It’s not where you’re going, but how you get there.
From the Tourist office located in the old paper mill, begin a hour-and-a-half stroll of discovery along the Canal de Garonne. You will discover an outstanding site, both natural and technical : the Pente d’eau of Montech, an important site in Occitania.
This excursion, full of surprises, leads you to the “Machine” of the Pente d’eau and its barge where you will find an engrossing interactive space. Take command of the “Machine” and move up the slope !
A journey in 11 stages awaits adults and children in order to discover the world of the canal and its remarkable structures.
This site offers lots of outside activities, both recreational and nautical, to all
A world first !
The Pente d’eau is a remarkable technical achievement that entered into service in 1974 and was closed to navigation in 2009.
Imagine a “boat lift” located in the canal running parallel to the Garonne near Montech.
This structure, a world first, allowed you to avoid 5 successive locks and to gain 45 minutes. Weighing almost 1700 metric tons and pushing nearly 1500 cubic metres of water over 125 metres, this machine once ensured the passage of 250 tons of merchandise. This invention, 100% French, cannot fail to impress you.
Nowadays, it is a major part of local industrial patrimony and the site pays tribute to the inventiveness of Man and especially its engineer Jean Aubert.
Restored in an innovative way, the Pente d’eau is decked out in new colours to welcome its visitors.
There is a museum on board the barge “Freycinet” (almost 40 metres long) where you will journey deep into the secretive heart of this incredible mechanism.
So, without hesitation, board the “Altaïr” using the footbridge which will let you get closer to the machine.
Activities - parks and playgrounds
The site is also a wonderful place for a family stroll.
Two parks, (one at the entrance to the paper mill and the other near the Machine) provide space for a picnic, a nap or a “go” on a swing.
Cyclists or walkers, have a break !
At the 13th lock, a number of services are available including toilets, benches and air for tyres ; fresh drinks are sometimes available during the summer.
While walking, you will be surprised by the strange universe inspired by Memphis, the artistic and architectural movement, started in Italy in 1980.
Colours, singular forms inspired by the world of transport and its signage, visual jokes and lights… All this invites you to look at the site with a poetic eye, so keep it open !
Share your best photos with us.
#lapentedeaudemontech
Lock-keepers’ houses
You feel the need for excercise ?
The site is an ideal place for all your open-air activities !
By bike, on rollerblades, or on foot, the green Highway lets you get around as you wish.
Do you prefer to be on the water ?
Go to the 11th lock, near the paper mill. You can rent a paddle board, a canoe, or a rowing-boat and travel differently.
The “Maison de site” Intercommunal tourist office
Your walk starts here, where the adventure begins !
The intercommunal tourist office/”Maison de site” of the Pente d’eau, located in the old paper mill will offer you a number of services :
- tourist info
- exhibition
- children area
- WIFI
Don’t miss the official shop where you can find original souvenirs and local products of the southern part of Tarn-et-Garonne.
Walking tours
For groups, we propose themed activities for group walks along the canal, reservation only.
For school groups, (from 7 years old), a learning pack, which offers three choices of route, is available to teachers who wish to include this activity in the program.
Fill out the necessary form and send your request.
We will contact you to confirm availability arrangements for your arrival on site.
Opening times
Montech Tourist office
| 12 April - 15 June | 16 June - 13 July | 14 July - 17 August | 18 August - 21 September | 22 September - 2 November | 3 November - 11 April 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 1am 2pm - 6pm Closed : 1 May | Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 1pm 2pm - 6pm Sunday 2pm - 6pm | Monday to Saturday 9am30 - 1pm 2pm - 7pm Sunday 10am - 1 am 2pm - 6pm | Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 1pm 2pm - 6pm Sunday 2pm - 6pm
| Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 1am 2pm - 6pm Closed : 11 November | Tuesday to Saturday 2pm - 5pm Closed : 11 November 25 December - 03 January 2026 Annual closure - Happy holidays! |
|
Opening times
The Barge
| 12 April - 15 June | 16 June - 13 July | 14 July - 17 August | 18 August - 21 September | 22 September - 2 November | 3 November - 11 April 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 1am 2pm - 6pm Closed 1 May | Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 1am 2pm - 6pm Sunday 2pm - 6pm | Monday to Saturday 9am30 - 1pm 2pm - 7pm Sunday 10am - 1am 2pm - 6pm | Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 1am 2pm - 6pm Sunday 2pm - 6pm | Tuesday to Saturday 2pm - 6pm | Only for groups and schools from Monday to Friday |
Access
By Bike
The sign "Accueil Vélo"
signifies that the site is certified officially
as one which welcomes cyclists.
2 “green” cycle paths cross the site
pedestrians can use them safely
Green cycle paths on the Canal de Garonne
From Toulouse
45.92 km
From Moissac
23.40 km
Green cycle path on the Canal de Montech
From Montauban
11.40km
Disabled person access - Picnic - Push-chairs
By car
From Toulouse
A62 - Exit : Castelnau d'Estrétefonds
D 813 / 49.7 km
From Moissac
D 813 / 22.8 km
From Montauban
D 928 / 13.8 km
By boat
Speed limit on the canals
7.5 km/h
On the canal de Garonne
From Toulouse (Saint-Sauveur harbour)
59km, 12 locks, 10 hours
From Moissac (Canal Moissac harbour)
21km, 15 locks, 6 hours
On the canal de Montech
From Montauban (Canal Montauban harbour)
11km, 9 locks, 3 hours