Alasdair, owner-operator of the
French Hotel Barge SAINT LOUIS which offers barging cruises in the Gascony / Aquitaine region in southwest France, advises us that they have two cabins available for the week of
September 8-14, 2012. As we have mentioned before, September is the most popular month for barging trips and now you have the opportunity to book an individual cabin rather than a private charter.
French Hotel Barge Saint Louis - Barging cruises charters in southwest France, Gascony / Aquitaine
The route for September 8th is
Montauban to Agen and you can see Saint Louis' sample itinerary in their online brochure
HERE.
Here are some places you might visit during your Montauban to Agen barge cruise...
Founded by the Count of Toulouse in 1144 as a fortified city on the banks of the River Tarn, Edward the English ‘Black Prince’ built his castle in Montauban in the mid-1300s. His lower Grand Hall still survives and can be visited, part of the Musee d’Ingres that was originally built (over the castle remains) as the seat of the bishops of Montauban. Ingres, the nineteenth century painter, was born in Montauban, and the museum contains the world’s largest collection of his works. From the fourteenth century (photo above) the adjacent Old Bridge is both picturesque and a remarkable survivor from over six hundred years ago.
We visit Montauban as a morning excursion by car, as part of our normal cruise itinerary. Saint Louis’ home port is close by, on the pretty Montech-Montauban canal embranchment.
The great abbey at Moissac was founded by Saint Didier in the 7th century; and the 11th and 12th saw a golden age of culture and importance, including the construction of the doorway and the tympanum over; and the wonderful cloister – world famous (and almost perfect) surviving examples of Romanesque art. The town itself is thoroughly authentic, with an excellent weekend market, a spectacular 19th century road bridge over the river and with the canal’s route taking it straight through the middle of the town. Moissac is known for its delicious dessert (eating) grapes – of the Chasselas variety.
Saint Louis berths in Moissac during the cruise and guests have at least half a day to explore the abbey and the town.
- River Tarn and River Garonne
In addition, Saint Louis can leave the canal at Moissac, for a short luxury hotel barge cruise on the River Tarn and the River Garonne. This option is unique among hotel barges in France.
Via the double lock at Moissac, we descend onto the River Tarn. If we head upstream we pass under the canal aqueduct – another unique experience. Some kilometres further on, we reach the barrage at Saint-Livrade. There is an impressive old water mill beside the barrage, and on a nearby escarpment the historic Chateau de Saint-Livrade overlooks the river. Heading downstream from Moissac, Saint Louis passes under the Pont Napoleon and later arrives at a wide expanse of water where the Tarn joins the River Garonne at Saint-Nicholas. From here we can cruise some way up the Garonne, past a bird sanctuary (350 species, most of them migrants) where we can also anchor in the quiet, safe, water and observe in perfect tranquillity.
Auvillar is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful villages of France, perched on a rocky escarpment overlooking the River Garonne. It dates back to pre-Roman times and the fortified village was the property of the Counts of Armagnac and then the King of Navarre. Its rich history tells of its former importance in the grain trade and in the production of pottery and writing quills – all of which were exported from Auvillar down the River Garonne, before the advent of the canal.
We visit Auvillar as an afternoon excursion by car, as part of our normal cruise barge itinerary.
- Lamagistere and Clermont-Soubiran
Lamagistere is a village of elegant architecture, like Auvillar once busy and prosperous from trade on the river. Nowadays the river carries no commercial traffic and this once bustling place is quiet and lovely; to wander around and enjoy. Overlooking Lamagistere lies Clermont-Soubiran like Auvillar perched on a rocky outcrop with stunning views, a medieval village with an outstanding chateau castle.
Lamagistere is an easy 15-20 minute stroll from our peaceful rural mooring place close-by. We often visit Clermont as a morning excursion by car.
Toulouse is France’s fourth biggest and probably most go-ahead city. A centre of space research, aeronautics and science, but also the seat of one of Europe’s oldest universities (1229). You will normally fly in and out of the city’s smart modern airport, collected or returned by us in our comfortable Mercedes people-carrier. Other arrival/departure locations are equally possible.
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| Cordes-sur-Ciel |
Hotel barge Saint Louis does not cruise into Toulouse itself. However, many people choose to spend a day or two, before or after their cruise, visiting the "Ville Rose" of Toulouse and some of the other fascinating places thereabouts. One option is to visit the nearby fortified World Heritage castle of Carcassonne ("Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and many other films) in addition to your cruise on Saint Louis. While Carcassonne is an excellent option, we would also suggest (as an alternative) visiting the stunning medieval town of Cordes-sur-Ciel – less well-known, less crowded, but equally fascinating, equally historic and equally architecturally magnificent.
The French hotel barge
Saint Louis
cruises the beautiful calm waterways of Southwest France, including the
historic lands of Aquitaine and Gascony. She does so in "casual
luxury", providing the perfect
accommodation
for up to six guests in three stateroom suites (configured as twins or
doubles, as desired). To cruise aboard Saint Louis is to experience
peace and tranquillity as one passes through the
lush countryside, pretty villages and memorable towns. It also means enjoying delicious French
cuisine, prepared with fresh local produce, and savouring local wines and aperitifs. Your hosts,
Alasdair and Barbara, together with their friendly and expert crew, will ensure that your holiday or vacation is the ultimate in relaxed pleasure.
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| Barbara & Alasdair |
Read about the
regional wines in a previous post by Saint Louis.
Perhaps you can partake in the
Au Fil de l'Eau spectacle that occurs annually around the first two weeks of August. (Week of August 4-10, 2012 currently available). See Alasdair's
previous post about this event.
Please
contact us for current availability for 2012 and 2013 barging cruises.
