Boating Holidays in France Aquitaine. The Canal de Garonne was an important trading route linking the region to the whole continent and beyond via the Canal du Midi that connects The Mediterranean with the Atlantic ocean. Today the canal is mostly used for pleasure allowing you to explore the many beautiful villages, towns and countryside accessible from the water’s edge.

Buzet-sur-Baïse

The river port of Buzet-sur-Baïse is an excellent base to start your Aquitaine waterway adventure. Well know as a producer of excellent wines, the charming town with its medieval architecture is worth taking time to visit before you set off on your cruise. Buzet-sur-Baise is an important waterway intersection where the Garonne and Baise rivers meet the Canal de Garonne. This gives you a really good selection of cruising routes to choose from.

Heading towards Toulouse on the Canal de Garonne you’ll discover the bustling medieval town of Agen known as France’s prune capital, Valence d’Agen and its old wash houses and Moissac and its Roman convent. Montech is a good pit stop with great mooring and from where you can use the water slope boat lift that replaces the passage of 5 locks.

Navigating south from Buzet-sur-Baise will take you on to La Baïse river, one of the finest rivers in the Aquitaine region that weaves through the Gascony countryside. This route will take you through the fortified town of Vianne and the impressive castle at Nerac built by Henri IV (we recommend you hire a guide for a tour). The delicious Armagnac spirit, made from a blend of grapes, is the oldest type of brandy distilled in France. It was originally consumed for its therapeutic qualities (I always feel better after a few glasses!) and transported across the country and beyond using the network of canals and waterways. The Armagnac Museum at Condom is definitely worth a visit. The town is the spirit’s capital and a great place to explore and opportunity to replenish. The last place you can reach on this route is the pretty town of Valence sur Baise where you can enjoy some great little restaurants and cafes before heading back to Buzet.

The stretch of Canal de Garonne heading towards Bordeaux is great for a shorter break. It will take you through Le Mas d’Agenais and Meilhan sur Garonne – a great little town to visit with nice restaurants and cafes. There’s a regular farmers market and special events that take place on the central square during the summer. The charming little village of Fontet is one of the last places you can reach on this stretch of canal. There’s ample mooring and it’s a good base to explore Fontet and its surrounding countryside.

Local tourist office

The region’s tourist office website has got some useful information information on local shops and restaurants for your to prepare your boating holidays to the Aquitaine (as well as very interesting translations). Click HERE