20 July, Montbard, Burgundy Canal

The Burgundy Canal adventure began from Migennes and will end at Venary-Les Laumes near the site of the famous battle fought by the Gauls against Julius Caesar in 52 BC. The excavated Roman ruins there are a landmark in history and also mark the beginning of the staircase locks leading to the Pouilly tunnel, a no-go area for Anja. So after visiting the area we will return to Migennes and make our way across to the Loire area.

Canal barging is certainly a pleasant way to see the countryside. We’ve seen little traffic so far and quite a few have been marked with a “G’day mate” as other Aussies or Kiwis slowly motor past us in the narrow canals. The Dutch monster leaving the lock in the photo took off at speed and tried to suck us into it’s hull side. The hire boat behind us wasn’t tied up as we were and had a rough time. The canals are just 2m deep and a barge that size pushes the water in front, dropping the level substantially behind hence causing first a forward force then a vaccuum to the concern of other traffic like us.

Our days are spent doing perhaps 10 or 20 km and up to 10 locks before stopping around 6. We then have 3.5 hours of daylight to ride to the nearest village, prepare the BBQ and have a few local wines. First thing in the morning, around 0830! we cycle to the nearest Boulangerie for our fresh baguettes and croissants for the day - Oh it’s tough!