Saturday - Toulouse - Lacourt St. Pierre - Montech

We meet around 3 pm, often in Toulouse, and we travel by car to the Saint Louis. We pass through Granade and Grisolles on the way, and admire the central market square in both villages. On arrival at Saint Louis' home port, you are greeted with a champagne reception on board. After unpacking, the options include a visit to the local Artisan Distillerie (making renowned aqua vita and liqueurs from local fruits), or a stroll around the charming town of Montech, or maybe a game of pétanque (boules) beside the boat.

Sunday - Montauban - Castelsarrasin

After breakfast, we take the car for an excursion around Montauban, city of art and culture. We see statues by local artist Bourdelle, we explore cobbled streets leading to the gorgeous central square and we admire the 13th century Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) with its superb garrison building. We return to the boat, and have lunch under-way as we head to Montech, passing through one lock before joining the main Canal de Garonne. At Montech, we will usually pass down the extraordinary Montech Water Slope, an engineering marvel that is unique in the world. After cruising for the afternoon, we moor in the beautiful port of Castelsarrasin.

Monday - Moissac

We head off down the canal after breakfast, and after descending four locks we cross over the River Tarn by means of an amazing brick-built aqueduct, 30 metres over the river. A few more locks and we arrive in the port of Moissac. After lunch, you are taken to one of the highlights of the trip – Moissac Abbey with its Cloisters that are said to be the finest in the world, and the 13th century church which contains a 10th century organ.

In addition, Saint Louis can leave the canal at Moissac, for a short cruise on the River Tarn and the River Garonne. This option is unique among hotel barges in France.

Tuesday - Pommevic - Auvillar

We have breakfast on deck, while passing through the swing-bridge of Moissac emerging into lovely countryside, with rolling hills to the right and the River Garonne to the left. In time for lunch we moor at the peaceful port of Pommevic – we usually expect to be the only boat in the port. During the morning we could pass numerous pilgrims making their way on Christendom’s third most important pilgrimage route, to the Spanish burial site of Saint James at Santiago di Compostella, which is still 1200 km away at this point. In the afternoon, we go in the car to nearby Auvillar, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This village has a history in which the manufacture and export of china and quills (for writing) were of major importance – as so often we see the influence that the River Garonne had as a trade artery in the world of commerce of yesteryear.

Wednesday - Lamagistere - Donzac - Dunes

We head off in the morning, having breakfast on the deck under the plane trees. We pass through Valence, and moor for lunch at Lamagistere, surrounded by nothing but views and peace. In the afternoon, we go to nearby Donzac, where there is an amazing museum dedicated to the ancient trades of this corner of France – this is a world class display, put together with professionalism and humour. Later, we visit the ancient Bastide village of Dunes, with lovely half-timbered houses and historical wall-plaques.

Thursday - Clermont Soubiran - Agen

In the morning, we go in the car to nearby Clermont-Soubiran, where we have views over the whole Valley of the Garonne, and where a walk around the outside of the chateau never fails to impress. We then return to the boat and cruise down into the provincial city of Agen, where we moor beside well-tended lawns under the houses of some of the city’s big merchants. If time permits, we visit the Museum of Fine Arts, right in the middle of old Agen, which has an amazing collection that includes a number of Goyas, and a fine Egyptian and Levant collection.

Friday - Toulouse

After a leisurely breakfast on the Saint Louis, you are taken by car back to your connection in Toulouse (or elsewhere), passing through deep rural countryside with fruit orchards, sunflowers and vineyards.

NOTE: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction

Please note - these daily arrangements are indicative only. In keeping with our philosophy of "custom cruising", we will always adapt a cruise to the interests and wishes of the guests on board

Other possible visits include:

• A wine tasting at a Fronton vineyard – one of south west France’s hidden secrets.
• The Abbey de Belleperche, just beside the mighty River Garonne.
• A genuine Roman bridge – hidden away and not part of any tourist route.
• The Bastide town of Lauzerte – full of history and surprises.
• The 11th century church at Lachappelle – modified in a baroque style and unique in France.
• A working goat farm, where you can see a commercial herd of goats being milked, and the milk made into cheese.
• A museum to Lamothe-Cadillac, in the house of his birth – this is the man who founded Detroit and whose name and coat of arms appears on many cars today!
• A visit to an extraordinary winery in Cotes de Brulhois, that has been in the same family for 300 years and where innovative wines from the early 1700’s are once again being produced.

SAINT LOUIS HOME > Itineraries > Montauban to Agen