Map of canal route
Canal Lateral a la Garonne
After the fast flowing and scary Gironde, tranquillity
at Castets.
The canal is 193 kms long and has 53 locks, most of
which are automatic. |
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There were very few barges or hire (bumper) boats
and less yachts. Our keel is 1.5m deep (fresh water 1.6), she did not touch
very often and we could moor at the bank most nights. Local farmers do pump
water from the Canals to water their fields and the level could be down by
6 inches in the morning, leaving the keel dug in quite firmly! |
Halte Nautiques were provided at most villages
and facilities were excellent, with free water, electricity and usually shops
nearby for supplies. The disadvantage on these "concrete banks" was the lack
of shade , however plane trees all down the canals gave welcome shade from
the midday sun. Restaurants charged 50-80 francs for the set menu and
local wine was often included! |
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Toulouse the junction of the two Canals.
This a beautiful spot, set in a park......the only downside is the traffic
noise from nearby motorways and the occasional visiting tramp.
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Canal du
Midi
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The Canal du Midi is 240 kms from Toulouse
to Sete and has 65 locks, about half are automatic and the other half manned.
They are a lot older (1670) and shallower which means more flights of locks.The
7 locks of Foncerannes is the biggest challenge, hire boats crews have little
boating experience, have consumed lots of wine and don't seem to care about
damage to boats or lock gates! BEWARE
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Port Vendre on the French/Spanish border, a modified
photograph showing the church and fishing fleet. It was sad leaving France
which had been our home for 6 months. However we were keen to find somewhere
to tie up securely for the winter so we crossed the border to
Spain. |
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