Author Archives: lesley-jane

Too little Toulouse

Three days and nights in Toulouse only allowed us to touch the surface of this interesting city. We fitted in some of the sights, some of the gardens, some of the culture, and lots of wandering through narrow streets with fascinating architecture. The weather and light was not kind to the photographer most of theContinue reading “Too little Toulouse”

Remainder of the Midi – L’Oestward to Toulouse

We’re off! It’s been nice having a slow start to the season – we feel that the boat is prepared, the kitchen stocked, and the wine cellar full, but the crew are now restless and wanting to feel the movement of the boat beneath their feet. We left Castelnaudary and immediately the views South acrossContinue reading “Remainder of the Midi – L’Oestward to Toulouse”

Absorbing the deep south of France along the Canal du Midi

  ‘Built on the orders of the sun king, Louis XIV, the Canal du Midi is listed by the UN as one of the “most remarkable feats of civil engineering” but also a natural work of art.’     Wikipedia   The rest of the comments in italics are those of Captain Stu We had crossedContinue reading “Absorbing the deep south of France along the Canal du Midi”

Between the sky and the sea – the Canal de Rhone a Sete + Etang de Thau

    Calliope joined the canal from le Petit Rhone at St-Gilles lock – a lock already mentioned in the last chapter, with the minuscule drop of 15cms –  with ropes fore and aft and lifejackets as required . . . .  Now we were truly away from the delights of rivers and back onContinue reading “Between the sky and the sea – the Canal de Rhone a Sete + Etang de Thau”

Two Rivers Cruise – La Saone et Le Rhone

From Chalon-sur-Saone, through Lyon, to Saint-Gilles Thursday 18 August 2016 Leaving Fragnes (we like Fragnes) after a full moon night and just after breakfast we had a final short trip on Canal du Centre from countryside towards La Sâone. First we had to pass the the industrial end of Chalon-sur- Sâone, with the usual warehouses,Continue reading “Two Rivers Cruise – La Saone et Le Rhone”

Sauntering through Canal du Centre

Whoops whoops whoops! Pressed ‘Publish’ by mistake! But now all sorted I think.   I’m taking a break from lots of words for this canal section, but still got lots of pictures to share. We joined the canal at Digoin, mooring by the viaduct, and with Keeva and Abi still on board. After breakfast amongstContinue reading “Sauntering through Canal du Centre”

Roanne and Return

Three days getting there from Diou; three days RnR at Roanne; two days back to Digoin, although maybe the RnR was more Rock n Roll than Rest n Relaxation because we picked up 17-yearolds Keeva and Abi while in Roanne! So it started calmly enough – in fact very gentle and peaceful; we liked it!Continue reading “Roanne and Return”

Lateral to La Loire

We said good-bye to the Canal de Nivernais at Decize, but still had a few more days before we were to say good-bye to Jenny and  Charlie so as a boatload of 4 we voyaged down a small section of La Loire to join the lateral canal. Two seemingly big, adjacent, locks called Ter andContinue reading “Lateral to La Loire”

14 days on the Nivernais Canal

If you are ever going on the Nivernais, allow a month or more. There are lots of lovely places to enjoy and explore. Our 14 days were magical, and tiring! We were on a mission to meet firstly two friends, and then a grand-daughter, hence the speedy trip.   Talkin’ ’bout Migennes-eration – a goodContinue reading “14 days on the Nivernais Canal”