Take a boat trip in Lot-et-Garonne

Between the Lot and the Garonne, the department is fertilized by the waters of the river and the stream. But it is also the waterways that have brought it, throughout time, wealth and prosperity. Naturally, castles and fortified towns were established there. Today, its many visitors enjoy its aquatic leisure activities, its medieval heritage and its nature activities. We invite you to follow the current to cross its beautiful territories.

Cover photo: © r_lizzimore CC BY-NC ND 2.0

The Lot

The Lot is one of the two rivers that gave its name to the department. It is a tributary of the Garonne which has its source at Mont Lozère (Cévènnes Natural Park), like the Tarn, its neighbor. It is the second longest river in France, after the Marne. It is navigable for 60km and enjoys a preserved and wooded environment. It is populated by a rich fauna and traveling it is a pleasure. Come and enjoy the magnificent landscapes from the river!

The Lot brings us into the department through the Lot Valley. In Fumel, the Gabarres fuméloises take you on a leisurely trip along the river in this traditional boat.

• In Castelmoron-sur-Lot, at NautiliusBKS, you'll find all kinds of boats: from pedal boats to electric boats. If you're more adventurous, try a hydroplane.

• Other rental agencies are also available to you, notably Croisières du Lot.

Photo: Stroll on the Lot, Source: NautiliusBKS

The Garonne

The Garonne is a very large river, which rises in Spain and is fed by the entire Aquitaine basin. It crosses Toulouse, Agen and Bordeaux as well as a multitude of other small towns. It is navigable for 462 km, today for pleasure whereas in the past, it was one of the main means of transporting goods in this Occitan area. It has 10 major tributaries, which join it before it joins the Dordogne in Gironde. It then passes in front of Bordeaux until it reaches the ocean at Royan.

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

• It is at Mas d'Agenais, in Tonneins or in Lagruère that the AMI Garonne welcomes you for a very informative river trip.

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

The Garonne lateral canal

Near Marmande, we take a short hop to the Garonne lateral canal. Marked by locks and bordered by the greenway, navigation there is particularly pleasant and accessible to all.

• In Fourques-sur-Garonne, Émeraude Location offers boats without a license. At the Pont des Sables water sports center, you can also try out water sports : paddleboarding, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, etc., and enjoy the inflatables during the summer season.

• Locaboat also rents boats from Buzet-sur-Baïse for a trip on the canal or the Baïse.

Photo: Garonne lateral canal, Source: Émeraude Location

The Baïse

We drift along the Baïse, discovering the Albret. It rises in the Hautes-Pyrénées and joins the Garonne at Saint-Léger. It is a river that was long navigated for the transport of goods, especially from the 1830s, at the cost of numerous works and developments. Today, it is for pleasure boating that the Baïse is appreciated in the pretty villages surrounded by hillsides.

• In Buzet-sur-Baïse, Aquitaine Navigation takes you on a cruise on the canal or the river or rents you barges.

• On site, the Vignerons de Buzet are committed winegrowers who will share their passion with you. Guided tours of the vineyards or the cellar 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, the Croisières du Prince Henry welcome you on a wooden barge for guided tours or meals on the water. You can also rent a boat without a license and go through the locks.

Photo: Prince Henry Cruises; Source: www.croisieresduprincehenry.com

We hope we've inspired you to try river navigation and guided you through the waterways of Lot-et-Garonne. Want to try other water activities ? The Lot is also full of lakes, small rivers and other bodies of water. To make the most of them, we'll take you on a tour of the leisure centers.

Before your stay, would you like to know more about its geography, its history, etc.? Become an expert on the Lot-et-Garonne !

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Lot et Garonne Guide.