Itinerary
for Rosa
Sunday, Day 1 TOULOUSE TO MONTECH Guests are met by the captain
at 4.00pm in Toulouse and escorted to the Rosa, lying in the canal
nearby. We get underway immediately, cruising for an hour into the
Forest of Montech before stopping for our Champagne Welcome and
dinner aboard.
Monday, Day 2 MONTECH TO CASTELSARRASIN Morning cruise to Montech
with its 15th century church, and a choice of staying aboard or
taking a walk or bike ride through the forest, rejoining the barge
for lunch alongside the village quay. In the afternoon, we negotiate
the remarkable inclined Water Plane at Montauban by passing five
locks and lowering the barge 43 feet in one go! Later, we arrive
in Castelsarrasin for a wander around the village before dinner
aboard.
Tuesday, Day 3 CASTELSARRASIN TO MOISSAC After breakfast, we cross
the river Tarn via a 1000 foot long aqueduct to descend towards
Moissac through a staircase of locks bedecked with flowers. In the
afternoon, an excursion on the Tarn river with motorized dingy and
then we visit Moissac's ancient Abbey founded in the 7th century
with its wonderfully preserved cloisters and chapel. Before dinner
aboard, try your hand at a game of Boules on the quay.
Wednesday, Day 4 MOISSAC TO VALENCE D'AGEN Early start by minibus
to visit the birthplace of M. de la Mothe Cadillac who founded Detroit
and gave his name to the famous car. From here, we drive to Château
de St Roch and Auvillar, a 15th century village perched high on
the side of a gorge above the river Garonne. After lunch on board,
we cruise to Valence d'Agen, ancient "Bastide" viewing
its Paladian canalside public wash-house and its market place with
"couverts". Dinner aboard.
Thursday, Day 5 VALENCE D'AGEN TO BOÉ Cruise through the
bucolic countryside to Lamagistère for archery practice.
Any energetic types can climb the Clermont Soubiran for a spectacular
view from the summit. Reboard Rosa for a leisurely cruise to Agen.
Dinner aboard.
Friday, Day 6 BOÉ TO SERIGNAC Morning departure for an excursion
by mini-bus to Buzet for a demonstration of barrel making and private
wine tasting. Visit to Vianne, the site of a famous crystal factory
and historic bastide and its ramparts. After lunch in Nérac,
visit and tasting at an Armagnac producer. Return to Rosa for an
aqueduct crossing of the River Garonne. Dinner aboard.
Saturday, Day 7 SERIGNAC TO BRAX Breakfast aboard and departure
about 10 am. Return to Toulouse
