Take a boat trip in Lot-et-Garonne

Between the Lot and Garonne rivers, the department is nourished by their waters. But it is also the waterways that have brought it wealth and prosperity throughout history. Naturally, castles and fortified towns (bastides) have sprung up along its banks. Today, its many visitors enjoy its water sports, medieval heritage, and outdoor activities. We invite you to follow the current and explore its beautiful landscapes.

The Lot

The Lot is one of the two rivers that gave its name to the department. It is a tributary of the Garonne, rising in the Cévennes mountains (Cévennes National Park), like its neighbor, the Tarn. It is the second longest river in France, after the Marne. Navigable for 60 km, it boasts a pristine, wooded environment. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife, and exploring its banks is a true pleasure. Come and enjoy the magnificent scenery from the river!

The Lot River leads us into the department via the Lot Valley :

• At NautiliusBKS in Castelmoron-sur-Lot, you'll find all sorts of boats: from pedal boats to electric rowboats. If you're feeling more adventurous, try the hydroplane.

• Other rental agencies are also available.

The Garonne

The Garonne is a very large river, which rises in Spain and is fed by the entire Aquitaine Basin. It flows through Toulouse, Agen, and Bordeaux, as well as numerous other small towns. It is navigable for 462 km, today primarily for leisure, whereas in the past it was one of the main means of transporting goods in this Occitan region. It has 10 major tributaries, which join it before it flows into the Dordogne River in the Gironde department. It then passes Bordeaux before reaching the ocean at Royan.

At Nicole, between Aiguillon and Saint-Léger, lies the confluence of the Lot and Garonne rivers. The river accompanies us through the Val de Garonne and Gascony.

In Couthures-sur-Garonne, the visit to Fous de Garonne will immerse you in the world of rescuers and, for total immersion, you will accompany them by boat along the Garonne.

The Garonne Lateral Canal

Near Marmande, a short hop leads to the Garonne Lateral Canal. Lined with locks and bordered by the greenway, navigation there is particularly pleasant and accessible to all.

• In Fourques-sur-Garonne, you can rent boats without a license. At the Pont des Sables water sports center, you can also try watersports : paddleboarding, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding… and enjoy inflatable games during the summer season.

• You can also rent boats from Buzet-sur-Baïse for a stop on the canal or on the Baïse.

The Baïse

We drift along the Baïse River, discovering the Albret region. It rises in the Hautes-Pyrénées and joins the Garonne at Saint-Léger. This river was long used for transporting goods, especially from the 1830s onwards, at the cost of numerous works and improvements. Today, the Baïse is enjoyed for recreational boating in the pretty villages nestled among the hills.

• Locally, the Buzet winemakers are dedicated winegrowers who will share their passion with you. Guided tours of the vineyards or cellars with tastings, electric bike tours of the vineyards, or geocaching – wine tourism is a priority for them.

• Looking for a more unusual mode of transport? In Nérac, Croisières du Prince Henry welcomes you aboard a wooden barge for guided tours or meals on the water. You can also rent a boat without a license and navigate through the locks.

We hope we've inspired you to try river navigation and given you some pointers on the waterways of Lot-et-Garonne. Looking to try other water activities ? The Lot region is also full of lakes, small rivers, and other bodies of water. To make the most of them, we'll give you a tour of the local leisure centers.

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