Private boat hotel the Saint Louis follows two different week-long itineraries, cruising along the peaceful Canal de Garonne that flows between the cities of Toulouse and Bordeaux in South-West France. Each route has its own attractions, its own memorable highpoints.
Cruise Itinerary 1 – Montauban to Agen – - – Cruise Itinerary 2 – Agen to Castets-en-Dorthe
Generally the rhythm of cruising consists of a half day of gliding the canal: enjoying the countryside drift by with a cool drink in your hand, walking the tow path, or biking into that picturesque town across the sunflower fields. The second half of the day is usually spent in a guided exploration of all that the region offers in historical sights, wine tasting, artisan crafts, and culture. All of your meals will be prepared from fresh local ingredients and served on board by our resident chef. An occasional meal might be enjoyed at a nearby restaurant serving the finest regional cuisine. Our fully stocked bar, with excellent wines of the region, coffee, tea, and soft drinks is always available. Daily excursions, bicycles, indoor games and a small library are all included.
Please contact us to discuss dates or routes you might be interested in
Cruise Itinerary 1 – Montauban to Agen (or vice versa)
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. For information about the various places mentioned, click here.
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 see the extraordinary Montech Water Slope, an engineering marvel that is unique in the world. After cruising for the afternoon through gentle and productive rural countryside 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, we 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. There are numerous art shops, including a glass blower, in this gem of a mediaeval town.
As an option, Saint Louis can leave the canal at Moissac, for a short cruise on the River Tarn and the River Garonne.
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 by car 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 wall-plaques that detail some astounding events in the history of this little village.
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 towards the provincial city of Agen. We moor at Boë on the outskirts of Agen. The possible excursions from Boë include a visit to the Musée des Beaux Arts in Agen, where there is a fine Egyptian and Levant collection as well as number of Goyas, or perhaps a visit to the first water-lily nursery in Europe, where Monet gained his inspiration.
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.
Other possible visits include:
- A visit to Chateau Saint Louis, where the owner will regale us with details of how he makes his award-winning wines.
- A visit to the astonishing viewpoint of Boudou, from where the whole Garonne valley opens up.
- A visit to the remarkable church at Lachappelle, which has its origins with the Knights Templar.
- A visit to the birthplace of Lamothe Cadillac, where a small museum tells the remarkable story of how this Frenchman had a make of automobile named after him..
Cruise Itinerary 2 – Agen to Castets (or vice versa)
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. For information about the various places mentioned, click here.
Saturday – Toulouse – Agen – Boë
The Captain of the Saint Louis meets us in Toulouse at 3.00 p.m. at our pre-arranged meeting place, and we are driven to Boë which is just on the outskirts of Agen. We opt to take the scenic route for the drive, which takes us through gorgeous countryside and the towns of Castelsarrasin and Moissac. On arrival at the boat we settle in to our comfortable cabins, then after a short safety briefing there is a champagne reception followed by the first of many sumptuous dinners.
Sunday – Boë – Serignac
After breakfast, we cruise through the centre of the pretty city of Agen. On leaving the city, we pass over the most remarkable aqueduct which takes us over the River Garonne – this is France’s longest masonry aqueduct. We then descend a chain of four locks to arrive at a beautiful overgrown stretch of the canal which is nicknamed the “Amazon”. At the end of our day’s cruise we moor in the pretty port of Serignac-sur-Garonne. In the afternoon we are taken on an excursion to three fabulous mediaeval villages called Sainte Colombe, Bruch, and Clermont Dessous – the last village having a superb view across the Garonne valley. We arrive back at the port in time to have a stroll through the village of Serignac before aperitifs and dinner.
Monday – Serignac – Buzet – Nerac
In the morning we cruise through beautiful unspoiled countryside before arriving at the delightful port of Buzet-sur-Baïse. After lunch, we are taken on an excursion to the beautiful town of Nérac on the River Baïse, where we visit the Château of King Henry IV and the old mediaeval quarter of the town with its Roman bridge. Later, we are taken on a fabulous visit to an Armagnac producer, based in an old Benedictine monastery; here we see the old chapel, where the Armagnac is aged, and we learn of the rich history of this property and the family that looks after it.
Tuesday – Buzet – Mas d’Agenais
After breakfast, we are taken on a visit to a barrel-makers, where the owners of the works have set up a viewing platform over the shop floor, and we are treated to an almost ballet-like performance of highly organised craftsmen using very high technology and traditional skills. This private visit is memorable, not least because of the charm and dedication to his craft of the owner who takes us round. On our way back to the boat we call in on the famous Buzet wine producing cooperative. We have lunch on the sun-deck as we cruise down the canal, through the port of Damazan and under shady avenues of plane trees, to arrive at our port of Le Mas d’Agenais. At Le Mas we moor close to the Roman walls of the town, and we take a walk up into the town itself, where among other things we see the timber market building which was constructed in 1616, and we visit the church which is full of historic treasures, including an original Rembrandt masterpiece.
Wednesday – Mas d’Agenais – Meilhan
In the morning we cruise down the canal under the shade of plane trees and between fields of sunflowers. We have had lunch on deck by the time we arrive at the pretty little port of Meilhan. In the afternoon we go to a presentation called Gens de Garonne (the people of Garonne) which in a remarkable way tells the story of the life of the people living on the side of the River Garonne.
Thursday – Meilhan – Castets-en-Dorthe – Roquetaillade
In the morning we head down the canal, cruising once again through superb countryside and under a canopy of plane trees. We arrive and moor at our cruise destination, Castets-en-Dorthe. It is here that the canal finishes, and there are massive locks taking boats down onto the River Garonne. In the afternoon we are taken on an excursion to Château Roquetaillade, which is full of surprises. This château has remained in the same family for 700 years, and it was extensively refurbished by Villeton le Duc, of Palais du Versailles fame. On our way back to the boat, we pass by Langon, where we see a phenomenon of an entirely different era - this is the Airbus holding yard where massive parts of the new A380 aircraft are assembled at the end of their sea journey, before embarking on their land journey to Toulouse for final assembly.
Friday – Toulouse/Bordeaux
Friday After a leisurely breakfast, our bags are loaded in the vehicle, fond goodbyes are made to the crew, and we are taken back to Toulouse for our onward journey.
Some other visits available as options:-
- The mediaeval bastide town of Vianne, with its protective fortified wall.
- The Roman bridge and the fortified mill at Barbaste
- The superb Château at Cazeneuve
- The wine centre of Duras, together with Château Duras
- The Musée des Beaux Arts at Agen, home to a number of Goyas.
- The cork museum at Mézin
- The Lot Valley, with pretty towns such as Clairac
