From Bordeaux (Castets-en-Dorthe to be precise) to Toulouse, the Canal latéral à la Garonne, 193 kilometres long, holds many surprises. Launch yourself into the heart of the South-West, and pedal your way through the unmissable cities (Bordeaux, Agen, Montauban, Toulouse) but also through charming villages, locks and canal bridges! If you want to stop for a few hours, Paulette suggests 5 activities to do along the Canal latéral à la Garonne.

Sharpen your taste buds

Go to the Cité du Vin, this international showcase of wine making! Discover the great history of wine thanks to an interactive and entertaining universe in this place that promotes wines from all over the world through the ages. Let yourself be carried away in this place offering a unique approach to wine in the world! At the end of the visit, enjoy a free tasting at the top of the museum with a 360 degree view of Bordeaux!

Emotions and sensations

On your way to Damazan, between Marmande and Agen, stop at the Moulineau lake. Come and take a break to swap your bike for a swimming costume (supervised swimming) and indulge in various activities: mini-golf, fishing, pétanque, golf, volleyball, but above all the water ski lift! Take advantage of the only water ski lift in the Lot-et-Garonne. If you wish to spend the night not far from the lake to enjoy it even more, the lake campsite welcomes you until 30 September 2021.

Going back in time

Are you interested in history and specifically in the Roman Empire? Come and discover the archaeological site and the whole of Gallo-Roman culture at Villascopia (in Castelculier)! The archaeological garden is open from Monday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm and you will discover the remains of the Gallo-Roman villas, the museum part is not free. If you want to continue your tour of the past, 15 kilometres from the museum, in Donzac, you will find the Conservatoire de la Ruralité et des Métiers d'autrefois. Wander through a village of craftsmen from the beginning of the 20th century: blacksmith, clog maker, blacksmith... discover trades that are no longer found today.

Wander through a village full of history

Continue your journey by bike and discover the narrow streets of Moissac, this small town on the banks of the Tarn, and take a look at its famous abbey and especially its cloister! You will also see the town's canal bridge, which at 356 metres is one of the longest in France. If you feel like it, continue your discovery by Auvillar, classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, on the way to Santiago de Compostela and pass by the Clock Tower and the Place de la Halle to discover its circular grain market.

Dive into the world of aeronautics

At the end of the Canal latéral à la Garonne just before Toulouse, you pass through Blagnac, where the Airbus company is headquartered. If you are interested in aeronautics, you are in the right place! Go and discover the Aeroscopia aeronautical museum, visit Airbus, the largest aeronautical site in Europe where less than 3 planes are assembled every month! You will be able to see and understand the assembly and the flight of the Giant of the Air, along a commented bus tour of 25 kilometres. Finally, you can end up at the Old Wings Museum where you can visit the workshop that restores old planes.  Aeronautic will no longer hold any secrets for you!

Stay tuned for more adventures with Paulette!

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