Aquitaine - gastronomy and history
Aquitaine in south west France and nearby Bordeaux have many historical and gastronomic claims to fame. With scenery ranging from vine covered hillsides to lush woodland and orchards, a boating holiday in Aquitaine offers gourmet cruising in plentiful sunshine.
 In this sunny region discover medieval market squares, fortified bastide towns, magnificent chateaux and famous vineyards.
Enjoy superb restaurants and some of the finest wines and brandy.
In Aquitaine our three cruiser boat bases and two penichette barge bases give many cruising options along the Garonne valley, the newly restored Baise river, or the lower River Lot.
 From our new cruiser boat base at Montauban, an old fortified bastide town on the River Tarn, cruise to Montech to see its amazing boat lift, and join the Canal lateral a la Garonne – the extension of the Canal du Midi to Bordeaux
See floral Castelsarrasin then Moissac, with its aqueduct, world famous Abbey and cloisters.
 The 13th century bastide town of Valance d’Agen has a popular weekly market.
At Agen there is a barge base, a superb 23-arch Roman Aqueduct and art works by Goya and Sisley.
Further north you may cross the River Garonne with a pilot to explore the lower River Lot and its medieval villages and bastide towns,
 Otherwise continue to Buzet on the River Baise, famous for its red wine, and on to our cruiser base at Le Mas d’Agenais.
South on the River Baise, wind your way through 65km of lush countryside into Gascony.
 See beautiful Vianne, then Barbaste with its 10 arched Romanesque bridge, and Nerac, capital of the region with its Henry IV chateau ruins. Overlooking the river are shops, cafes and restaurants, making Nerac an ideal overnight stop.
 From the quays of Condom casks of Armagnac brandy were shipped to Bordeaux.
See the Abbey of Flaran before reaching the end of your cruise at picturesque fortified Valence-sur-Baise. We offer boat bases here and at Condom, both available only for one-way cruises.
The waterways of Aquitaine are an enjoyable way to explore the culture and gastronomy of this fascinating region of France.
To help you choose see:
Aquitaine Boat Bases and Routes in Google Maps
Aquitaine Cruiser Boat Holiday Routes
Aquitaine Penichette Barge Holiday Routes
NEW: View Aquitaine boating holiday bases in Google Earth and get driving instructions |
