Hundreds of kilometres of rivers, connected by excellently designed canals, create one of the best navigation systems in Europe. On the route, there are many interesting, also historic locks and other interesting hydrotechnical objects, such as portages or several-kilometre one-way tunnels, in which traffic is controlled by lights. Along the route, there are many beautiful cities, towns, villages, castles and palaces - as is the case in France - always with a rich and interesting history. And of course, delicious French cuisine, enriched with what is best in France, i.e. local wine. Each section has its own specificity, each is interesting in its own way and worth sailing. France from the deck of our Vistula is a real treat, delightful and easily accessible!
1. STAGE 10 days, WEIL AM RHEIN - MULHOUSE -CHALON-SUR-SAONE - SAINT-JEAN-DE-LOSNE Distance: 275km. After leaving the Rhine, we soon reach Mulhouse, known not only for its charming old town, but also for several museums of technology, which present the rich achievements of the city from the times of the industrial revolution. Further on, on the way we cruise around the old town in Besancon, whose origins date back to Roman times. Like most settlements in the rocky Jura, for example another historic city - Montbeliard. The Rhone-Rhine Canal, which is fed by the waters of the Doubs river, which has been used for centuries for navigation purposes. The Doubs meanders among the Jura mountains, it is variable and even capricious. Therefore, in the 18th century it was decided to build a canal and allow navigation for larger vessels, regardless of hydrological conditions. This is how a beautiful canal was created, cutting through rocky mountains, with many locks and tunnels, which allow to overcome the difference in levels. Smaller units can also sail on the river in some sections. We pass the beautiful Dole and end this part of the journey already on the Saône, in Sain-Jean-de-Losne.
2. SECTION 10 days, SAINT-JEAN-DE-LOSNE – CHALON-SUR-SAONE - LYON Distance: 250km. According to sources, regular sailing on the Saone dates back to Roman times. Some cities date back to this period, e.g. the picturesque Port-sur-Saone, near which we cover part of the route through a tunnel. Along the way, we pass tourist attractions such as the castle in Talmay, the caves in Beze, or the old town in Chalon-sur-Saone located on an island. The famous Burgundy vineyards stretch out on the surrounding hills. So we have plenty of excellent drink. After leaving Burgundy, we soon reach the third largest city in France – Lyon. Mooring right next to the old part of the city is an excellent starting point for exploring the city centre and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame located on the hill.
3. STAGE 10 days, LYON – Rhône – Petite Rhône – Kan. Sete-Rhone – MONTPELLIER Distance: 350km (mainly downstream) The Rhône is a magnificent, majestic river that has been used as a navigable route for hundreds of years. Hence, there are many remains on its banks that testify to the enormous importance of this waterway. As we sail upstream, we pass beautiful palaces, castles, ruins of buildings, also from Roman times, and countless historic cities and towns. Among them, Avignon with its famous bridge, right next to which we can moor our yacht. We also sail under many huge and often architecturally interesting bridges and go through several large locks, often accompanied by merchant ships that sail here regularly. Finally, we enter the Petite Rhône, which, as the name suggests, is completely different from the large one, more intimate. We cover the last few dozen kilometers along the Sete-Rhone Canal, which takes us to the finish line of our route, Montpellier. At the end, we visit the city.
The South of France spoils us with a mild climate and beautiful landscapes. The region we sail through is the Camargue – a true paradise for nature lovers. Especially areas such as the biosphere reserve – the Etang de Thau reservoir. We can easily spot many species of birds here, including flamingos. Wild horses and black bulls also live here. Just a few steps separate us from the beautiful, sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea – it is worth taking a walk. A trip through the Camargue will not disappoint lovers of good French cuisine either. The proximity of the sea guarantees the availability of fresh seafood, and local vineyards are famous for producing excellent drinks, such as "Muscat de Frontignan" or "Noilly Prat". Finally, the cruise is a great attraction for travelers. Historic cities, towns, castles, palaces and ruins scattered throughout the area encourage sightseeing. Among them, of course, the old town of Montpellier, the defensive walls of the Aigues-Mortes fortress and the Maguelone Cathedral, located on an island and surrounded by vines.
4. SECTION 10 days, MONTPELLIER – Kan. Sete-Rhone – Kan. du Midi – CARCASSONNE Distance: 240km. The Canal du Midi is a true mecca of houseboating! People come here from all over the world to start their water adventure. Hence the big traffic in the season, but in winter we have nothing to worry about. Built in the second half of the 17th century, the canal is a true work of hydrotechnical art. Unique, oval locks, often with several stages, aqueducts and weirs create a perfectly functioning system, also refined in terms of architecture in the smallest detail. That is why the Canal du Midi is on the UNESCO list. On its banks there are picturesque historic towns, but also such architectural gems as Carcassonne surrounded by defensive walls, whose more modest counterparts are the well-known Polish cities of Paczków and Szydłów. You have to sail through it! Unfortunately, the damage to the Canal caused by the sudden flooding caused it to be closed and made it impossible to cruise further – to Toulouse, and then along the Garone River and the Garone Canal to Bordeaux. Therefore, we cruised on the accessible section of the Canal between Agde and Carcassone four times, almost until the end of February, ending in Montpellier.
5. RETURN STAGE 10 days, MONTPELLIER - LYON - SAINT-JEAN-DE-LOSNE Distance: 350km
6. RETURN STAGE 10 days, SAINT-JEAN-DE-LOSNE - WEIL AM RHEIN Distance: 275km
7. STAGE 10 days WEIL AM RHEIN – STRASBOURG – MEINZ – FRANKFURT AM MEIN – end of the expedition
