Still travelling on the Marne, we left the gentle rolling slopes of vineyards behind, and now enjoyed the cooling green of the forests as we meandered along the river
Next stop was La Ferte Sous Jouarre. Famous in the 19th century for its production of millstones that were shipped throughout the world, it is also home to a 7th century abbey. The abbey was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times over the centuries. The buildings that we see today are 17th century, and the Benedictine monks have been replaced by nuns.It was a hike up the hill to the abbey, but Jo egged us on!This area was occupied by the Germans early in WW1. The war memorial commemorates the 3000 British soldiers who died fighting the Germans and who have no known graveAfter a few days stop it was onto the one and only mooring at Mary sur Marne. It is a popular stopping spot for boaters as there are two very good restaurants only a hop, step and a jump from the quay. According to google maps they were both open for lunch on Wednesdays. But no, on further investigation they were both closed☹️. So instead we walked into town to ensure Jo could catch a bus to Charles de Gaulle airport the following day.The canal de L’Ourcq flows close to Mary sur Marne so it was a pleasant walk to town. With the hot weather a walk equals a search for shaded pavements
We had ordered a taxi to transport Jo to the bus station but when it did not arrive she started a run up the hill. Luckily a kindly gentleman stoped and offered her a lift!
Not needing to catch a bus or a plane or rely on the generosity of strangers we motored off down the river to Meaux. Now I’m sure you recognise the name of this town as the origins of a very pungent creamy cheese that Peter loves!As luck would have it we arrived in time for market dayAfter the riggers of the market it was time for coffee and cognac A busy port in Meaux with 5 Piper boats moored up. From right to left, El Pedro Nigre, Mimosa, Joie de Vivre, Aleau and Otium.And off course a gathering of Piper owners!
Although Meaux is best known today for its cheese it has a varied historic past. Settled firstly by the Gauls, then the Romans you can still view sections of the ancient ramparts. The construction of the cathedral in Meaux commenced about 1170, but due to defects in the design, lack of funds and of course, wars it was never really completed until the 17th century. Due to this long construction period it covers a variety of gothic styles. If you enter the cathedral via the south porch you are welcomed by the statues of the saints that were decapitated by the Huguenots in 1562. A very sorrowful sight.
St. Etiennes cathedral and the bishops palace in MeauxDuring ever summer for the past 30 years over 500 volunteer actors, dancers and musicians combine their talents to perform a historic spectacular. We were lucky enough to have our timing right and for the princely sum of €17 we enjoyed the narrative of the history of MeauxSite of the historic spectacularWe were now only 50 kms from Paris, but still with a few navigation challenges aheadThrough a short tunnel, only 300 meters in length Only 26kms from Paris and down came the rain!No we didn’t need the bath house at Lagney sur Marne! Just water and electricity provided on the dock
Our last stop before turning onto the Seine was Nogent, an outer suburb of Paris. Not much to report here, so no pictures
Another tunnel, 600 meters in length which allows boats to avoid a 13 km loop in the Marne.We were joined by another Piper boat, Otium. Our convey navigated through the tunnel, along the Saint Maurice canal. On entering the Seine we turned left, with Paris to our right.The last lock on the Marne before entering the SeineA very different view of Paris, entering the Seine from the MarneAnd back to the land of commercial boats and big locks!
Karen’s Travel Blog 
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