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With you again to show the best in Europe. This time we are in France, and our team consists of a captain and a chef. We travel by barge through the dreamy canals of Burgundy on a gastronomic cruise. Thank you for joining us. Industrial-era canals are found all over Europe. We are in France, in the Burgundy region. We will sail along the Saône River and the Central Canal, visiting the legendary Burgundy vineyards of the Côte d'Or. Along with the crew, I have the co-author of my France guidebook and my mentor in all things French, Steve Smith, who lives right next to the canal. Greetings. Hello. Steve and I board a barge in the town of Chalon-sur-Saône, or simply Chalon, on the Saône River.
Departing from such an industrial city is a reminder that an economic powerhouse like France has long relied on rivers and canals to transport goods. And we'll swim down this river for a bit before we enter the canal. Huge river ships are popular for relaxing river cruises throughout Europe. But with more than 100 passengers, they are too big to enter the canals. A rusty old industrial barge and beached cargo boats beneath an abandoned factory are reminders that these waterways were originally used to transport goods: coal, wheat, corn, whatever. This massive lock has been lifting barges onto the French Central Canal for a century. And today it lifts us away from the river industry into a more magical world
. These magnificent green belts support a playful wonderland where people enjoy life. The landscape resembles a slow-motion parade through the rural charm of Burgundy. Wonderful rural scenes, sleepy cows, enchanting tranquility. Do you get tired of this beauty, or is it always something new? I never get tired of it. No, it's always interesting. Many different places, many different channels. Captain Max grew up on the canals. He loves his boat, loves his job, and is happy to share his map. Here are 22. Great. And you have 21, of course. So, today we have to go through three gateways.
Yes. Although barges were originally built to transport coal and grain, today they carry tourists, and the canals have become a place of recreation. So, we could really explore almost all of France through such channels. And rivers. This is a great way to travel. Yes, it's a great way to travel because everyone looks after you. As a captain, Max, you also have to be patient. If there's a boat in front of you, you have to wait, because you can't turn around or go around it. I know. Locks are an integral part of any canal journey. The barges come in one by one, pouring in like a flood. They rise or fall with the water level. Since the size of the locks has not changed for 200 years, the size of the barges usually has not either
. Locks like this one-an extreme example in England- allow boats to gradually ascend or descend, step by step, over steps all across France. , canals, and locks, it is possible to sail from the Mediterranean Sea across the continental divide all the way to the Atlantic. And the pace of the barge almost makes you slow down and relax. A big part of the fun of a barge cruise is the stops. The tiny ports along the canal are something between a park and a marina. And they become the starting point for creating memories. Canal barges are often centuries old and have been renovated for a second life as floating hotels.
It's great to have you on board They vary in amenities, but usually have a cozy lounge, a bar with drinks, a small but elegant dining room, and neat cabins. Of course, deep down there is the engine room. Here is my engine room. Originally steam-powered, converted to diesel, carefully maintained, it operates reliably and quietly. The deck adds joy to our trip. And I like to spend a little time at the helm, making sure Captain Max doesn't forget to duck under the bridges. Time to work up an appetite with a short walk. With a lock about every mile and a beech path along the canal, it's hard to get lost So, is this a good walk?
This is a beautiful walk, see you through the two locks. Two gateways, okay. That's right. It's wonderful that these beech paths are appreciated even today. Yes. Imagine when these canals were first built. They needed these tracks to pull the boats. Before steam engines appeared. Before the engine was adapted, yes, Today, it's all just for relaxation.
