Aquitaine – Armagnac, Condom and the Three Musketeers

Now that really does sound like a fun night out! Cruise the Canal de Garonne
& La Baise River and discover a region rich in cultural heritage and amazing gastronomy.

The Gallery

Aquitaine
Boating holidays

Aquitaine – Armagnac, Condom and the Three Musketeers

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.

Your base

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

A cruise through the canals and inland waterways of France

Holiday Highlights

Nérac

Castle of King Henry the IV

Vianne

country house

Flaran

Cistercienne Abbey

Condom and Moissac

Cathedral, Abbey and cloisters

Wines

of Buzet and Armagnac

The Routes

Boating holidays map

Holiday Information

PRICES

Guide Prices for 2023 based on 1 week boat hire
Price period 18 Mar – 28 Apr
23 Sep – 05 Nov
29 Apr – 02 Jun
09 Sep – 22 Sep
03 Jun – 23 Jun
26 Aug – 08 Sep
24 Jun – 07 Jul
19 Aug – 25 Aug
08 Jul – 18 Aug
Travelling
by air*
£902pp £1054pp £1143pp £1204pp £1266pp
Travelling
by car*
£544pp £695pp £733pp £794pp £843pp
Travelling
by train*
£921pp £1072pp £1110pp £1171pp £1220pp
*Travelling by air Prices are based on London Gatwick to Bordeaux Airport and they include a private transfer on arrival and departure. Other routes from your local airport might also be available – please ask for details.
*Travelling
by car
Prices are based on Dover to Calais ferry crossings in a standard size car measuring 1.85 x 5m. Eurotunnel & other ferry routes also available.
*Travelling
by train
Prices are based on Standard Class Eurostar service from London to Paris with a connecting fast train service to Agen TGV and they include private transfer on arrival and departure.
All prices are a guide. Prices can increase or decrease depending on availability. The prices are based on 2 people hiring a Sedan Primo for 1 week. Other boats and travel options are available please discuss your requirements with our team. We can arrange hotel accommodation before you start or at the end of your boat holiday. Please ask our team for details. Prices can change quickly – you will be quoted the current price at the time of booking. Please visit our special offers page for up to date seasonal discounts.

BOAT CHOICES

Boat Choices - Depending on the size of your group and your preferred boat specification it may be necessary to start from from a specific base.

Boat Ranges Buzet Sur Baïse
Estivale More Info Duo | Quattro | Octo
Confort More Info 900 | 1100 | 1350 B
Sedan More Info Primo | 1310

CRUISE FROM BUZET SUR BAÏSE

Duration Cruise From Buzet Sur Baïse KM Locks Hours
2 Day Weekend A (Baïse) Buzet  – Nérac – Buzet 42 14 10h
B (Canal) Buzet  – Agen – Buzet 56 14 10h
Short Break A (Baïse) Buzet – Moncrabeau – Buzet 70 28 17h
B (Canal) Buzet – Fontet – Buzet 98 16 17h
C (Canal) Buzet – Valence d’Agen – Buzet 108 20 18h
1 Week A (Baïse) Buzet – Valence -s Baïse – Buzet 112 40 28h
B (Canal) Buzet  – Montech – Buzet 184 58 38h

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Crockery etc

Full supply for the number of passengers + kitchen towel kit

Bedding and Towels:

sheets, blankets/duvets, pillows with cases

Navigation Instruction

Boat Equipment

All equipment necessary for navigation

Temporary Boat Licence

Temporary Boat Licence to use on the waterways of France

Boat Insurance

Please check on arrival  for upgrades to insurance

Breakdown assistance:

Available 7 days per week during base opening times

NOT INCLUDED

  • Sailing consumables: this is packaged to include engine fuel and oil, gas for the hot water and stove. On-board equipment monitors usage. This is paid locally and ranges from €5.50 to €12.80 per day depending on boat size.
  • Deposit: You will be asked to pay a deposit of €1000 per boat (1500€ for boats over 10m) and €150 to cover the cleaning (200€ for boats over 10m). This deposit covers the insurance, loss of hire and cleaning if required. The deposit is refundable on the return of the boat at the end of your cruise if it is bought back in clean and undamaged to the agreed return location.
  • SIXTO GREEN: Sailing consumables includes gas consumed on board (heating, hotplates, oven etc.), the charging of the batteries during
    your cruise and maintenance, plus a financial contribution to VNF,  the organization responsible for management of the charging terminals.
  • Cleaning service: full interior & exterior and interior or exterior.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Comprehensive waterways guide
  • Bicycle hire
  • Barbecue
  • Garage parking
  • One way transfers
  • Fishing equipment (an obligatory fishing licence costs €25. Please allow 2 or 3 weeks for the application process)
  • WiFi
  • Deck mattresses
  • 12/220v Converter
  • Early pick-up & late return

An all inclusive package is available for cruises of one week and longer. It includes:

  • Comprehensive waterways guide
  • 2 bicycles
  • Cleaning package
  • Fuel & gas
  • Towels & kitchen linen

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To find out more or plan your trip, call us today

+ 44 (0) 1737 452000

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