Four Australians (twin sisters Carmel, Shirley and Jon and Bob) take a Pénichette canal boat through the River Baise and canals in the Aquitaine Region (south west) of France. It was April 2012, raining but with occasional bursts of warm sun.
Our boat is called the Castelmoron: "Castle of Morons" we soon named ourselves.
We were given instructions on how to steer from the Locaboat expert, and where to find the brakes (no brakes!). (Carmel and Jon have driven many canal boats before, but this boat was large, and a bit different.)
Our stylish galley. We had faxed our list, and the boating company (Locaboat Holidays) did the shopping, and filled the fridge. "Luxury!"
On our first night we decided to explore the little town of Valance sur Baise. It was our first taste of an 'ancient' sentinal town, using it's high vantage as a natural barrier against marauding foreigners. We got in anyway.. through a rather large hole in the wall.
We discovered a castle! (Well, just the local church by French standards.)
The next day we set off down the river. It was quite calm and somewhat narrow. Luckily Locaboat had done it's homework, and we fitted through.
Soon we came to our first lock. Carmel went ashore to guide us in and set the 'lock cycle' in motion.
... and work the ropes as the boat lowered in the lock.
I used my special magic: Open Sesame!
The boat was then able to continue on at the new lower level. Many more locks followed.
Some were 'manned', most were not. We had fun at all of them.
Soon the wilderness turned into township, as we entered the beautiful town, Condom.
Condom was closed. But full of pretty little streets...
and another little church.
It was here that we discovered the 'joined' trees. They were joined together with wires, and after a few years, the branches grafted. It became one large mass of leaves in summer.
The water was mesmerising.
Some locks were controlled by a hanging pipe, which you had to grab and turn while passing.
Filming in the rain!
The rain made great atmosphere.
Jon steering.
Dining table.
Painting on the top of the boat. To save space, I took a small roll of canvas, which cut into 12 panels. I took both watercolour and oils, but ended up using oils most of the time.
We flew the standard!
This French Knocker was on many country houses, and it took Bob's fancy. Every town we visited involved hunting through the hardware stores for one to buy. Eventually we were successful on our last day.
(in Agen.)
Ducks.
An otter!
Hello passing Pénichette!
We walk up hills to the prettiest views.
The Canal Garonne
Canals are different, as they have regularly spaced trees, and neat banks.
The canals also have old 'tow paths' at the side.
When the sun allowed, we rode these paths to find great painting spots.
We paint.
Go Carmel!
Sea legs v. bike legs. I think the sea wins.
Bob steering.
Mist over Meilhan. Carmel and I set off early to get breakfast: Fresh baguettes!
The mist was visible drops, like clear snow.
Our boat is second from the right.
Jon using a bucket and river water to clean the boat. They get quite dirty with the leaves, and muddy feet.
Canola seed in flower.
The last lock of our two week trip. :(
Normally we had between two and five locks each day, depending on how far we chose to travel.
Arriving in Agen by boat is quite spectacular. This is a canal bridge, going over the top of the Garonne River.
Canal over the river.
Then we travelled under bridges.
Views of the harbour from our final moor in Agen, watching the sunset.
Our last night on the canal boat.
Sadly our two weeks were finished too soon. We had to leave the boat and catch a train to Paris.
But we had a great time, and can recommend that everyone hire a canal boat at sometime in their lives. Bob's comment was that it was the most relaxing time he had ever had! (Which, when compared to skiing holidays, I guess it was.)
Big thank you to Locaboat at Agens. Very supportive and easy to deal with.
We can recommend them to all.
PS
To see the second half of our holiday: up through Amsterdam to the northern cities, click here
