Among the many leisure activities offered in the summer around Auch, the activity “river cruise”Particularly appealed to me. So can we momentarily abandon the charming little roads and bucolic paths that allow us to survey the Gers countryside and let ourselves sail along the water? Let's get off the beaten track and head for the Baïse (pronounce BE-IZ, the locals will understand you better).

Gascony navigation

The port of Condom is unmissable: located in the heart of the city, access is facilitated by a large free car park. Here I am in Gascogne navigation, in front of the entrance to its captaincy.

Gascogne navigation le d'Artagnan

The welcome is very professional and attentive. The friendly team is made up of 6 people including Philippe the captain, Florence the chef who officiates in the kitchen, the hostess Vanessa who is notably in charge of the seamanship during the passage of the lock.

Nautical excursion or cruise

To each his own rhythm and his boat: Gascogne navigation offers to discover the Baïse with family, friends or in groups with small boats without license, pedal boats, cruises aboard the D'Artagnan.

Petits bateaux

These are available as a discovery walk, picnic cruise or lunch cruise. When making my reservation, I choose this formula looking forward to the pleasure of eating while sailing!

The D'Artagnan, panoramic boat

So here I am at 11:45 am sharp on the quay where Le D'artagan is waiting. Let's get on board!

The D'Artagnan can accommodate up to 60 guests in lunch cruise mode, while it has 70 seats for the discovery walk. The large bay windows allow us not to miss anything!

Cast off !

The captain takes the helm, it is time for me to join my table placed at the bow. As the boat gradually moves away, the captain tells us some safety rules and wishes us a good appetite!

vue croisière

Let's go for a climb up the Baïse!

A real Gascon meal

On the menu, a real meal from the southwest of France concocted with local products: Gers salad, grilled duck breast and its accompaniment, frozen dessert with Pousse Rapière * all this accompanied by drinks. No microwave here! A kitchen is installed on board and allows Florence to work the ingredients while respecting their freshness. Succulent!

Plat gascon

A dive in the wild Gers

From my outpost, I also gaze at the river that awaits us, calm and wooded. A great tranquility emerges from this winding course.

The works on the Baïse

The boat approaches the Gauge drop, announcing the lock of the same name. The passage in this Gauge lock is done very gently. And already we are again surrounded by unspoiled nature where it is not rare to see a heron. This river is a delight for fishermen because it is full of fish: roach, bream, pike, pike-perch, carp, tench, come to tease the corks.

Berges auch
Jogging on the banks - Auch

A commented cruise

While the landscape and the dishes pass by, Philippe gives comments on the performance of the boat whose fuel is “green”. He also tells us about the river and its history. Thus we learn that in the past, there were no trees on the banks to facilitate the hauling of boats which were towed by oxen or horses. These boats, barges and barges, were used from the 19th century for the export of Armagnac brandy and cereals. Today, these paths are used by walkers.

Gouvernail

2 hours of navigation but not only

During this cruise, I got to know the only waterway in the Gers, this wild river that begins on the Lannemezan plateau and joins the Garonne canal. I enjoyed an activity accessible to all, organized by a dynamic and caring team. Finally, my taste buds were feasted and my eyes too!

verre et Gouvernail

LEARN MORE
Website :
Biscay Navigation
Contact : info@gascogne-navigation.com
Phone: + 33 (0) 5 62 28 46 46
mobile / whatsapp: + 33 (0) 6 81 68 34 25

* alcohol is dangerous for health, to consume in moderation

Nature / Hiking

. boat . river cruise. Gers. Nautical excursion. Savage
adurgreco

Aline

29st June 2018