Spring 2022

© David Jefferson
river is 200m across from one bank to the
other. There are numerous shoals, shallows
and manmade submerged training walls to be
avoided, with red and green channel buoys
much in evidence.
Watch out for the dérivations on the Saône.
These are canal sections bypassing parts
of the river that are no longer navigable.
Sometimes a portion of what is being
bypassed can be navigated and provides
a peaceful night’s stop free from the wash
of passing barges. There is still commercial
traffic on the Saône, with pushing tugs
connected to several dumb
barges creating considerable
wash as they speed by at
15kn. When considering the
day’s passage, the crew will
appreciate an itinerary that
makes provision for a quiet
berth for the night, undisturbed
by the wash of passing traffic.
During the season, there is
little current unless, due to
exceptional weather conditions,
the water level is markedly
heightened with local flooding.
If navigating the river early or
late in the year, and you are
concerned about the height/
current, contact direction
interrégionale Rhône-Saône.
Between St-Jean-de-Losne and Lyon, much of
the countryside is rich meadowland dotted with
farmhouses with their distinctive red tiled roofs
associated with the south of France. Arriving in
Mâcon brings you into a famous wine-growing
area. Then the scenery changes to woodland
and cliffs. All along the route, there are plenty
of stopping places including ports de plaisance
in most of the riverside towns. With only 5 locks
to cope with a very modest fall, you can reckon
on 20–25 hours to cover the 170km to Lyon,
unless you are tempted to dawdle awhile and
perhaps explore a short length of the beautiful
Doubs river.
Through the French Canals by David Jefferson is
published by Adlard Coles and out now:
Bloomsbury.com
The Good Life France | 91