Towpath, Towpath in Bouziès, France
The Bouziès towpath runs approximately eight kilometers along the Lot River, carved into limestone cliffs that rise 80 meters above the water and offer walkers continuous views of the winding river below.
Built in 1847 to facilitate river navigation, this towpath enabled horses and workers to tow barges loaded with Cahors wine, dried plums, and wooden goods upstream toward Bordeaux until commercial shipping ceased in 1926.
The route features contemporary art installations including a 30-meter bas-relief sculpture by Daniel Monnier near Ganil Lock, depicting local flora, fauna, and fossils integrated into the natural cliff face.
The trail is accessible to mountain bikes and all-terrain strollers, with paid parking available at Bouziès during summer months and approximately three hours required for the complete round-trip walk.
The historic Ganil Lock maintains its original manual operation system with stone steps, allowing modern boaters to experience the traditional methods of waterway management used during the commercial shipping era.
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