Self Drive Boats

Cruising in South West - Charente

Nerac - Agen

Lavardac - Agen

La Garonne

Le pont neuf - Toulouse

Capitole place - Toulouse

Highlights

Cognac
Charente

King Francois I, who was born in Cognac, described the Charente as “the fairest brook in my kingdom”. This waterway was once a vital artery for carriage of salt, brandy of course, and paper, a major industry in Angouleme as its museum shows. The region, which is liberally endowed with abbeys and Romanesque churches, boasts a delectable and tranquil way of life. The pretty villages with their tiled roofs combined with historic towns, led by Cognac, capital of the famous “Liqueur of the Gods”, make for an exceptional cruise. Alternating with the fishermen and the bathers on the Charente are towns such as Jarnac, birthplace of Francois Mitterand, Cognac with its many festivals, and Saintes, one of France’s most interesting Gallo- Roman sites. Its arenas in particular are very fine, while the Abbaye aux Dames is a jewel of Romanesque art famous for its festival of classical music every July. The locks, which are operated by the boat’s crew, are open every day.

Agen - Valence sur Baise
Canal Lateral a la Garonne, Baise, Lot et Tarn et Garonne.

This region boasts 300km of navigable waterways, covering five very varied rivers and canals, all rich in history. As well as contrasting landscapes and a wealth of monuments, the region’s reputation for fine food and wine adds to the delights of a cruise here. There are several remarkable structures to be seen, including the great 549 metre long aqueduct at Agen with its 23 arches. You can now once again cruise to Montauban. At Moissac, don’t miss the 11th century abbey, a treasure of medieval art, then why not lock down into the River Tarn to cruise as far as St-Nicholas de la Grave, 12 km of outstanding natural beauty. The delightful Lot Valley makes for an 80 km cruise with much to offer. Spectacular scenery combines with medieval villages like Clairac and Castelmoron, with superb half-timbered houses. Casseneuil is a miniature Venice, and you shouldn’t miss its church with splendid wall paintings. Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Penne d’Agenais are good examples of the region’s history and traditions. Cruising the Baïse, you wind your way through 65 km of lush and intimate countryside. Discover from the river Gascon fortified towns, gentle hills and flowery meadows, and do some gentle angling along the way. Towns you visit include Vianne, Lavardac and Nérac, seat of the Albret family. Looking out from the Chateau of Henri IV, the quayside with its old workshops converted into restaurants makes a marvellous view. From the quays of Condom were shipped the precious casks of Armagnac down to Bordeaux. See the Abbey of Flaran, a pearl of Cistercian art, before reaching the end of your cruise at Valence-sur-Baïse.