Bordeaux - Serignac to Castets-en-Dorthe
France Multi-Adventure
Cruise the waterways of Garonne in Gascony
Overview
Meandering through historical Gascony in France, dotted with famous vineyards and sweeping valleys, the Canal de la Garonne sets the course for this idyllic French luxury cruise. Also known as French Tuscany, not only does the region have a colorful past dating back many centuries, evident in its architectural and art repertoire, but it is a gastronomical fusion of culture and local produce.
Whether you are sipping on reputed Armagnac (French brandy) or Floc de Gascogne, pairing handcrafted cheeses with iconic Bordeaux wines, or savoring gourmet dishes, one thing’s for sure: the culinary heart of this slice of paradise will make its way onto your plate.
Take time to slow down to the French pace of life, soaking up the riverside splendor on the sundeck or over a gourmet feast. Exciting daily excursions will allow you to explore this hidden corner of south-west France; no day is the same. Taking the path less traveled (and far away from the maddening crowds), this cruise is utterly relaxing, interesting, informative, and great fun for all!
Booked as a whole boat charter, it's best for small groups of six friends or family wishing to escape the mundane and enter the extraordinary.
Highlights
- Cruise the waterways of scenic Gascony
- The Lily Gardens at Temple sur Lot
- Visit an Armagnac (French brandy) producer
- Chateau d’Arche, a top Grand Crus Sauternes Chateaux
- Saint Émilion World Heritage site
- Gourmet French cuisine
- Wine appreciation and tastings
- All-inclusive luxury accommodations
Be sure to view all our European cruises!
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances.
Day 1: Serignac
Day 2: Serignac-Buzet
Day 3: Buzet-Le Mas d’Agenais
Day 4: Le Mas d’Agenais-Meilhan
Day 5: Meilhan
Day 6: Meilhan-Castets-en-Dorthe
Day 7: Castets-en-DortheDay 1: Serignac
You will be collected from the agreed pick-up point at 15h30 and transferred for arrival at the barge around 17h00. You will be welcomed with a champagne reception. On our way to the barge, you will stop to see the famous Aqueduct, the second largest aqueduct in France which opened in 1849. It carries the Canal de Garonne over the Garonne River and is an engineering marvel. Relax and unwind, before indulging in a gourmet dinner.Day 2: Serignac-Buzet
The highlight on today’s agenda is the tour of The Lily Gardens at Temple sur Lot that was founded in 1875 and inspired Monet. The barge will depart Boé Port at 9 am and you will enjoy your first cruise through Agen and across the magnificent aqueduct. Leaving the barge, you will take the minibus to the gardens in time for lunch overlooking the lake. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the ponds and gardens before returning to the barge which will have moved on to your evening mooring spot at Serignac.Day 3: Buzet-Le Mas d’Agenais
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a visit to a 4th generation Armagnac (French brandy) producer, where you will learn about and taste this traditional local spirit. Armagnac pre-dates Cognac by approx. 200 years and is still produced in a time-honored way. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to choose a memorable year (perhaps of your wedding, birth of a child, etc), select a bottle size, and then watch the Armagnac being drawn from your chosen barrel, corked, and the wax seal applied. A unique memento of your visit.Time permitting (or if Armagnac is not a preferred visit), you may also visit the 11th-century town of Nérac: which includes the Château Henry IV (built around 15th century) and home to the King and his wife Queen Margot between 1577 and 1582. There is also the Garenne royal park nearby. The visit is an opportunity to explore this ancient town and learn about the development of this region. You will also visit the medieval Bastide town of Vianne. Bastide towns were built across southern France during the 13th and 14th centuries to provide security and safety and to develop trade.
In July and August, a visit to the night market at Damazan can be arranged. A very small local village, about 20 mins from your mooring by car, this is a taste of rural France in full swing. The night market is entirely geared to locals: it features live music, food stalls and is an interesting insight into local festivities. The visit usually takes place after the dinner main course on board, where you will then return for dessert! Later you will learn the secrets of our signature cocktail, the Saint Louis Sundowner from hostess Julia - featuring Armagnac from your visit!
Day 4: Le Mas d’Agenais-Meilhan
A morning cruise through to Lafalotte will relax you followed by lunch on board. At your mooring point, there is a privately owned semi-precious gem museum. As lunch is being prepared, you can take a short stroll to the museum where the owners will give a guided tour through their unique collection of fossils, minerals, and semi-precious gems from around the world collected by them over 50 years of travel. A thought-provoking visit for those who enjoy natural history. After lunch, the barge continues cruising through to La Mas d’Agenais. After mooring, you can take a short walk to visit the center of this quaint and unspoiled 12th-century town and go inside its church where there is an original Rembrandt painting of Christ on the Cross. You continue your afternoon cruise to Forques where the boat will moor for the evening.Day 5: Meilhan
In the morning you will continue to cruise followed by lunch on board. After lunch, you are driven to a private visit to Chateau d’Arche, one of the top Grand Crus Sauternes Chateaux. The visit includes a guided tour of the production process, their cave, and tastings. You will be returned to the barge which will have moved on to the evening mooring at Meilhan. There should be time to go to the superb viewpoint at the port which provides a fantastic vista out over the Garonne River and the canal below - about a 5-minute walk up steps from the mooring point.Alternatively, the following tour can be arranged on request:
Optional: Guided tour of Chateau d’Yquem
The tour will last approx. 1hr 20mins and will showcase the Chateau d’Yquem, the number one Sauterne Chateaux with a global reputation. You will have a tour of the wine production, cave, and beautiful grounds followed by a tasting. Must be booked at the time of reservation (limited spots and subject to availability). Please see pricing.Day 6: Meilhan-Castets-en-Dorthe
After breakfast, you will enjoy a beautiful tree-lined cruise towards Fontets before our full-day visit to the remarkable world heritage site of St Émilion. Here, you will enjoy shopping, sightseeing, and private wine tastings with your negociant - a French term for a wine merchant who collects grapes, grape juice, and wine from smaller vineyards and bottles the wine for sale. Guests may also go on a guided tour of the 12th-century underground church. Lunch is included in one of the top restaurants in St Émilion.Optional: Full wine experience day
For wine lovers, the full wine experience outing on day 6 is recommended. Your négociant will meet you at 10:30 to begin a full day’s immersion in the world of Bordeaux wine. This will include the classification of St Émilion wines, how to taste wine, pairing wine with food, tasting of fine old wines, a private Chateaux visit, a tour of the 1st Grand Crus estates by car, and a Michelin Star lunch. Your experience ends around 16h30. A minimum of 4 people is required. Must be booked at the time of reservation (limited spots and subject to availability). Please see pricing.You will return to meet the barge in Castets-en-Dorthe in time for a short cycle or walk to the end of the canal before it joins the mighty Garonne River on its way to Bordeaux. You can also be driven to see the huge double lock that was the gateway to the river and the trade route to the Mediterranean via the Canal du Midi in one direction and to the Atlantic Ocean in the other. The river is spanned at this point by a bridge designed by Monsieur Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame!). Then back on board for cocktails and canapés, followed by the final dinner of the week.
Day 7: Castets-en-Dorthe
You will be transferred to the agreed drop-off locations, leaving the barge around 10 am.Day 1: Castets-en-Dorthe
Day 2: Castets-en-Dorthe-Meilhan
Day 3: Meilhan
Day 4: Meilhan-Le Mas d’Agenais
Day 5: Le Mas d’Agenais-Buzet
Day 6: Buzet-Serignac
Day 7: SerignacDay 1: Castets-en-Dorthe
You will be collected from the agreed pick-up point at 15h30. You will then be transferred for arrival at the barge around 16h30 where you will be welcomed with a champagne reception. At Castets-en-Dorthe, you can visit “The end of the canal” before it joins the mighty Garonne River on its way to Bordeaux. You can opt to walk or drive to see the huge double lock that was the gateway to the river and the trade route to the Mediterranean via the Canal de Midi in one direction and to the Atlantic Ocean in the other. The river is spanned at this point by a bridge designed by Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame!). Then back on board for cocktails and canapés, followed by a gourmet dinner.Day 2: Castets-en-Dorthe-Meilhan
The highlight on today’s agenda is a visit to Saint Émilion World Heritage Site, the heart of Bordeaux wines. Here, you will enjoy shopping, sightseeing, and private wine tastings with your negociant - a French term for a wine merchant who collects grapes, grape juice, and wine from smaller vineyards and bottles the wine for sale. You will also have a chance to visit the 12th-century underground church of Saint Émilion, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to meet the barge where we will cruise further into Meilhan Port for the evening and dinner on board. There should be time for you to go to the superb viewpoint at the port which provides a fantastic vista out over the Garonne River and the canal below - about a 5-minute walk up steps from the mooring point.Optional: Full wine experience day
For wine lovers, the full wine experience outing is recommended. Your négociants will meet you at 10h30 to begin a full day’s immersion in the world of Bordeaux wine. This will include the classification of St Émilion wines, how to taste wine, pairing wine with food, tasting of fine old wines, a private Chateaux visit, a tour of the 1st Grand Crus estates by car, and a Michelin Star lunch. Your experience ends around 16h30. A minimum of 4 people is required. Must be booked at the time of reservation (limited spots and subject to availability). Please see the pricing.Day 3: Meilhan
Spend the morning on the sundeck as you cruise to our next destination, with lunch on board. After lunch, you are driven to a private visit to Chateau d’Arche, one of the top Grand Crus Sauternes Chateaux. The visit includes a guided tour of the production process, their cave, and tastings.Alternatively, the following tour can be arranged on request:
Optional: Guided tour of Chateau d’Yquem
The tour will last approx. 1hr 20mins and will showcase the Chateau d’Yquem, the number one Sauterne Chateaux with a global reputation. You will have a tour of the wine production, cave, and beautiful grounds followed by a tasting. Must be booked at the time of reservation (limited spots and subject to availability). Please see pricing.You return to the barge which will have moved on a little to our evening mooring near Forques.
Day 4: Meilhan-Le Mas d’Agenais
A morning cruise through to La Mas d’Agenais and lunch on board. Whilst lunch is being prepared you can take a short walk from the mooring point to visit the center of this quaint and unspoiled 12th Century town and go inside its church where there is an original Rembrandt painting of Christ on the Cross. After lunch, we continue our cruise through to our mooring at Lafalotte where there is a privately owned semi-precious gem museum. Take a short stroll to the museum where the owners will give a guided tour through their unique collection of fossils, minerals, and semi-precious gems from around the world collected by them over 50 years of travels. A thought-provoking visit for those who enjoy natural history. Day 5: Le Mas d’Agenais-Buzet
Enjoy a morning cruise through to Buzet Port with lunch served on board. Afterward, you will visit a 4th generation Armagnac (French brandy) producer to learn about and taste this traditional local spirit. Armagnac pre-dates Cognac by approx. 200 years and is still produced in a time-honored way. During the visit, you have the opportunity, if you wish, to choose a memorable year (perhaps of your wedding, birth of a child, etc), select a bottle size, and then watch the Armagnac being drawn from your chosen barrel, corked and the wax seal applied. A unique memento of your visit and it tastes great as well!Back at the barge, you will learn the secrets of the Saint Louis Sundowner from our hostess, a cocktail featuring Armagnac from your visit.
Time permitting (or if Armagnac is not a preferred visit), you may also visit the 11th-century town of Nérac: which includes the Château Henry IV (built around the 15th century) and home to the King and his wife Queen Margot between 1577 and 1582. There is also the Garenne royal park nearby. The visit is an opportunity to explore this ancient town and learn about the development of this region. You will also visit the medieval Bastide town of Vianne. Bastide towns were built across southern France during the 13th and 14th centuries to provide security and safety and to develop trade.
In July and August, a visit to the night market at Damazan can be arranged. A very small local village, about 20 mins from your mooring by car, this is a taste of rural France in full swing. The night market is entirely geared to locals: it features live music, food stalls and is an interesting insight into local festivities. The visit usually takes place after the dinner main course on board, where you will then return for dessert!
Day 6: Buzet-Serignac
Morning cruise followed by lunch. You will then have a chance to visit The Latour-Marliac Lily Gardens at Temple Sur Lot and the Agen Aqueduct. The garden is the original one that inspired and provided Monet with his lilies for his world-famous paintings and his own gardens at Giverny. Dating from 1875, the Latour-Marliac Gardens are a delight to visit and explore. On your return to the barge from the Lily gardens, you will stop to see the Aqueduct, the second largest aqueduct in France which opened in 1849. It carries the Canal de Garonne over the Garonne River and is an engineering marvel. You will return to the barge which will now be moored for the evening at Serignac for cocktails, canapés, and a final dinner the week.Day 7: Serignac
You will be transferred to the agreed drop-off locations, leaving the barge around 10 am.Lacourt St. Pierre to Boé Port or vice versa
In addition, Saint Louis Barge also follows the following routes below on certain dates. Please ask us for further details.
Lacourt St. Pierre to Boé Port
Day 1: Lacourt St. Pierre
Day 2: Lacourt St. Pierre-Castelsarassin
Day 3: Castelsarassin-Moissac
Day 4: Moissac-Pommevic
Day 5: Pommevic-La Magistere
Day 6: La Magistere-Boé Port
Day 7: Boé PortBoé Port to Lacourt St. Pierre
Day 1: Boé Port
Day 2: Boé Port-La Magistere
Day 3: La Magistere-Pommevic
Day 4: Pommevic-Moissac
Day 5: Moissac-Castelsarassin
Day 6: Castelsarassin-Lacourt St. Pierre
Day 7: Lacourt St. PierreLooking for more holiday ideas? Take a look at all our biking, hiking, and multi-adventure tours!
Map
Boats & Bikes
- Saint Louis
Deluxe Class Barge
Booked on a private charter basis, Saint Louis Barge provides an intimate experience for small groups of family and friends looking to unwind in a luxurious environment. Cruising the calm waterways of south-west France, including along the historic lands of Aquitaine and Gascony, this small vessel is the epitome of relaxed bliss, with privacy and exclusivity guaranteed. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 6 nights in a luxury cabin
- Transfers as per itinerary
- All meals
- All drinks onboard or ashore during tours
- Tour guide
- Transportation in air-conditioned Mercedes V Series
- Daily excursions & entrance fees as per itinerary
- Onboard bicycles - 21-speed unisex hybrid bikes
- Onboard Wifi
What’s Not Included
- Flights/transportation costs to/from arrival/departure point
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2024
Serignac to Castets (Route 3)
June 8, June 22, August 31, & September 14, 2024Castets to Serignac (Route 2)
May 18, June 29, July 13, August 24, September 7 & October 5, 2024Lacourt St. Pierre to Boé Port (Route 1)
August 16, 2024Boé Port to Lacourt St. Pierre (Route 4)
July 20, 2024Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Charter basis Price per person 3 cabins, 6 people $ 8797 £ 4527 $ 8,167 € 5423 Ft 2173966 kr 809723 ₪ 22252 ¥ 885738 Mex$ 114916 NZ$ 9714 kr 63919 zł 23276 S$ 7738 kr 61680 CHF 5102 $ 5,800 2 cabins, 4 people $ 11072 £ 5698 $ 10,279 € 6825 Ft 2736199 kr 1019134 ₪ 28007 ¥ 1114808 Mex$ 144636 NZ$ 12226 kr 80450 zł 29295 S$ 9740 kr 77631 CHF 6422 $ 7,300 1 cabin, 2 people $ 19717 £ 10148 $ 18,305 € 12155 Ft 4872683 kr 1814896 ₪ 49875 ¥ 1985274 Mex$ 257571 NZ$ 21773 kr 143268 zł 52170 S$ 17345 kr 138247 CHF 11436 $ 13,000 Non-charter single cabin (up to 2 people) $ 10617 £ 5464 $ 9,856 € 6545 Ft 2623752 kr 977252 ₪ 26856 ¥ 1068994 Mex$ 138692 NZ$ 11724 kr 77144 zł 28091 S$ 9339 kr 74441 CHF 6158 $ 7,000 * If the whole boat has not been booked as a charter, then cabins may be sold on a cabin-by-cabin basis. On request only. Please ask us.
Extra Options
Approximate price per person Wine experience (min. 4 people) (Routes 2 + 3) €495 Guided tour of Chateau d’Yquem (Routes 2 + 3) €100 Cookery class (Routes 1 + 4) - Participant €200 Cookery class (Routes 1 + 4) - Accompanying guest €100 * Additional activities that can be added to your package (subject to the route) include horseriding, kayaking, painting days, spa visits, specialist bike hire, golfing, and a Dordogne tour (Routes 2 + 3). Please ask us for pricing! For other activities not mentioned, please ask us.
* The above activities have limited space and are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please ask!A 35% deposit is required to secure your reservation.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
A charter on Saint Louis Barge is all about choice. The itinerary as presented includes a varied selection of excursions including wine-tastings, archaeological site visits, and each day you can bike, walk, or run. The difficulty level in regards to these physical activities is completely up to you. Since the towpath is a favorite for cyclists and walkers, you will have no problem hopping off the barge and enjoying either a leisurely paced workout or a nice, long, adrenaline-pumping ride or walk. Your onboard tour guide will be able to assist you with route details.
Airport Info
Fly into Bordeaux International Airport (BOD), also known as Bordeaux-Merignac Airport. It is located in Merignac, 8 mi. (12 km) west of Bordeaux city center. It is approximately 39 mi. (63 km) from Castets en Dorthe.
Local Travel
Transfers as per below are included in your tour price.
Serignac to Castets en Dorthe
Pick-up: Agen train station or alternatively Toulouse or Bordeaux (airport or city)
Drop-off: Bordeaux City or Airport (Merignac)
Castets en Dorthe to Serignac
Pick-up: Bordeaux city or airport (Merignac)
Drop-off: Agen train station or alternatively Toulouse or Bordeaux (airport or city)
LaCourt St. Pierre to Boe Port
Pick-up: Toulouse or Agen train station
Drop-off: Toulouse, Bordeaux, or Agen train station
Boe Port to Lacourt St.Pierre
Pick-up: Toulouse, Bordeaux, or Agen train station
Drop-off: Toulouse or Agen train stationClimate
Classified as having an ‘oceanic climate’ due to its situation on the west coast of France, the Gascony area actually tends to enjoy warmer summers and milder winters than its other oceanic climate counterparts. In actuality, it can feel more like a Mediterranean climate, although the amount of rainfall during the summer months prevents it from being classified as such. Below you will find monthly weather averages for the region.
Day of Rest
Any day can be a day of rest! Relax on board the boat or take part in one of the daily guided activities. Walking, cycling, wine tastings, guided tours, and warm hospitality will give you a sense of bien-être!
Recommended
Wine experience
For wine lovers, we recommend the full wine experience outing on day 6. Our negociants will meet you at 10h30 to begin a full day’s immersion in the world of Bordeaux wine. This will include the classification of St Émilion wines, how to taste wine, pairing wine with food, tasting of fine old wines, a private Chateaux visit, a tour of the 1st Grand Crus estates by car, and a Michelin Star lunch. A minimum of 4 people is required. Must be booked at the time of reservation. Please see pricing. Available on routes 2 +3.
Guided tour of Chateau d’Yquem
Take a guided tour of the number one Sauterne Chateaux with a global reputation. You will have a tour of the wine production, cave, and beautiful grounds followed by a tasting. The tour lasts approximately 1hr20min. Must be booked at the time of reservation. Please see pricing. Available on routes 2 + 3.
Cookery class
Experience a full morning cookery class under Chef Michel Trama at the 5-star TRAMA Relais & Chateau followed by lunch. Full party only. All guests must attend the day either participating or accompanying. Must be booked at the time of reservation. Please see pricing. Available on routes 1 + 4.
Travel insurance
It is highly recommended that you take out full cancellation travel insurance ‘cancel for any reason’ when booking this trip.Remarks
Charter
Saint Louis Barge is primarily booked on a whole boat charter basis. On occasion, there are single cabins available. Please feel free to enquire.
Bikes
There are six 21-speed unisex hybrid bikes onboard with three frame sizes available for use by guests (x2 small adult, x3 medium, x1 large).
Additional activities
Cycling and walking are always available along the route on level, well-maintained tow paths. Each evening your hosts will inform you of the next day’s agenda, the cruise distances, and times between locks. At the beginning of the week, the day-by-day schedule will be on display in the salon with a canal map.
Custom cruise
If you are booking the whole boat, it may be possible to customize your tour with additional activities (subject to availability, timing, and the chosen route). Additional options may include horseriding, spa day visits, cookery classes at a 5-star restaurant, kayaking on the Tarn or Garonne River, painting days, and specialist bike hire. These will be at an additional cost. Please ask us!Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements, and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security ratherTour Operator
This tour is run by The Saint Louis Barge.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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