Boating holidays in the South West of France will appeal to foodies, wine connoisseurs and fans of rugby (a real cult). And the best way to explore this typical French region is on a waterways cruise aboard a self-drive boat.
It’s not just a cruise; it’s a journey into the soul of South West France.
The South West of France is a perfect destination for boating holidays: it’s a place that’s worth exploring properly, not just the must-see sites, but every twist and turn. It’s a region of plenty, from its rich gastronomy, which has given us delicious dishes and fine wines, to the lively atmosphere, green countryside and picturesque villages. This is the land of the good life, where the sun doesn’t just shine but warms people’s hearts. Take your time to visit every stopping place on your canal boat and enjoy the varied landscapes that make this cruise so enjoyable. As you go further, immerse yourself in the impressive heritage, from the famous Moissac abbey to the château of Henri IV at Nérac. If you’re passing through at the time of the bull festivals (the ferias), why not stop and join in this tradition with the locals? Don’t forget to wear a red scarf! Whether you follow the Baïse, the Tarn or the Canal de Garonne, travelling by Pénichette® gives you a new perspective on the South West.
Take an out & back or one way journey and explore South West waterways
Your waterways cruise on the Baïse and the Canal de Garonne will be bathed in sunshine and singing with the lilting accents of the South West of France. Boating holidays in the region offer all kinds of interesting journeys from Agen or Valence-sur-Baïse.
Agen & Valence s/ Baïse
The pretty southern town of Agen is famous for its prunes. It has a top-rated rugby team and is the ideal starting point for your boating holidays in the South West of France.
Discover the map of the
destination and its waterways
This region is full of surprises: cruise the South West by Pénichette® to discover its secrets.
Boating holidays in the South West of France: a new perspective on the region
Along the Baïse, the Tarn and the Canal de Garonne, 300 km of waterways take you into the heart of the South West, with its rich and unique historic heritage. This region, well known for its joie de vivre and the friendliness of the locals, is just as famous for its food and wine. There’s also a huge range of listed sites in the South West, set in beautiful, lush landscapes that are full of wildlife, from the familiar to the exotic. As the water carries your canal boat along, you’ll pass lush green banks, where the occasional bird takes off, and beautiful towns steeped in Medieval and Renaissance history.
Gascon bastides – fortified Medieval towns – alternate with rolling hills. The waterways are full of fish and the banks are alive with birds to keep you company on your cruise. Follow the history trail to Moissac, with its famous abbey, or Nérac, which leads you to Henri IV’s château. Then from Agen to Vianne it’s time to sample some of the wines from Buzet, a delicious vintage. It’s easy to explore this remarkable region: just rent a boat from Locaboat. Our very comfortable self-drive boats, with no license required to drive them, give you a luxurious way to cruise the South West without a care in the world. Choose from routes that lead you to Romanesque art and Medieval treasures, or opt for a gastronomic odyssey; all you have to do is step aboard your Pénichette®.
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