Wednesday 11 July - cycle to Aiguillon, then along the River Lot to Clairac

Rode to Aiguillon to get train tickets for the trip to Moissac on Thursday. While we were there we checked out the local sights and Rita checked out the dress shops. As often happens in France, the local cat usually finds the warmest place to have a nap in the window of the shop.

Since we were so close, we then continued on to have a look at the River Lot. The Lot is our ambition for 2013 cruising. However, as many others have found, it's often not easy to get there. Bob Marsland had just returned in the previous week, having been delayed in his return for a couple of weeks. To get to the Lot you have to leave the Garonne Canal at Buzet, travel down the Baise River for a little while, before going through a lock onto the Garonne River near Saint-Leger. You then go downstream for a while before making a sharp right turn into another lock which provides access to the River Lot. The Garonne River is the problem. If there is too much water in the river (after heavy rains) then the flow is too great and it's very difficult to make the right turn into the Lot. If there is too little water, the water level drops and the speed increases, and once again it is difficult. There is a narrow window of water levels where the crossover is possible, and then only with the assistance of an experienced pilot. Coming back from the Lot, a fast-running river makes the left turn into the Garonne River difficult, as well as the haul back up river against the flow.

Once at the Lot, however, all the effort seems to be worthwhile. The water in the Lot River is crystal clear, and most of the towns are very attractive. The lock and old mill at Aiguillon are shown below, with canal at left and river on right. While we were there, some men in suits were walking round the old mill with architectural plans in hand, so they are either planning to renovate or demolish the old mill. Time will tell!

Since we were there, and had our bikes, it seemed a shame not to explore a little further, so we headed up river to Clairac where, to our surprise, we found a beach on the side of the river, and a very welcoming restaurant for a nice cool drink.

Then, under threatening skies, we made our way back on country roads to Buzet, past tobacco fields and old farmhouses.  All in all, a long but satisfying ride.