19 LA MARNE | Breil inland waterways guide

inland waterways guide

Marne, canal latéral à la Marne, canal de l’Aisne à la Marne, canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne.

If you are on your way between the north of France and the Mediterranean, there are at least three reasons to choose the “Marne route”.

First of all, the Marne itself. This discrete and calm river is less frequented than its busy neighbour the Seine and all the better. You will go past a few rare leisure craft and, from time to time a grain barge but otherwise, you will be quite alone as you discover its gentle meanders and 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 and basic services.

From Épernay, navigation is prolonged by the Marne lateral canal, your second reason to choose the Marne route. Over its 60 kilometres, your will go through the heart of the Champagne region, you will discover its capital, the city of Châlons-en-Champagne and you will 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 all but touristic but the amateurs of that period of history will appreciate the richness of its navigation works (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.