As I write we are moored in Amiens in the heart of Picardy and in a quiet spot in the shade of trees and a 15min walk to the largest catherdal in France.
With some relief we have descended the 35 locks on the French western end of the Sambre navigation. Here we joined the Oise river which flows into the Seine and Paris. At Compiegne we are back in the mix with commercial traffic again.
Amiens cathedral, dating back to 1220 took 60 years to build.
Notre Dame in Paris could fit inside with room to spare.
A plaque in the Cathedral honours the
Kiwis who helped defend Amiens in 1916
Jules Verne was born and lived in Amiens.
Much of his inspiration is on display around the city
With a little time in hand before heading South to Paris and with guests aboard, we headed North up the Canal du Nord and onto the Somme River. It is 12 years since we last cruised the Somme. During this time the hire boat fleet once based at Cappy has gone, and the waterway has become much less travelled. Many of the small waterside hostelries have closed up. This delightful and peaceful river needs more visitors.
The higher levels of the Sambre
were clogged with weed making for very slow going
Descending the Western Sambre.
Sadly this route will decline without more boat traffic
We are back among the commercials at Janville, Canal du Nord.
Lifting gates, at Noyon, Canal du Nord.
The commercial craft have priority.
Aproaching the 1km Panneterie tunnel, Canal du Nord
One way traffic only.
Concentration needed on the helm
This heron does not miss a trick.
As the lock empties, he picks off the stranded fish.
Compiegne
Jeanne d'Arc in a defiant pose before the 'Mairie'
in Compiegne
Here she is again, by the railway station.
Jeanne d'Arc is one of the patron saints of France
Compiegne has a strong connection with Jeanne d'Arc. As a wilful teenager she led enough French people to rout the English, who ruled much of France back then. It was in Compiegne that in 1430 the Bugundians (loyal to the English) captured her and for a ransom, handed her to the English who then burned her at the stake for leading her army in mens clothing, declaring this to be religious heresy.
From here, we head South to Paris.
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