We left Briare on Thursday morning half an hour earlier than expected after a visit from the Capitaine and went through the three locks back out onto the Canal de Briare with a little speed boat behind us. From there we were in unknown territory heading North. It was a long day of 18 locks in 19 kms, a mix of automatic and lock keeper assisted, and arrived at 4.30 in Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses feeling a little tired out. Well I did anyway. But we took the bikes off and rode around the village having a good look at the ancient 7 ecluses.

Ancient 7 ecluses. Canal de Briare was built in the 17th C!

It was a lovely cool evening and we both slept very well. The next morning we set off at 10.30 and arrived in Chatillon-Coligny at 2pm, after only 6 locks. Very easy day with all the locks set for us so no waiting, although it was quite windy again. Chatillon is a really interesting medieval town.

What’s left of a chateau that didn’t make it through the Revolution.

Medieval building

Chatillon church

Another cool evening. I’m loving how easy it is to get to sleep! And no itchy bites either.

This morning (Saturday 1 August), we cast off at 9.30am, stopping at Montbouy for lunch and a bike ride to the ruins of a Gallo-Roman Amphitheater. It wasn’t open to the public but we could see it from the road.

Gallo-Roman Amphitheater

We continued onto Montargis, arriving around 4pm after 8 locks and about 25kms which sounds like a lot but the day felt pretty easy. Most of the locks had a lock keeper and some were automatic within a chain. Arriving in Montargis we went for a walk into the centre for a quick look before dinner. Tomorrow we will spend more time because it looks lovely. There are a network of tiny canals with some famous bridges giving Montargis the nickname of  ‘little Venice of the Gatinais’. Here are a couple of shots from our walk.

Chateau Montargis

Montargis

Its going to be hot tomorrow and Monday will be 37° so we are staying here in Montargis until Tuesday. It will give us a chance to buy some more Internet from the local Orange shop on Monday.

Bises