Karen’s Travel Blog

Journeys on water and land

Canal Marne de la Rhin to Nancy and Finally the Moselle

Having made it back up the Saar to the Canal Marne de la Rhin, we were only 3 days from Nancy.

Day 1 to 3, Pont de Houllion to Lagarde, to Einville au Jard to Nancy 21 locks 64kms

We were now retracing our steps back to Nancy. The stops along the way were just small villages and not really worth a mention a first time let alone a second. We did however have power and access to water which is always a positive. With a lack of shops to purchase supplies, one has to be well prepared. Sometimes travelling through the French countryside can be likened to voyaging into deepest darkest Africa!

Back to Nancy, a Photographic record

Firstly we descended from the summit level via the 16 meter lock
At the bottom of the Rechicourt lock that replaced 6 locks
Past abandoned boats
Then through the industrial region at Dombasle sur la Meurthe, which is one of the main production sites for salt in the world. Established in 1856 the salt is produced 2 ways, evaporation and extraction from underground mines
The Vikings are coming!
Yes the Basilica is still standing
The hard working crew safely navigating the 21 locks to Nancy
Across the aqueduct that crosses the river Meurthe

Nancy

Our first visit to Nancy in June was a 7 day extended stay, while we waited for the diver to come and replace our bow thruster propeller. Now we can add another 3. We had planed a visit to the Musee Lorain, a 3 Michelin star attraction, but it was closed for renovation. Instead we revisited the Eglise de Cordeliers, which I didn’t pay enough attention to the first time around.

The church was constructed as part of a monastery in 1487 by Duke Rene II of Lorraine, next to the palace of the Dukes of Lorraine. The French name cordelier refers to the simple rope belt worn by the monks. The notable monuments within the church are Rene II’s funeral monument and the recumbent figure of Philippa of Gelderland, Rene’s second wife.

Rene II’s funeral monument
Phillippa’s funeral sculpture
Phillippa’s tomb stone
Phillippa became regent of Lorraine on the occasion of her husband Rene II’s death. Although her son was 19 and considered old enough to rule he appointed his mother as regent while he went to war. for France. Her funeral sculpture was completed by Ligier Richier and is considered one of his finest works. She retired to the convent at Pont a Mousoon in 1519, hence the nun’s attire. She died at the convent in 1547 and was buried there.
Within the church is the chapel of the dukes of Lorraine modelled on the Medici chapel in Florence. Many of the dukes of Lorraine were laid to rest within its walls and under its elaborately sculptured domed ceiling

We paid another visit to Place de Stanislas, the main town square. As usual with a town square there was plenty of sights to entertain us

A bride
Another bride
A girl dressed in a regency ensemble
These ladies are always entertaining!

A visit to the 19th century basilica, a shopping trip to the covered market and dinner at the art nouveau restaurant L’Excelsior to celebrate Sue’s birthday completed our 3 days in Nancy.

Saint Epvre Basilica
Inside the Basilica
The market
Sue’s birthday dinner

We farewelled Sue and commenced our navigation of the Moselle.

Into a large lock
And out onto the river

Day 1 Nancy to Pont au Mousson 4 locks, 2 lifting bridges and 30kms

We were now only a few days from the French border, travelling north towards Germany, but that will be a story for my next blog.

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