Tarn-et-Garonne: Waterways, Nature and Heritage

Tarn-et-Garonne is best explored via its waterways and the contrasts in its landscapes: gorges, plains and hills are among its defining features. The Canal latéral à la Garonne is 193 kilometres long and has 53 locks. Today it is used for recreational boating and river tourism; at Moissac, it provides access to the Tarn. As you plan your trip, you can decide whether to focus on water engineering, nature watching, heritage or regional produce.

Canals and locks

The Canal latéral à la Garonne is part of the Canal des Deux Mers; for most of the year, it is navigable by leisure boats and Freycinet barges. Another waterway is the Canal de Montech, which connects Montech with Montauban and passes through ten locks in a peaceful natural setting. The two routes offer different highlights: access to the Tarn at Moissac and a connection between two towns punctuated by locks.

Experience and observe nature

The Espaces Naturels Sensibles in Tarn-et-Garonne represent a wide variety of landscapes and environmental conditions. Most of these natural areas are freely accessible and have discovery trails and signage; educational activities are also available occasionally. Gorges, plains and hills give this natural setting its varied character.

At the confluence of the Tarn and Garonne rivers near Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave, there is an ornithological observatory. The site serves migratory birds as a place to overwinter, breed and stop during migration. Canoeing from the Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave leisure centre is one way to explore the confluence. Please follow the protected area's rules to safeguard its fauna and flora.

Architecture and history

The Pont-canal de Cacor in Moissac is a 356-metre-long canal bridge with 13 arches, built between 1842 and 1846. The Uvarium is also part of Moissac's history: it opened in 1933, and in 1936 the French state recognised Moissac as the first officially recognised uvale resort.

Moissac, Lauzerte and Auvillar are among the heritage destinations highlighted in Tarn-et-Garonne. Their features include a UNESCO-listed abbey and two villages that are among the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Lauzerte is also associated with the designations Compostelle, Site Patrimonial Remarquable, Ville et Métiers d’Art and Grand Site d’Occitanie. Together with its Plus Beaux Villages de France distinction, these represent a broad range of cultural and heritage connections.

Wine and regional produce

Wine tourism in Tarn-et-Garonne includes cellar and estate visits, meeting winegrowers and tastings. On the hillsides of Boudou and Moissac, the Gilbert, Ghislaine et Loïc Lavilledieu estate offers tours of its vineyards, including some with centuries-old vines.

One distinctive feature of Chasselas production is the handwork involved: each bunch of grapes is hand-trimmed for AOP certification. This work is often done by women known as chasselatières. The farm offers seasonal tastings of apricots and Chasselas grapes. As availability depends on the season, check the current arrangements before visiting.

Getting around the region

Moissac's compact town centre can be explored on foot. Moissac is also a stop on the Canal des Deux Mers line of the Occitanie Rail Tour. If you plan to use this tourist rail connection, check the latest information. Valence d’Agen has an SNCF railway station on the Bordeaux–Toulouse line, as well as regional liO bus services.

The four Grands Sites Occitanie in Tarn-et-Garonne can be explored on foot, by bike, by train or on a road trip. The region therefore offers various ways to include places and experiences in your travel plans. Choose your focus based on whether you prefer to get around on foot, plan a cycling or train trip, or set off by car.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Meauzac, Maubec, Lamothe-Capdeville, Valeilles, Boudou, Garganvillar, Montaigu-De-Quercy, Féneyrols, Labarthe, Lavit, Bruniquel, Réalville, Puycornet, Monbéqui, Corbarieu, Loze, Albias, Bourret, Montpezat-de-Quercy, Orgueil, Canals, Saint-Nicolas-De-La-Grave, Campsas, Montauban, Moissac, Montgaillard, Vaïssac, Cazals, Molières, Valence, Septfonds, Dunes, Touffailles, Beaumont-De-Lomagne, Castelsarrasin, Laguépie, Comberouger, Bressols, Grisolles, Fabas, Golfech, Bouillac, Puygaillard-de-Quercy, Varen, Lavaurette, Lacapelle-Livron, Sérignac, Varennes, Saint-Cirq, Labastide-Saint-Pierre, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Roquecor, Nègrepelisse, Saint-Urcisse, Auvillar, Mirabel, Caussade, Lamagistère, Montalzat, Caylus, Lafrançaise, Durfort-Lacapelette, Mansonville, Cayriech, Lauzerte, Monclar-De-Quercy, Saint-Arroumex, L'honor-De-Cos, Goudourville, Montagudet, Belvèze, Saint-Paul-Dʼespis, Saint-Beauzeil, Laparrouquial, Lacapelle-Ségalar, Penne, Milhars, Montjoi, Piquecos, Tréjouls, Montfermier, Fajolles, Saint-Projet, Puylaroque, 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, Cazes-Mondenard, Vazerac, Malause.

Back to the main travel overview: Midi Pyrenees.