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 Boating
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Canal lock ( :J.M.-CDT47) |
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Most boat hirers provide nearly everything except towels. Note, however, that pénichettes are generally geared towards French holidaymakers, so they may have breakfast coffee bowls and small coffee cups, but no kettle, teapot or mugs. Useful extras to bring with you include gardening gloves to operate the locks, binoculars and non-slip shoes for on deck. Pack soft bags that are easily stowed. Stop at a hypermarché and stock up with weighty items: especially mineral water, and beers to offer the lock-keepers as a tip.
Hired house boats are a perfect way to visit the countryside from, on bike or on foot, at the many moorings and riverside towns and villages along the way. Canoeing is very popular too and canoes easy to hire, while several waterside towns and villages run day trips up and down the rivers.
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Riverside reflections (:J.M.-CDT47) |
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The colours, shapes and shadows of the Gascon riversides cast ever-changing silhouettes on the tranquil winding waters. Soft hues of the local stone make it difficult to distinguish between ancient constructions and nature’s work. And all around, the gentle hum and twitter of nature’s orchestra play scores of traditional Gascon sounds.
Boating down the Lot-et-Garonne waterways is an ideal pastime for city-dwellers to resource themselves, to re-train their senses, to delight in the typical landscapes, rejoice in the local cooking, visit the Bastides, museums, churches and chateaux. ; dawdle over appetising meals in homely Auberges, shop at the colourful village markets, taste the succulent secrets of the region’s foie gras, wines, and bountiful fresh vegetables. |
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