19 LA MARNE | Breil inland waterways guide

inland waterways guide

If you are on your way between the north of France and the Mediterranean, there are several reasons to choose the “Marne route”. First of all, the Marne itself. This discrete and calm river is not as busy as its illustrious neighbour the Seine and all the better. You will come across a few leisure craft and, from time to time, a grain barge but otherwise, you will be quite alone as you wind your way between the prestigious vineyards which line its banks. Outside the Paris region, there are few big ports to welcome you but each village is now equipped with comfortable pontoon moorings all with basic services.

From Épernay, navigation is prolonged by the Marne lateral canal, your second reason to choose the Marne route. Over its 60 kilometres, you will go through the heart of the Champagne region, you will discover its capital, the city of Châlons-en-Champagne and tie up in the bargees’ town of Vitry-le-François.

Your trip will continue on the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne, the new “touristical” name for the old Marne-Saône Canal. This waterway, a fine technical achievement from the last years of the 19th century, is known for its fine structures (lifting bridges and tunnels) and the sophistication of its feeder system.

This old canal which is fighting for its survival in a more rapid and “efficient” world is your third good reason to choose the “Marne route”. You will not regret your choice but you must plan your stages in advance as you will pass through the heart of rural and industrial France. All is not ready for your arrival and its that which makes this route so interesting.