Alouette is a Luxemotor barge built in 1910 in Zwartsluis, Holland. She was first used as a cattle transporter, and later as a shrimp fishing boat. In 2002, she was lovingly converted by a British couple into a liveaboard barge. We are her third owners - Randy and Deborah, two Americans from Colorado who escaped corporate life in search of an adventure. After a few years of searching for the right adventure, we discovered the barging life. Having sailed for most of our adult lives, it seemed a perfect fit. We spent another year looking for the right barge and in the summer of 2010 found her in Roanne, France. We've renamed her Alouette - the Lark. And so in her 100th year, together with our two Russian Blue cats, we're shoving off for a life on the canals and rivers of Europe.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Fragnes to Tournous

We ended up spending a week in Fragnes, near the end, or beginning, of the Canal du Centre, primarily because the Saone River was running high with water and there were lots of trees and branches being carried downstream.  That gave us the chance to do a little more cycling, enjoy a concert of Celtic music with Christophe Morvan, visit with friends, and have some lazy time on the boat.
Christophe Morvan, Celtic Voyage
Afternoon Shadows in Fragnes

Captain Randy, as we reach the bottom of the lock

Doors to the lock lift up to open onto the Saone River

River Lounge Lizard on the back deck, Tournous

Yesterday morning, we set off for the Saone River, clearing the big 10 meter lock between the Centre and the River.  Although we are heading northeast towards Strasbourg, we decided to hang a right and head south to the medieval town of Tournous, about 35 kilometers south, but worth the detour.  The beautiful Abbaye St. Philibert, surrounded by ramparts, dominates the town.  It is the only surviving group of 12th century monastic buildings in Europe.  There is a distinct Mediterranean feel to the architecture.  Here are a few photos:



Old building, new mailbox, shoes drying

Ancient Village Water Pump




In the cloister of the Abbaye




 Tomorrow we'll head north, to Verdun sur le Doubs.



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