Our 2015 voyage began 2nd May. We left Roanne and cruised down the Canal Lateral a la Loire, pausing at Decize, Nevers, Menetreol, Belleville, Beaulieu, Ouzouer sur Treze, Chatillon-Coligny, Montargis and St Moret; then into the Seine to Paris.

We spent several weeks on the beautiful Somme. We have been so impressed by the Somme. It has a natural beauty that is unique, unbelievably tranquil, and surprisingly, very little traffic. Like most rivers in France the Somme emerges from an underground source. It meanders its way to the sea exploring every depression of its wide valley. At times it is half a kilometre wide, a narrow tree lined channel cutting its way through a myriad of marshes and vast ponds teeming with fish and water birds.  

We continued through Champagne, spending time in Reims, Sillery, Ay sur Mareuil and Epernay.

We completed our cruise via the Champagne to Bourgogne canal, thence down the Saone to St Jean de Losne. A few days in Fragnes, Chagny, St Leger sur Dheune and Genelard along the Canal de Centre allowed us to catch up with family and friends before wintering Sable at Roanne.