Day 1 Barging in Aquitaine

It's hard to leave on the day you pick up your boat unless you pay for early pickup. The locks close at 7 pm and the first lock is 5.2 km away. You can only go a maximum of 8 km/hour on the canal. You would have to leave by 6 pm to make it through the first lock.

There aren't many options for dinner in Le Mas d'Agenais on a Monday night. The only place that's open is a pizza place near the marina. There is a small store in town if you prefer to cook.

On Tuesday morning, Croustidor Boulangerie-Patisserie, a short walk from the marina, is open. Pick up croissants and have it on board.

The Canal Lateral a la Garonne parallels the Garonne. The canal is narrow and adorable.

There is a walking/biking path next to the canal. You can actually go faster by bike than by boat.

Many of the bridges are low. If you have a bimini on your boat, you will need to take it down to pass under the bridges.

La Halte is located right on the canal 3.6 km away. It's open early May to late September but I couldn't find the days it was open. You could dock your boat overnight for a fee. 

http://restaurant-lahalte.fr

The locks are all automatic on the Garonne and the Baise. Twist the vertical bar hanging in the middle of the canal 1/4 turn to trigger the lock process. Once the light is green, you can enter the lock. Send one person ashore to push the button to operate the lock. Secure the boat to the cleats on the side of the lock. The gate will close and the water will fill or empty. Once the water equilibrates, the other gate will open.

2018 05 15