Boating in France Archives

Maps - CEVNI - Canal du Midi history

Pages : all 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

The rivers and canals in france, and other trips we have done.

2004 - Moving from England to France

1. July 2004
Getting ready to set off from Leeds
Organizing our trip across the Channel. We will be lifted out at Newark Marina and go back in the water at Chantier Fluvial De Migennes France, south of Paris.
2. August 2004
York to Newark on the River Ouse and River Trent
All enjoying the sunshine in York, captain Sharon taking the helm on the river Ouse
3. August 2004
Boat lifted out at Newark Marina Transport to France
Newark Marina doing our CEVNI European Waterways regulations course and prepare the boat to go to France.
4. September 2004
Chantier Fluvial De Migennes boatyard in France
From Newark Marina to Chantier Fluvial De Migennes boatyard at 25km from Auxerre on the River Yonne at the entrance of Canal de Bourgogne in France.
5. September 2004
River Yonne Migennes to Auxerre, Joigny and Sens
Our first experience on the French canals and rivers towards Auxerre Joigny and Sens on the River Yonne
6. September 2004
Canal de Bourgogne Migennes to Dijon
Setting off from Migennes along the Canal de Bourgogne towards Dijon. The Canal de Bourgogne is 242km long and has 189 cut stone locks.
7. October 2004
Canal de Bourgogne Saint Jean de Losne River Saone
We had a good mooring in Dijon and now we are heading for Saint Jean de Losne at the junction of Canal de Bourgogne and River Saone.
8. November 2004
Winter mooring Saint Jean de Losne Burgundy France
Our first winter mooring in Burgundy France, time to explore Saint Jean de Losne.
9. December 2004
Christmas Xmas and New Year in Saint Jean de Losne Burgundy France
Christmas in Saint Jean de Losne we are all getting ready for the Xmas decorations on our boats and prepare the New Years party in Burgundy France.

2005 - From Paris to Carcassonne

10. January 2005
Saint Jean de Losne to Wengen Switzerland
Lots of snow and ice in Saint-Jean-de-Losne so we made atrip to Wengen Switzerland to see the world men's ski race.
11. February 2005
Car touring journey to South France and Spain
We wanted to see the south of France to look at possible moorings for next winter.
12. March 2005
Spain, South France and back to Saint Jean de Losne
Driving back From Spain, South France to Saint Jean de Losne through fields of lemon and orange groves then onto the vine fields and back.
13. April 2005
Salon Nautique PaquesBoat Saint Jean de Losne
Wandering around Salon Nautique PaquesBoat at Saint Jean de Losne. We visited some very nice boats, need to win the lottery to buy one, but worth viewing for ideas.
14. May 2005
River Saone and Doubs, Canal du Centre towards Paris
We headed for the town Digoin were the Canal du Centre ends and becomes Canal Lateral a la Loire after crossing the River Loire, via the spectacular aqueduct.
15. June 2005
The Bourbonnais Route from Chalon sur Saone to Paris
The Bourbonnais route : Four canal's in the centre of France from Chalon-sur-Saone to Paris
16. June 2005
Paris Port Arsenal-Bastille Marina Port de Plaisance
We were moored in Paris Port Arsenal-Bastille marina for a month. The port de plaisance is just off the River Seine via a lock.
17. July 2005
Paris to Auxerre via River Seine and River Yonne
On the move again from River Seine onto the River Yonne heading for Auxerre, we are now bound south for the mediterranean like the swallows do for the winter.
18. August 2005
Canal du Nivernais from Auxerre to Decize
The Canal du Nivernais links The River Yonne to Decize in the Loire Valley, 174 Kilometres long and 110 locks, was first proposed in 1708 opened in 1842.
19. September 2005
Chagny to Valence via Canal du Centre, River Saone and River Rhone
We are traveling from Chagny to Charlon-sur-Saone, Macon and Lyon where River Saone meets the River Rhone to Port de Plaisance Valence
20. October 2005
Valence to Carcassonne via Camargue, Etang de Thau and Canal du Midi
Port de Plaisance Valence River Rhone to the Camargue, cruising Canal du Rhone a Sete to Etang de Thau and Canal du Midi to Port de Plaisance Carcassonne.
21. November 2005
Port de Plaisance Carcassonne on the Canal du Midi
Port de Plaisance Carcassonne our new home for the winter, it has a world-famous mediaeval citadel, and the Canal du Midi runs in the middle of the town.
22. December 2005
Christmas Xmas and New Year in Port de Plaisance Carcassonne France
Christmas in Carcassonne with Xmas decorations on our boats and Mayor gives permission for New Years party in Port de Plaisance of Carcassonne.

2006 - From Carcassonne to Bordeaux

23. January 2006
Carcassonne France to Andorra and Gibraltar Spain
On our way from Carcassonne France to Gibraltar Spain, we stopped over night in Andorra, just over two hours drive from the boat.
24. February 2006
Gibraltar Spain to Carcassonne France
We thoroughly enjoyed the roller coaster ride of the cliffs and wonderful mountains along this very scenic coast from Gibraltar back to Carcassonne.
25. March 2006
Trips to Andorra and Spain from Carcassonne
This month we explored Carcassonne area, visited Andorra twice and went to the Salvador Dali museum in Figueres Spain.
26. April 2006
Wine Festival in La Digne d'Aval near Limoux
We paid 5 euros each on entry and where given a special wine glass all engraved, plus tokens for four glasses of wine of your choice.
27. April 2006
Carcassonne to Castelnaudary on the Canal du Midi
We left Carcassonne cruising to Bram and Castelnaudary on the Canal du Midi. Castelnaudary is very famous for it's Cassoulet.
28. May 2006
Fete-du-Nautisme Castelnaudary on the Canal du Midi
We were invited by the president of Fete-du-Nautisme in Castelnaudary he thought our boat was magnificent and wanted it to be on show.
29. June 2006
Castelnaudary to Toulouse on Canal lateral a la Garonne
Toulouse marks the end of the Canal du Midi and the start of the Canal lateral a la Garonne.
30. July 2006
Canal lateral a la Garonne Moissac Buzet Meilhan
Moissac on the Canal lateral a la Garonne is famous for it's Romanesque architecture and especially it's 11th century cloistered abbey.
31. August 2006
River Baise from Nerac to Valence-sur-Baise
Nerac is on the river Baise it's 46km long with 17 locks from Buzet-sur-Baise to Valence-sur-Baise
32. August 2006
Liverpool
Mum at home with her family celebrating her 75th birthday
33. September 2006
Canal lateral a la Garonne Castets-en-Dorthe Nerac
We have now reached Castets-en-Dorthe end of the Canal lateral a la Garonne 193 km from Toulouse with 53 locks.
34. October 2006
Canal lateral a la Garonne Moissac Carcassonne
Autumn is on it's way in the Midi so we are going back to Port de Plaisance Carcassonne on the Canal du Midi.
35. November 2006
Car trip from Carcassonne to England
Getting the boat ready for winter in Carcassonne, Visiting some friends on our way to England
36. December 2006
Christmas Xmas and New Year in South France
Moet has new Xmas lights a present from my mum, most of the boats are looking very festive, New Years party in South France

2007 - From Carcassonne to the Camargue

37. January 2007
Renovating our house, Special anniversary
Mum and her eight very proud children together to celebrate dad's life
38. February 2007
Renovating our house, Trip Marrakech Morocco
Work continues on our house - work rest and play is what we say, a welcome break in city of Marrakech in Morocco was a wonderful tonic
39. March 2007
Renovating our house, Trip to Carcassonne
Hanging up my painting clothes for now - after adding the finishing touches to the new kitchen.
40. April 2007
Spring in Carcassonne on the Canal du Midi
Carcassonne Port the winter mooring boats are no longer here - the cruising season is underway
41. May 2007
Canal du Midi to Marseillan Port on Etang de Thau
We had wonderful moorings in Marseillan Port on Etang de Thau and we returned to Port Cassafieres on the Canal du Midi.
42. June 2007
Family holiday uk Liverpool Crosby Beach Manchester
Family holiday started with a bottle of Moet Chandon Champagne delivered to our room, we visited Manchester, Liverpool and Crosby Beach
43. June 2007
Agde to Narbonne Canal du Midi and Canal de la Robine
Cruising from Agde on the Canal du Midi to Narbonne on the Canal de la Robine and back to Port Cassafieres not far from Agde.
44. July 2007
Agde to River Aude and Carcassonne Fireworks
From our mooring at the round lock in Agde on the Canal du Midi to the River Aude to see the Carcassonne fireworks
45. July 2007
Boat painting Boatyard Grau d'Agde River Herault France
Boat painting in chantier naval Allemand boatyard on the river Herault at Grau d'Agde in South France
46. August 2007
Cruising to Aigues Mortes moorings on Canal du Rhone a Sete
Cruising to Aigues Mortes (Grau du Roi) and our moorings in ports on Canal du Midi, River Herault and Canal du Rhone a Sete
47. August 2007
Camargue Aigues Mortes River Vidourle and River Lez
Cruising the Camargue from Aigues Mortes to Le Grau du Roi and river Vidourle and river Lez towards Montpellier
48. September 2007
Cruising Minervois Le Somail to Carcassonne Canal du Midi
Cruising the Minervois region with good moorings in Le Somail, Ventenac, homps, marseillette, trebes and carcassonne on the Canal du Midi
49. October 2007
Carcassonne wine festival and lifesaving Midi Canal
Winter mooring in Carcassonne port South France, wine festival with live music every night and we saved a man in a wheelchair who fell in the Midi Canal
50. November 2007
Friends, Family and Art classes in Carcassonne port
We have had a really good month for social activities with the boaters of Carcassonne port and the Art classes on our boat were a great success
51. December 2007
Christmas celebrations in England and Canada
A white Christmas the most enjoyable and relaxing Christmas day I ever remember. The Christmas tree was beaming out with love...

2008 - From Carcassonne to the River Lot

52. January 2008
Grand Cayman Islands Scuba Diving Stingray City
Grand Cayman islands at seven mile beach, Scuba diving at Stingray city, touring the Island by boat visiting North sound and Rum point and the Oro Verde Wreck dive
53. February 2008
Cayman England France Carcassonne
Carcassonne Port our winter home town, nice to see everyone busy getting their boats ready for cruising
54. March 2008
Friends, family and Limoux wine festival
Limoux Toques & Clochers Wine Festival is to celebrate the region's finest chardonnay's having a massive street party! This was the 19th Toques & Clochers wine festival
55. April 2008
Cruising Canal du Midi and Canal de Garonne
Cruising the Canal du Midi to Toulouse and the Canal de Garonne to Moissac with good moorings in Toulouse port, Castelsarrasin port and Moissac port.
56. May 2008
Moissac to Villeton - Canal de Garonne
Before we knew it we had spent a month in Moissac Port. Breathing in new life as we cruise on the Canal de Garonne Moissac to Villeton
57. June 2008
Canal de Garonne Villeton Meilhan Serignac
Cruising Canal de Garonne, we stopped in some lovely ports during our cruise, Villeton, Meilhan-sur-Garonne, Serignac-sur-Garonne, Castets-en-Dorthe
58. July 2008
River cruising the lower River Lot France, July 2008
Cruising the navigable part on the lower River Lot in France from Nicole lock to Saint-Vite lock with good moorings in the ports along the river.
59. July 2008
Visiting the Upper Lot River France
Visiting the upper Lot River area around Cahors and cruising from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to the end of the navigable Lot River.
60. August 2008
Moissac Port France Canal de Garonne River Tarn
Family and friends in Moissac Port. Cruising Canal de Garonne, River Garonne and River Tarn in Moissac France
61. September 2008
More family gather in Moissac Port France
Every day someone we know arrived in Moissac Port, now a very busy port indeed, not always room for everyone
62. October 2008
Canal de Montech Port Montauban Canal
Cruising to Montauban Port end of the Montech canal and cruised back via Toulouse onto the Canal du Midi to our winter mooring in Carcassonne Port France
63. November 2008
Family trip Fort Belan Wales
Family party in Fort Belan Wales. Fort Belan is a unique and historical natural outpost on a beach, accommodation in five unique restored cottages inside the fort.
64. December 2008
Christmas in France Canada and England
This year we spent Christmas in France at Carcassonne, Christmas in Canada at Toronto and Christmas in England at Manchester and Liverpool

2009 - Cruising the South of France

65. January 2009
Malras Carcassonne France and Storms
We spent New Year in Malras and visited the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire on our way to Carcassonne Port, Lastours and John's birthday cake
66. February 2009
John's 60th birthday
Family arrives for John's 60th birthday celebrations in the village of Malras. Moët-Chandon family in Carcassonne port.
67. March 2009
Carcassonne Liverpool family
My birthday present was two nights in the Hard Days Night Hotel Liverpool... Happy cruising season from the Carcassonne boaters to all our friends & family.
68. April 2009
Carcassonne Trebes cruising Canal du Midi Wine Festival
Cruising the Canal du Midi from Carcassonne port to Trebes and the Malras 2009 Toques et Clochers wine festival in France.
69. May 2009
Visiting London and Liverpool
Uncle Richard with his friend John giving us a personal tour of the Chelsea Pensioners Home.
70. May 2009
Cruising the Canal du Midi
Cruising from Carcassonne to Villeneuve les Beziers. The Canal du Midi is like a fine wine you take it in slowly, taste and sample every village as you cruise
71. May 2009
Wedding in London
Theo and Gemma married in London a very special family wedding followed by a cruise on the Thames.
72. June 2009
Villeneuve les Beziers, sightseeing and beaches
From our mooring in Villeneuve-les-Beziers we visited most of the beaches between Beziers and Etang de Thau, nice restaurants & bars, my beach cocktail was so nice.
73. July 2009
Canal du Midi Etang de Thau Toulouse
This month John and I cruised the length of the canal du Midi from Etang de Thau to Toulouse, then continued on the Canal de Garonne to Moissac.
74. August 2009
Cruising Canal de Garonne from Toulouse to Moissac
Two locks lead from the canal at Moissac on to the river Tarn, a wonderful cruising river, many boats just anchor on this river and go for a swim
75. August 2009
Katie and Mathew's Wedding Adel Leeds
This old church had a wonderful feeling when you entered, warm and inviting also the church was filled with the smell of fresh cut flowers.
76. September 2009
Visiting Lourdes in the Pyrenees
Lured to Lourdes - a childhood dream of mine to visit, the timing felt right for me to go.
77. September 2009
Cruising Moissac to Buzet on Canal de Garonne
We enjoyed good moorings in all the ports while cruising from Moissac to Buzet and back on the Canal de Garonne.
78. October 2009
Cruising to Moissac and River Tarn
We enjoy cruising the Canal de Garonne, a much quieter canal than the Canal du Midi, boats of all shapes sizes and colour.
79. November 2009
Trip to England Lake District
Visit the Lake District where my brother has a new Log cabin on Lake Windermere
80. November 2009
Visiting Hong Kong trip
Visiting Hong Kong on our way to Australia, Junk trip around the islands
81. November 2009
Visiting Perth Western Australia
Sightseeing around Perth and the Swan River, the Perth Mint and our first sighting of a wild Kangaroo sent shivers up our spines
82. December 2009
Albany Western Australia Coast
Visiting the Western Australia Coast from Perth to Albany, Treetop Walk in the Valley of the Ancient Giant Tingle trees near Walpole
83. December 2009
Perth to Adelaide South Australia
Adelaide South Australia has a mediterranean coastal feel with a very pleasant town centre and lots of green hills surrounding this big country town

2010 - Cruising South West France

84. March 2010
Spring and birthday celebrations in Moissac
Spring is in the air, summer is around the corner, boats leaving their winter moorings, we wish everyone a happy cruising season.
85. April 2010
Boat Jumble Moissac Port Vide Bateau
A great turn out for the Boat Jumble (Vide bateau) sale this month in Moissac Port, we made over a hundred scones to be shared with everyone
86. May 2010
Sightseeing around Moissac France
Abbey of Moissac (Romanesque masterpiece) listed in 1998 in UNESCO world inheritance
87. June 2010
Louise and Allan's Wedding in Toronto
Louise married Allan we shared their unique wedding day in Algonquin Island's clubhouse, Toronto Island, Toronto.
88. July 2010
Buying a house in Moissac France
We spent a month of serious house hunting and we have bought a house, in need of renovation near the port in Moissac.
89. August 2010
Cruising the River Baise France
The river Baise runs from Garonne canal at Buzet to Valance-sur-Baise. We stayed in most of the ports. The river was so very quiet with just a few hire boats.
90. September 2010
Mediterranean Cruise

2011 - Renovating our house in Moissac

91. Winter 2010/11
Winter and Spring 2010/11 a few of our treasured moments
Canal de Garonne opens early, the ducks are born, and everyone is out cleaning or painting their boats, the tree's are budding and green is all around again.

2012 - Renovating our house in Moissac

92. Winter 2011/12
Winter mooring Castelsarrasin and Spring cruising 2011/12
We are looking forward to having the time to cruising again this season, our plans are very open