The
journey begins in Bordeaux. From
Bordeaux to Toulouse, there are two stops. What is commonly
called Canal du Midi is actually the Garonne itself, running
from Bordeaux to Castets-en-Dorthe (32 ml/54 km from Bordeaux)
and then the Canal
de Garonne (or Canal latéral)
runs from Castets to Toulouse.
| |
The part of the Garonne running
between Bordeaux and Castets goes cross
Graves famous bordelais vineyard. Planted
during the Roman period, this vineyard
stretching from Bordeaux to Langon produces
the prestigious designation Graves and
Pessac-Léognan.
Around
the little harbour of Portets, you will find
numerous
castles and properties. In Podensac,
the Graves
Wines House [Maison des
vins de Graves] offers
wine tasting and selling. |
From Castets, the
Canal de Garonne runs through a series of shaded pounds
between the vineyard
hills of Buzet on the left bank of the Garonne.
It is the occasion to discover another famous vineyard.
| |
The Canal follows its course in Gascony,
D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers home.
In Agen, the Canal strides over the Garonne
on the famous 590-yd/540m long Pont-Canal (longest
bridge in France).
Please note
many boat hiring along the Canal propose various
hiring packages, with no license,
for one day or a half a day: Emeraude
Navigation in
Fourques-sur-Garonne near Marmande, Aquitaine
Navigation in Buzet, etc.
|
Continuing to Toulouse,
the Canal crosses Moissac, home of
Chasselas
grape,
delicious AOC* eating grapes. Then it reaches Castelsarrasin
and Montech in Tarn-et-Garonne before reaching Toulouse
where it meets the Canal du Midi itself.
* Appellation d’origine contrôlée
= Guarantee of Origin.
Crédit photos:Clive
Edwards
The theme « Camping & Canal du Midi » has
been realised with the amiable authorization of Clive
Edwards, author of various tourist guides for Alan
Rogers. The original
text is available (only in English) here.
Camping & Canal du Midi 
Camping
& Canal de Garonne
