Rosa cruises on the tranquil Canal Lateral a la Garonne between Agen and Montauban in the Spring & Summer (pick up and drop off in Toulouse). A second cruise route is offered in the Summer & Fall, closer to Bordeaux (between Agen and Castets-en-Dhorte) with pick up and drop off in Bordeaux. Please contact us for details
Sunday, Day 1 - Agen
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and escorted in the air-conditioned minibus to Rosa, moored in the charming town of Agen. Following a champagne welcome, there is time for a stroll around the port before your first dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Agen to Valence d’Agen
This morning we visit Domaine Lapeyrade for private tastings of their esteemed Armagnac and Floc du Gascogne wines in delightful surroundings, before touring the nearby medieval town of Nérac and its castle, once home to Henry IV of France. After lunch on board we enjoy a leisurely cruise through the bucolic countryside to Valence d’Agen, an 18th century "Bastide" town with its Palladian canal side public wash-house and arcaded market place. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Valence d’Agen to Moissac
After breakfast, we visit the 11th century Château de Gourdourville before a drive to Auvillar, a beautiful medieval red-stone village perched high on the side of a gorge above the River Garonne and renowned for its circular 17th century covered market. Return to the hotel barge for lunch, then an afternoon cruise on the River Tarn takes us to the nautical base of St. Livrade, perhaps for some swimming or canoeing, before rising up from the river and turning west on the brick-lined canal to Moissac. This evening, maybe after a game of boules, we stroll ashore to savor regional specialties at the excellent restaurant ‘Le Florentin’, in front of the spectacular entrance portal of the abbey.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Moissac to Castelsarrasin
This morning, we visit the Abbaye St-Pierre de Moissac, one of the architectural highlights of the region, founded in the 7th century with its wonderfully preserved cloisters and chapel, and explore the charming town with its abundance of arts and crafts workshops. After lunch, we continue our cruise towards Castelsarrasin crossing the River Tarn via the 1,000 foot long aqueduct, the Pont Canal du Cacor. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Castelsarrasin to Montech
After breakfast, we visit Castelsarrasin's morning market, just 50 meters from our mooring. Then a short drive takes us to the Ferme des Jauberts at Angeville where we can tour the estate and taste the Foie Gras of Eric Couderc. After lunch on board, a leisurely cruise to Montech allows us to enjoy the hotel barge’s sundeck, or walk and cycle along the towpath. We also tour the remarkable inclined Water Plane, an amazing feat of engineering that by-passes five locks and, when back in service in the near future, will lower vessels 43 feet all in one go. Dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6 - Montech to Montauban
This morning Rosa meanders down the flight of ten locks on the beautiful and recently-restored branch canal skirting the Forest of Agre and moors in the port of the historical town of Montauban. In the afternoon we head into the Côtes du Frontonnais wine region in the minibus for a wine tasting at the renowned Château Bellevue la Fôret. Our introduction to the outstanding cuvée ‘Optimum’ is in the skilled hands of Diane Germain, the Boston-educated daughter of the house. Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 - Montauban
After breakfast, disembark Rosa and transfer to the designated drop off point.
Route runs in reverse on alternate weeks and may differ on selected cruise dates
Rosa
The 8-passenger Rosa is an old Dutch “Clipper” barge that was completely refitted in 2010. Her saloon is particularly welcoming and features attractive wood paneling, comfortable seating and a cozy bar. Rosa cruises in rural Gascony in Southwest France, home of the Three Musketeers, wher...Rates are for 6 nights (Sunday departure to following Saturday) per person and based on double occupancy per cabin unless noted as whole barge private charter
Not Available!
