A tour aboard La Gabarre Fuméloise

The Lot-et-Garonne Guide went to Fumel when he learned that a barge takes visitors along the river to discover the secrets of the Lot. The first route is a little longer, as the barge passes through the locks. This second route, however, stops at the locks but does not go through them.

The visit begins on La Gabarre Fumélois

The engine starts, we feel the barge move, and departure is imminent thanks to the Gabarre Fuméloise. The guide points out the old Fumel bridge, the first bridge between Cahors and Villeneuve-sur-Lot, dating from the 19th century. We then travel along the edge of the village. We can see the Church of Saint-Antoine with its tall, pointed bell tower, as well as the castle, which now houses the town hall. We can make out its architectural features, including several balconies. The gardens, adorned with flowers and exotic trees, are also visible from the barge. The guide gives us a brief history of the castle.

She then tells us about the open-air theatre and the cycle path built on the old Fumel railway line. She gives us an overview of all the activities available in and around the village. It's quite lovely!

In the distance, atop a hill, we spot a massive structure. The locals call it the Fumel triumphal arch : a former landing stage. Then, the guide focuses on the stone quarries and iron ore extraction sites located behind the hill. She passes a basket through the rows, allowing us to see and touch the material up close.

We continue past a private manor house, destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, but beautifully restored and in excellent condition. To our left, the church steeple of Condat appears through a few trees. The inhabitants of this tiny village wave enthusiastically, greeting us with genuine warmth and kindness. Even from a barge, the welcome is always so warm in Lot-et-Garonne!

There are many fishing spots along the banks of the Lot River. We pass a few fishermen in the distance, patiently waiting for their catch, and some curious onlookers look up to watch the barge go by. The guide takes the opportunity to give us information sheets about the river's wildlife and the different fish that swim in the Lot.

The next mill was built six meters below the water's surface. To our left, beautiful, well-restored stone houses line the river. Their charm enhances the landscape! The guide now tells us about the gabarres ( flat-bottomed boats) and their use in the region. Her explanations are always accompanied by a diagram to help understand the "anatomy" of a gabarre. Very fun and educational, especially for children!

The landscape is very pleasant and peaceful. Apart from a heron, we didn't see any other living creatures. The environment consists of valleys, fields, and forests. The terrain isn't flat, and that's what appeals to the Lot-et-Garonne guidebook.

The barge passes between several locks, invisible because they are underwater. At the end of the channel, there's a dam with its hydroelectric power station. We listen to the sound of the water and admire the few waterfalls. There's even a channel reserved for fish passage —the people of Fumel think of everything!

Finally, just opposite the dam, we discover the Château de Fossat, a private property. The building is very pretty, adorned with flowers and featuring a French-style garden.

It's time to turn back. The unique touch of the Fumel barges arrives immediately: depending on the day and time of the visit, local products can be tasted, sold, or presentations on local know-how enliven the trip.

Back at the landing stage, the landscape isn't wild, but the forest bordering the river offers a welcome escape from city life. The barge also provides a different perspective on Fumel.

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