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.
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.
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.
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.
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