Down the ‘Canal lateral a la Loire’ towards Nevers.

Before we left Sancerre we left a hat in a Local cafe with the proprietor who has collected hats for years,,,, but then our NZ friends, Rob and Sue Cooper come though and what happens??????   

Left Sancerre and headed down to moor at La Chapelle-Montlinard and took a short cycle ride across the Loire river to La Charite-sur-Loire..

La Charite-sur-Loire used to be an extremely busy port on the Loire when the river was navigable. Now it houses the remains and restored lovely 13c Abby, former Priory and The Bascilique Notre-Dame, which is one of the most remarkable example of Romanesque architecture in Burgundy.

In the 13c it was the largest church in France after the Abby 5of Cluny, accommodating 5000 people.

Next stop Beffes, where we caught up again with good friends Aileen and Graham ( Snells Beach) and new friends Shelia and Alan ( Scotland, now France).

A good night, starting with the drinks, followed by the good old BBQ.

It was the night (13th August) when Bill assured us we were meant to be able to see a huge meteorite shower.

To be honest we did see some and it was quite exciting, but having to stay up so late didn’t boad well as we all started to fall asleep!!  but what a fun night.

Next morning farewelling  Aileen and Graham, and sister Sue as they head up stream towards Briare.

Given a hot tip from Aileen about a lovely village to visit, only a 5km a cycle ride from Le Guetin outside Nevers. Apremont-sur-Allier.  The amazing floral gardens, and the village which used to provide plenty of good ashlars (large square cut stones) from the numerous quarries and were shipped in flat bottomed boats down the river Allier for use in the construction of religious edifices on Orleans etc.

 

Takes hedge clipping to a whole new level !!!!!! 

Then we hit The Castle of Apremont and the the Museum.

Then we set off over the aquaduct, from Le Guetin across The Loire River again towards Nevers. The entrance to the aquaduct is via 2 consecutive locks going up 9.23m. Even the lock doors are decorated with flowers.

And down the embranchment into Nevers.

                                                              

And an example on  HOW NOT  to hold 2 ropes from your boat on your own,,,,luckily a nice slow rising lock….but you can imagine a rough lock!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (entertaining though!!)

But it takes all sorts…….