tied up and going ashore for some cycling before you and your friends head to an intimate waterside café for dinner. As you lift a glass of Bordeaux, you think your cruise couldn’t get much better!
Top highlights:
- Wine tasting in Buzet
- The Chateau de Nérac and Église Saint-Nicolas de Nérac in Nérac
- Exploring the fortified walls of Vianne
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Le Mas d'Agenais: Usually awash with colorful flowers, Le Mas d'Agenais is home to a marvelous old wash basin, and the ruins of a destroyed castle which are both worth a visit.
- Damazan: Damazan is a pretty, quiet and colorful town. Esplanade des Promenades is a beautiful place, where old men sometimes play petanque in the shade of cedars.
- Buzet-sur-baïse: Discover Buzet, a pretty town where the great wine Buzet is made. Visit the house of the wine growers and sample a delightful glass of the 'good stuff'.
- Lavardac: Discover Lavardac, a brilliant example of a typical bastide - an organised village built in the 14th century in southern France.
- Vianne: Vianne has a long history to tell you. It begins in the Roman period. War after war, new fortifications appeared, which explains why the church is so well-fortified. It is now a charming and welcoming village with very good restaurants.
- Nérac: Nerac will offer you wonderful landscapes of a typical village of southern France. Visit and discover the huge d'Albret Castle. Don't forget the impressive Saint-Nicolas church.
15 hr(s) of cruising
80km 22 locks 4 nights39 hr(s) of cruising
93km 52 locks 7 nightsThe History and Heritage Cruise
Le Mas-d'Agenais RETURN via Nérac & Moissac
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Overview
Romanesque churches, fortified mills, picturesque market squares, and pastoral scenery make a history and heritage canal vacation in France a true delight. This engaging itinerary includes both the Canal Latéral à la Garonne and the River Baïse, two of the Aquitaine’s most beautiful waterways. The varied medieval architecture captivates the eye and transports you back in time.
Top highlights:
- Playing petanque with the locals in Damazan
- Wine tasting in Buzet
- Exploring the fortified walls of Vianne
- Indulging in fresh chocolate from L'Attrape Rêves in Sauveterre-St-Denis
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Le Mas d'Agenais: Usually awash with colorful flowers, Le Mas d'Agenais is home to a marvelous old wash basin, and the ruins of a destroyed castle which are both worth a visit.
- Damazan: Damazan is a pretty, quiet and colorful town. Esplanade des Promenades is a beautiful place, where old men sometimes play petanque in the shade of cedars.
- Buzet-sur-baïse: Discover Buzet, a pretty town where the great wine Buzet is made. Visit the house of the wine growers and sample a delightful glass of the 'good stuff'.
- Lavardac: Discover Lavardac, a brilliant example of a typical bastide - an organised village built in the 14th century in southern France.
- Vianne: Vianne has a long history to tell you. It begins in the Roman period. War after war, new fortifications appeared, which explains why the church is so well-fortified. It is now a charming and welcoming village with very good restaurants.
- Nérac: Nerac will offer you wonderful landscapes of a typical village of southern France. Visit and discover the huge d'Albret Castle. Don't forget the impressive Saint-Nicolas church.
- Agen: Agen is a large city with a rich medieval past. Discover the typical timbered houses, the church of the Jacobins, and the rich history of this pretty town.
- Sauveterre-St-Denis: This stop is for chocolate lovers. Moor at St-Jean-de-Thurac, cross the bridge and walk across to the small village of Sauveterre-St-Denis (2km away). The chocolate master Philippe Jarasson invited you to discover his original creations in his store 'L'Attrape-Rêves.
- Valence d'Agen: Stroll around Valence d'Agen's pretty streets and see the unusual ancient round wash houses.
- Auvillar: Shortly after Valence-d'Agen is the small village of Pommevic. Moor here to go to Auvillar, classified among 'the most beautiful villages of France'. (5km south of the Canal - the slope is steep to get there). Auvillar is worth the detour for its circular, covered market and its impressive viewpoint over the Garonne valley.
- Moissac: Cruising along the Garonne, you will arrive at Moissac and immediately see a luxurious hotel located on the banks. It's called the Moulin de Moissac. The great abbey Saint-Pierre de Moissac is also pleasant to visit.
39 hr(s) of cruising
93km 52 locks 7 nights28 hr(s) of cruising
150km 38 locks 7 nightsThe Bastides and Castles Cruise
Le Mas-d'Agenais RETURN via Castets-de-Dorthe & Nérac
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Overview
It’s a study of contrasts in the beautiful Aquitaine — rural villages are juxtaposed with venerable châteaux on vast estates. Stately churches perch on the shore, often dominating a town’s skyline. As your barge vacation in France progresses, you find yourself admiring your surroundings more and more! Visit historic Nérac with its famous churches and Castets-de-Dorthe’s château!
Top highlights:
- Fishing in Meilhan-sur-Garonne
- Walking along the canal banks of Castets-En-Dorthe
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Le Mas d'Agenais: Usually awash with colorful flowers, Le Mas d'Agenais is home to a marvelous old wash basin, and the ruins of a destroyed castle which are both worth a visit.
- Marmande: In Marmande, the Church Notre-Dame de Marmande is really interesting, with its beautiful cloister and its great gardens. Downtown, you will appreciate the decoration of the Place Clemenceau, and also the garden of Verdun.
- Meilhan-sur-Garonne: In Meilhan-sur-Garonne, there is a place you have to see. Located along the left bank, a beautiful vista across the valley of the Garonne awaits you. It is a perfect spot to have a rest, to fish, or go for a bicycle ride.
- Castets-en-Dorthe: In Castets-en-Dorthe, a green and quiet city, you will enjoy having a walk along the canal banks of the Garonne. See the great Château du Hamel and the Eiffel bridge.
- Damazan: Damazan is a pretty, quiet and colorful town. Esplanade des Promenades is a beautiful place, where old men sometimes play petanque in the shade of cedars.
- Buzet-sur-Baïse: Discover Buzet, a pretty town where the great wine Buzet is made. Visit the house of the wine growers and sample a delightful glass of the 'good stuff'.
- Vianne: Vianne has a long history to tell you. It begins in the Roman period. War after war, new fortifications appeared, which explains why the church is so well-fortified. It is now a charming and welcoming village with very good restaurants.
- Lavardac: Discover Lavardac, a brilliant example of a typical bastide - which were organised villages built in the 14th century in the south of France.
- Nérac: Nérac will offer you wonderful landscapes of a typical village of southern France. Visit and discover the huge Albret Castle. Don't forget the impressive Saint-Nicolas Church.
28 hr(s) of cruising
150km 38 locks 7 nights31 hr(s) of cruising
184km 36 locks 7 nightsThe Delights of the Aquitaine Cruise
Le Mas-d'Agenais RETURN via Moissac
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Overview
Passing through the Cacor Aqueduct, you smile with pleasure as you head for Moissac, known for its famous market. You are in the midst of a fantastic barge holiday in France, cycling the towpaths, exploring quaint towns like Agen with its 15th-century church, sampling fois gras, and kicking back on the sundeck just admiring the scenery as you travel.
Top highlights:
- Wine tasting in Buzet
- Indulging in fresh chocolate from L'Attrape Rêves in Sauveterre-St-Denis
- The monuments and circular grain market of Auvillar
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Le Mas d'Agenais: Usually awash with colorful flowers, Le Mas d'Agenais is home to a marvelous old wash basin, and the ruins of a destroyed castle which are both worth a visit.
- Damazan: Damazan is a pretty, quiet and colorful town. Esplanade des Promenades is a beautiful place, where old men sometimes play petanque in the shade of cedars.
- Buzet-sur-baïse: Discover Buzet, a pretty town where the great wine Buzet is made. Visit the house of the wine growers and sample a delightful glass of the 'good stuff'.
- Agen: Agen is a large city with a rich medieval past. Discover the typical timbered houses, the church of the Jacobins, and the rich history of this pretty town.
- Sauveterre-St-Denis: This stop is for chocolate lovers. Moor at St-Jean-de-Thurac, cross the bridge and walk across to the small village of Sauveterre-St-Denis (2km away). The chocolate master Philippe Jarasson invited you to discover his original creations in his store 'L'Attrape-Rêves.
- Valence d'Agen: Stroll around Valence d'Agen's pretty streets and see the unusual ancient round wash houses.
- Auvillar: Shortly after Valence-d'Agen is the small village of Pommevic. Moor here to go to Auvillar, classified among 'the most beautiful villages of France'. (5km south of the Canal - the slope is steep to get there). Auvillar is worth the detour for its circular, covered market and its impressive viewpoint over the Garonne valley.
- Moissac: Cruising along the Garonne, you will arrive at Moissac and immediately see a luxurious hotel located on the banks. It's called the Moulin de Moissac. The great abbey Saint-Pierre de Moissac is also pleasant to visit.
31 hr(s) of cruising
184km 36 locks 7 nights60 hr(s) of cruising
246km 86 locks 14 nightsThe Delicacies of Aquitaine Long Break
Le Mas-d'Agenais RETURN via Montauban
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Overview
On the Canal de Montech, you pass through the scenic Agre forest, where you can’t resist stopping for a picnic lunch of a baguette and local cheese washed down with Bordeaux. Ahead is an amazing boatlift to get you to the Canal latéral à la Garonne and the River Baïse on what is turning out to be a wonderful barge vacation in France!
Top highlights:
- Wine tasting in Buzet
- Indulging in fresh chocolate from L'Attrape Rêves in Sauveterre-St-Denis
- The monuments and circular grain market of Auvillar
- The beautiful garden of Clairefont in Castelsarrasin
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Le Mas d'Agenais: Usually awash with colorful flowers, Le Mas d'Agenais is home to a marvelous old wash basin, and the ruins of a destroyed castle which are both worth a visit.
- Damazan: Damazan is a pretty, quiet and colorful town. Esplanade des Promenades is a beautiful place, where old men sometimes play petanque in the shade of cedars.
- Buzet: Discover Buzet, a pretty town where the great wine Buzet is made. Visit the house of the wine growers and sample a delightful glass of the 'good stuff'.
- Agen: Agen is a large city with a rich medieval past. Discover the typical timbered houses, the church of the Jacobins, and the rich history of this pretty town.
- Sauveterre-St-Denis: This stop is for chocolate lovers. Moor at St-Jean-de-Thurac, cross the bridge and walk across to the small village of Sauveterre-St-Denis (2km away). The chocolate master Philippe Jarasson invited you to discover his original creations in his store 'L'Attrape- Rêves.
- Valence d'Agen: Stroll around Valence d'Agen's pretty streets and see the unusual ancient round wash houses.
- Auvillar: Shortly after Valence-d'Agen is the small village of Pommevic. Moor here to go to Auvillar, classified among 'the most beautiful villages of France'. (5km south of the Canal - the slope is steep to get there). Auvillar is worth the detour for its circular, covered market and its impressive viewpoint over the Garonne valley.
- Moissac: Cruising along the Garonne, you will arrive at Moissac and immediately see a luxurious hotel located on the banks. It's called the Moulin de Moissac. The great abbey Saint-Pierre de Moissac is also pleasant to visit.
- Castelsarrasin: Castelsarrasin is a flower-filled city with many open gardens, most notably the garden of Clairefont.
- Montauban: Walk under the beautiful arches in Montauban, the most populated city in the area. It is a good place to stay for a few days. Note that there is also a huge golf course.
60 hr(s) of cruising
246km 86 locks 14 nights