At 193 kilometres long and with 53 locks, the Canal latéral à la Garonne gives Tarn-Et-Garonne’s waterways a tangible dimension. Today it is used for pleasure boating and river tourism; at Moissac, it provides access to the Tarn. As part of the Canal des Deux Mers, the waterway also accommodates pleasure boats and Freycinet barges for most of the year. Along the canal, you can experience both the scale of the waterway and the different ways it is used.
Discover canals and engineering works
The Canal de Montech offers a different connection: it runs through a peaceful natural setting, crossing ten locks between Montech and Montauban. While the Canal latéral stands out for its length, here the focus is on connecting the two towns. Both waterways offer a glimpse of canals as part of the regional landscape.
At Moissac, the Pont-canal de Cacor showcases the architectural side of this story. The canal aqueduct is 356 metres long, has 13 arches and was built between 1842 and 1846. Its dimensions and lengthy construction period give this water infrastructure a tangible architectural landmark. Moissac can also be explored on foot: you can discover the compact town centre on a walk.
The Uvarium is another part of Moissac’s history. It opened in 1933; in 1936, the French state recognised Moissac as the first officially recognised therapeutic uval station. Lauzerte brings together several cultural distinctions: Plus Beaux Villages de France, Compostelle, Site Patrimonial Remarquable, Ville et Métiers d’Art and Grand Site d’Occitanie. Those interested in heritage and the character of local places will find different points of interest here, without any one distinction defining the whole picture.
From gorges to nature watching
Gorges, plains and hills are among the major landscape features of Tarn-Et-Garonne. The département’s Espaces Naturels Sensibles reflect a correspondingly wide diversity of landscapes and natural environments. Most of these natural areas are freely accessible; there are also discovery trails, signage and occasional educational activities. This lets you experience the landscape not just as a backdrop, but also through the trails and information available on site.
At the confluence of the Tarn and Garonne near Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave, islands and open natural spaces provide gathering places for birds. The ornithological observatory at the confluence is a spot for observing migratory birds as they overwinter, breed and pass through. These different phases make the site interesting for birdwatching at various times. Canoeing from the Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave leisure centre is one way to explore the confluence; please respect the local flora and fauna.
Discover winegrowing and craftsmanship
Wine tourism in Tarn-Et-Garonne includes visits to cellars and wineries, meetings with winegrowers and tastings. At the estate of Gilbert, Ghislaine et LoĂŻc Lavilledieu on the slopes of Boudou and Moissac, tours take you through vineyards that also contain century-old vines. Seasonal tastings there include apricots and Chasselas grapes. As these are tied to harvest times, it is a good idea to check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.
A single step in the process also shows the care taken with Chasselas for AOP certification: every bunch of Chasselas grapes is hand-trimmed, a process known as ciselage. This work is often done by women known as Chasselatières. Alongside vineyards and tastings, you can discover a craft associated with the grape.
Getting around Tarn-Et-Garonne
The département’s four Grands Sites Occitanie can be explored on foot, by bike, by train or on a road trip. For rail travellers, Moissac is a stop on the Occitanie Rail Tour’s Canal-des-Deux-Mers line. Valence d’Agen has an SNCF station on the Bordeaux–Toulouse route, as well as regional liO bus services. If you are planning specific journeys, check the current timetable.
Discover more destinations
Lauzerte, Monclar-De-Quercy, Saint-Arroumex, L'honor-De-Cos, Goudourville, Montagudet, Belvèze, Saint-Paul-Dʼespis, Saint-Beauzeil, Montauban, Moissac, Montgaillard, Vaïssac, Cazals, Molières, Valence, Septfonds, Dunes, Touffailles, Beaumont-De-Lomagne, Castelsarrasin, Laguépie, Comberouger, Bressols, Grisolles, Mirabel, Caussade, Lamagistère, Montalzat, Caylus, Lafrançaise, Durfort-Lacapelette, Nègrepelisse, Cazes-Mondenard, Vazerac, Malause, Meauzac, Maubec, Lamothe-Capdeville, Valeilles, Boudou, Garganvillar, Montaigu-De-Quercy, Féneyrols, Labarthe, Lavit, Bruniquel, Réalville, Puycornet, Monbéqui, Corbarieu, Campsas, Canals, Saint-Nicolas-De-La-Grave, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Roquecor, Saint-Cirq, Labastide-Saint-Pierre, Saint-Urcisse, Auvillar, Laparrouquial, Lacapelle-Ségalar, Penne, Milhars, Montjoi, Piquecos, Tréjouls, Montfermier, Fajolles, Puylaroque, Saint-Projet, Gimat, Saint-Amans-Du-Pech, Montech, Bourg-de-Visa, Saint-Marcel-Campes, Albefeuille-Lagarde, Saint-Vincent-Lespinasse, Escazeaux, Merles, Génébrières, Castelsagrat, Caumont, Barry-d'Islemade, Montricoux, Montesquieu, Gramont, Monteils, Fabas, Golfech, Bouillac, Puygaillard-de-Quercy, Varen, Lavaurette, Lacapelle-Livron, Sérignac, Varennes, Loze, Albias, Bourret, Montpezat-de-Quercy, Orgueil, Mansonville, Cayriech
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