The Yonne to the Nivernais

Joigny to Corbigny - 7 days to go 103km, 67 locks and about 10 lifting bridges.

Day 1 - Night 1. We arrived by train at the Marina and got our boat training. Then off to the grocery store with 2 bikes to get groceries for a week...3 trips to the store later and we were set to leave the next morning.

Arrival at our boat

Swans everywhere

Getting settled in

All the work done for the day. Time to relax

Day 2 We set off for Auxerre first thing in the morning (9:20am). One thing that we noticed about the French is that they really like to stick to their time tables. The locks open at 09:00 were always closed between 12-13 for lunch, most restaurants open at 7 for dinner, because earlier than that would be uncivilized. Not much of anything is open on Sundays. After a long day on the water (11 hours, 30 km and 12 locks) we arrived in Auxerre to find the Marina to be very busy. We didn't feel like doubling up so we proceeded down the river and had our first boat camping on the side of the river

As the locks fill, must hold on

Auxerre

Camp for night 2

Day 3 We left even earlier (right at 9) because we knew we had another long day ahead of us, 29km. We made it all the way to Mailly-la-Ville. It was a nice enough spot, but early the next day, we had regret that we hadn't travelled 15 more minutes down the canal to Mailly-le-Chateau. A much more picturesque location. 

On day 1, the locks were intimidating, but by day 2, we were very comfortable with them. We were able to get off and help the lock keepers open and close the gates and doors. Thomas was especially keen to help as it kept him busy when it wasn't possible to run or bike between locks.

Day 4 - Our first early arrival day was at Chatel-Censoir. The Marina was ok, but finally we were able to go explore the town a little. We visited Saint-Potentien abbey church (XII century historical monument) that was said to be first used by the druids. We were even able to find a pub and a small restaurant for dinner. 

Saint-Potentien Abbey Church

Treats for all

Day 5 Clamecy

The voyage to Clamecy was so beautiful. Fields of sunflowers and castles off in the distance. We arrived early in the town, around mid afternoon. It was a beautiful small town that allowed us to pick up supplies and we were able to send the kids off to get treats on their own as it was a 5 minute walk from the marina. 

These 2 reminded me of another 2 I know

Our first lifting bridge. The things they trust tourists to do.

As great as Clamecy was, we found that we should have stopped for supplies and then continued down further yet again.

Day 6 Tannay

These double locks were about 2.9m tall. Those large doors were quite intimidating.

Our final night on the boat, we had to watch the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.

Day 7 As we pulled into Corbigny, I had happy sad feelings. We were ready to move on to explore new parts of France and watch some Olympics, but we had also grown very comfortable on our small little vessel. We found that it was great to do this trip in a one way direction. Going up stream made the locks a slight bit more tricky as we started with lower water levels and had to toss our ropes pretty far, but they were still easy enough and of course the lock keepers were helpful when we didn't manage to get our lines on to the higher pylons. 

This trip was a highlight for sure. Maybe one day we'll be back. Note to self, get a bigger boat next time :)

~Michelle