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 four boat bases give many cruising options along the Garonne valley, the newly restored Baise river, or the lower River Lot.
Cruise to Montech to see its amazing boat lift, and reach Montauban an old fortified bastide town on the River Tarn.
Aquitaine - gastronomy and history
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 penichette 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, home to a penichette base.
The waterways of Aquitaine are an enjoyable way to explore the culture and gastronomy of this fascinating region of France.