The Garonne lateral canal was constructed between 1838 and 1856, thus connecting Toulouse to the navigable Garonne at Castillon, near Bordeaux. An extension of the Midi canal, this waterway completed the long wished project of a canal of the Two Seas. Bordering the Tarn river, the city of Montauban was isolated from this new and potentially very profitable network. In 1844, authorities agreed to build a short branch between Montech, on the Garonne lateral canal, and the Tarn. It was opened in 1856 with the lateral canal. The Montech canal is only 10 kilometres long and has 10 locks. The Montech water slope, which allows 40-metres long boats to bypass five locks, is located on the Garonne lateral canal.
With its small and pretty port, dozens of historical monuments, parks and museums, Montauban is well worth a visit. Located in an ancient episcopal palace, the Ingres-Bourdelle Museum holds a large art and archaeological collection. In 2016, a private collector opened a Toy Museum. An ancient bastide town with elegant arcades and grand pink houses perfect for strolling, Montauban also has water sports opportunities.