Saône River to Chalon-sur-Saône

August 28 Wednesday – Another early departure (we’d heard Tournus was always overcrowded and we wanted a spot for sure. We arrived to a nearly empty dock yet again – and again that didn’t last long. As you move into the naïve you move into the oldest barrel vaulted church in France. The technique allowed for windows to let light in. A stop for an afternoon coffee and ice cream before returning to the boat. Back aboard we just in time to see Grelige Henriette motor past, we had met Bill and Winnie the year we took our ICC certification exam (2015). When we came back in port after the exam they invited us over for wine to celebrate. It was nice to share a glass and catch up with old friends, this made for a complete day.

Église St-Philibert - the first Romanesque church
in France to use barrel vaulting - allowing them
windows to let in light.

Spent the afternoon touring Église St-Philibert. The oldest part of the church dates back to the 10th Century.

Exploring the alleyways on Tournus.

Thursday – Being in town meant boulangeries, which meant fresh croissants for breakfast and fresh bread for lunch. We walked the town trail, running into Bill and Winnie and family again. In the afternoon we walked to the Velo Musee that traced the history of the bicycle from its earliest version to carbon fiber racing machines and finally hit the super marche for provisions. Tomorrow we are on our way again.

We have three of the larger écluse to do on the Saône. After the Freycinet standard écluse we are used to on the canals
we feel lost in the space. Plus the lock keeper sits in a tower, so all is empty except us and this large expanse of water.

Welcome to Chalon-sur-Saône - Tour de France

Afternoon coffee in the square.

Friday – Another early start, our first big écluse and our longest day, so far this year, nearly 40km. Beautiful calm morning cruising through lovely agricultural land with the occasional small town or old building. Arriving at Chalon-sur-Saône the dock is again only about half full, making it easy to find a spot in a marina notorious for being full. After a toast to Poseidon and a well deserved  lunch we were off to explore the old town, starting with another impressive cathedral. As the afternoon heat caught up with us we returned to Juniper to sit in what shade we could find for the rest of the day.

The next day was also predicted to be hot (mid 90s with high humidity and no breeze). We walked into town early to do the town walk. Enjoying the variety of buildings and houses, from half timbered houses to major stone buildings. We stopped along the way at a wedding celebration outside the Hotel de Ville, at which Joan was recruited to take pictures for them. Then finished off our in-town time at the Musée Nicéphore-Niépce. Nicéphore-Niépce, born in Chalon-sur-Saône is credited with being the inventor of photography. Back aboard Juniper it was laundry day, followed by dinner and an evening visiting the couple from Denmark on the boat in front of us.

Sunday market in the church square - We then found it extended down the side street for a few blocks

Chalon-sur-Saône Sunday Market - Buying provisions for our next few days. Getting used to fresh picked local food.

Sunday – At last a cool day was predicted. To celebrate we slept in a bit, had a hot breakfast then were off to the Sunday market happening in the cathedral square. After market and lunch, it was time for boat chores: cleaning, vacuuming, electrical work and a little provisioning as we continue up the Saône in the morning.