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Connoissuer Canal Boats
Crusing Area: France - Lot
Bases: Douelle
Please note: There are no lock keepers on the
River Lot, but the manual locks
are straightforward to operate.
However, because of the river
currents, we recommend this
region for people with some
boating experience.
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Enjoy a boating holiday cruising through the dramatic scenery of the river Lot.
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Wide gorges and towering limestone cliffs frame your journey to famous spots such as the medieval town of Cahors and the fascinating Pech Merle caves.
Jump off your hire boat and swim in the clear waters to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
A bird watcher’s delight, the Lot valley is renowned for the wild birds that can be seen including colourful kingfishers, majestic eagles and graceful herons.
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Regional Highlights |
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• Prehistoric cave drawings at
the Peche-Merle Caves
• 7th Century hilltop stone
village - St-Cirq Lapopie
• Cahor’s 14th Century
Valentré Bridge - join in the
700 year celebrations in 2008! |
| Our base at Douelle is perfectly
situated for exploring the Lot in
both directions – west towards
the Gallic town of Luzech and east
as far as Larnagol which is newly
open to navigation.
Orchards, vineyards and pine
forests colour the landscape,
and picnics on the riverbank,
swimming in the clear waters and
fishing from your boat are all fun
to do. For a change of cruising
style, kayaks and canoes are
available to hire at various sites
along the river and make for a
fun day out. And of course, the
natural environment of the Lot
is home to an amazing array of
wildlife; watch otters playing on
the riverbanks and kingfishers
and herons fishing for food, while
majestic eagles can be seen
soaring the skies above.
Bring your binoculars!
Discover the Lot on horseback!
If you love horse-riding, why
not hire your own horse to take along with you! Local stables
can provide everything you need
from riding tackle to hay, giving
you a unique chance to explore
the beautiful countryside on
horseback while others in your
party cruise. A detailed itinerary,
including best places to stop for
the evening for you and your
horse is provided. Speak to the
sales teams for more details and
they will be happy to help. |
Connoissuer Lot Fleet
Click vessel below for more details |
| Sleeping 8+ Passengers |
Magnifique
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Valentré (1230FB A) |
| Sleeping 6+ Passengers |
| Commodore Plus (Comm 1370 B) |
| Sleeping 4+ Passengers |
| Merchant (1070FB) |
| Caprice |
| Traditional 1135D/E |
| Corvette B |
| Sleeping 2+ Passengers |
| Ha’Penny (900FB) |
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Suggested Cruises
Please see map above - routes shown by colour
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The Douelle Cruise
Douelle - Luzech - Crégols - Douelle |
| cruise the River Lot in either direction
and experience the delights of this
wonderful waterway at your leisure.
Travel west to the pretty town of Luzech,
situated in a huge loop of the river and
dominated by the 13th century Chapelle
de Notre-Dame-de-l’Île. The church is
dedicated to the boatmen who once
transported the local Cahors wines by
barge to Bordeaux.
Heading east, the imposing 7th century
castle at Mercuès towers over the river. |
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1 Week
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Return Trip
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128 kms
- 28 Locks
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27 hours
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| Its famous restaurant is well worth visiting. Cruise on to the historic town of Cahors and pass under the town’s medieval masterpiece – the 14th
century Valentré Bridge, a stunning
structure with three towers. Enjoy a
glass of Cahors wine or treat yourself
to some delicious foie gras and truffles
– specialities of the Quercy region!
Further on at Arcambal you can stop
for a refreshing glass of locally-brewed
Bière d’Olt.
Cruise along the foot of the Bouzies cliffs
en route to the 7th century stone village
of St Cirq Lapopie perched high on the
cliffs and one of the best-loved sights
along the river. Spend some time in this
delightful medieval village and discover
its red roofed, timber-fronted, honey
coloured houses dating from the 13th-
16th centuries. Famous for its crafsmen
through the ages – the streets today
still bear the names of the crafts once
made there. Over the years, many artists
have made this ancient village their
home – inspired by its old-world charm,
peacefulness and surrounding beauty.
For a different perspective on art you
can cycle to the famous Pech-Merle
caves close to the town of Cabrerets and marvel at the prehistoric drawings and
remarkable stalagmites in this 2km long
natural art gallery underground.
Since 2007 it has been possible to cruise
as far as Larnagol as efforts to open
up the Lot to navigation continue. This
fortified village, once a centre for silkworm
farming, dominates the river and
is one of the most picturesque spots on
the river. The nearby village and château
at Calvignac are great for a final cycle
ride before heading back to Douelle. |
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© 2004 UK and Europe Travel - A Division of BTEC Travel Pty Ltd.
Telephone: (+61 3) 9584 0896 Fax: (+61 3) 9584 0840 Toll-Free Australia: 1300 663854
Office Address: Suite 4, 116 Balcombe Road, Mentone, VIC 3194, Australia
Mailing Address: PO Box 5309, Mordialloc, VIC 3195, Australia
TCF Number: #8732,
License Number: #32610
 
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