And in the middle flows a river... Here, in the Tarn, to stroll and visit, you can ride on four or two wheels, walk, but you can also sail! To the rhythm of the lapping of the water, the landscapes are revealed at another pace and from another angle. To the adventure, freshwater sailors! At the start of the day, or at sunset, we embark on a mini river cruise at the mercy of the current on an emblematic boat: the gabarre.
Head to Albi, a change of scenery guaranteed
Cruising on the Tarn
Departure from Aiguelèze marina about ten minutes from Gaillac. In this small, peaceful port, a barge is moored and just waiting for us! Full of enthusiasm, we embark on a river trip along the Tarn. Sunny skies, birdsong, and gentle lapping, we feel like a fish in water, even if we don't have sea legs, our progress is so gentle and steady. Soothed by the coolness of the Tarn's banks, we share a pure moment of escape in the depths of the meanders of the river, before discovering the highlight of the show: the majestic view from below of the Sainte-Cécile d'Albi Cathedral. In the afternoon, we set foot on land and take the opportunity to stroll through the narrow streets, before boarding for the return trip! An opportunity to capture new details glimpsed along the water in the heart of the fauna and flora of this wild and natural river... Here, there are no seals sunbathing on the beach, but you might spot herons and why not, a few catfish waddling in the water. That's what seeing life in slow motion is all about!
Practical information and reservations: Albi Cruises, barge rides and boat rental – 05 63 43 59 63 or online.
A one-way trip is also possible, but you will need to organize the return trip, which cannot be done by boat.
Taste and enjoy
Gliding on the water, the time of an aperitif
At dusk, when the welcome shade spreads over the river, and the sun glows red behind the trees, it is time for a rather unusual boat trip. The principle is simple: we embark on a round trip on the Tarn in the company of a Gaillac winemaker. In this bucolic setting, the commented tasting of several wines accompanied by an aperitif plate takes on a different charm. We appreciate the calm and serenity of the nautical escapade and we perceive all the better the intensity of the aromas of the wine.
- Practical information: Boarding at the Port of Aiguelèze. Reservation required.
- Gaillac Visit – Book your aperitif on a barge – Tel. 06 70 51 84 51 – www.gaillacvisit.fr
Sometimes the aperitif plate made up of local products can be more exotic... How about tasting oysters? On special dates, we cast off with La BouillaSeb, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Gaillacois!
What is a gabarre?
It's about a flat-bottomed boat once intended to transport goods. Thus, long before you, Gaillac wine made many trips on the water following the course of the Tarn then the Garonne towards Bordeaux before finally seeing the shores of England. Often, the barges were pulled by horses along towpaths that have now disappeared.
Today, in the Tarn as on many rivers and streams, we take advantage of these boats to travel on the water in complete safety.
Friends
Once a sail, always a sail
From the Port of Aiguelèze, you can become a skipper on a motorboat! Whatever the occasion, a hen or stag party, an aperitif or a picnic with friends, boat rental is possible. Several options are available. For a moment of conviviality, choose the "donut" boat without a license. You can sail completely independently sitting around a table. Like on a terrace, but on the water! For a little getaway in 60s style, the vintage boat is perfect. Finally, to enjoy a group on a traditional mini-boat, take the gabarot or the cozy boat for a more modern trip.
As close as possible to the waves
And we paddle!
Not a fan of riverboat rides and tourism on the water? To admire the fauna and flora up close and take the time to go where you want, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats remain the classic but effective solution! We take the opportunity to stop at the water's edge, cross the Tarn to the other bank.
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