Monday July 30, Vandeness-en-Auxis, on the Canal du Bourgogne

July 30, 2018

Monday July 30, Vandeness-en-Auxis, on the Canal du Bourgogne


Beautiful evening light on the canal, looking up to the village of Chateauneuf.

Last night we had the maps out as we sat outside in the cool air, working out where we would head. Came across a Post It note from last year, with another recommendation from Bonnie and Cliff which sounded just perfect – a spot on the Burgundy Canal with bike trails everywhere. It was about a 3 hour drive so started out this morning at 9 to travel before it got too hot. Needed to get some supplies and spotted a Carrefour store coming into Macon. Didn’t realise that it was in a shopping mall, and it was huge. The quick shop turned into quite a marathon as we walked around the aisles trying to find what we were looking for. Finally finished and on the road again.
Found a spot on the Central Canal, just off our route, which was perfect for a coffee break, watching several canal boats pass by. They have quite a lifestyle. Today’s drive was mainly through rolling farm land with many trees, and mobs of white cattle everywhere, this is Charolais country and we never saw any other breed of cattle. Old stone farmhouses and barns were nestled in amongst the trees, just so picturesque. I think this is the northern section of the “Massif Central” region.
Finally got to Vandeness about 2.30 and only one other camper parked up. We got a great spot in the corner under the trees overlooking the canal. Had a chat with our neighbours, and English couple who knew all about this place. It is so beautiful. There are a number of boats moored beside us and one very upmarket barge belongs to the European Waterway company, it is called The Impressionist. Our neighbours knew all about it as their son is the chef on board, although he is on holiday at the moment. Evidently it takes a maximum of 12 people, and a 6 day cruise on this canal cost €5000 per person. Everything is provided and the guests are taken out for tours along the way. Tonight they had a live Jazz Band on the deck, and we were treated to some excellent music for about two hours. Feel we have really landed on our feet at this place. Once again it was an extremely warm afternoon, time to kick back and relax. Wandered out to check the wee village out about 6 o’clock but we just about melted, so retired to the shade again. Will get the bikes out in the morning and head off reasonably early for a ride before the heat builds. Tonight we had a treat of barbecued Charolais steak we had picked up from the supermarket this morning, it really was good.