Final Notes--Barging in France

This was a fabulous trip. It was easy to fly into Zurich and rent a car. The Budget car cost $225 for 2 weeks and it was a lot less expensive and a lot more convenient than taking trains. We didn't need an international license and the GPS in the car was a tremendous help. Next time, I'll remember to touch the toll roads button on the GPS so that it will give us that option as well. Nonetheless, it was fun driving through the small towns.

We loved the first part exploring Alsace & Burgundy but would have preferred a more leisurely pace. It would have been fun to hike from town to town. I liked staying in Colmar and in Eguisheim. One night in Eguisheim was definitely enough but 3 nights would have been better in Colmar.

We loved Dijon and Beaune and the bike ride through the vineyards. Next time, we might find a house and stay for 1 week, exploring more of the little wineries in the region.

Barging the Saone and Seille was a lot of fun as well. Despite the annoying "dynamic pricing" policy and nickel and diming, in the end, Le Boat worked well as a rental company. Next time, I'll check Nicols (http://www.boat-renting-nicols.co.uk) and Locaboat (http://www.locaboat.com/en/our-destinations.html) and not be in such a rush to book, especially if we are traveling off-season. I would definitely recommend a group of 4-6 people. You really need 4 people to operate the boat and the locks. Any more than 6 would be too much unless you travel really well together.

Here were the towns on the rivers with their distance markers.

PK 215 St Jean de Losne

PK 187 Seurre

PK 167 Verdun sur le Doubs

PK 159 Gergy

PK 142 Chalon sur Saone

PK 123 Gigny

PK 112 Tournus

PK 106 La Seille Junction

PK 1 La Truchere

PK 13 Cuisery

PK 35 Branges

PK 38 Louhans

It was chilly at times but we only had 1 day of rain. 

As always, I brought just one roll-on suitcase. I had to bring 3 pairs of shoes--active shoes, rain shoes and sandals, which worked well for this trip. It was a casual trip with some active days. I didn't need any fancy clothes so they worked well. The rain shoes came in handy and were lightweight. I liked my pair of sandals for walking around the boat and going to the showers in the marina.

Next trip--Norway.



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