28/06/2023
14-15-16.11.2022 SAONE RIVER
*The Saone is divided into the Petit Saone and the Grande Saone, which starts after the crossroads with the Rhône-Rhine Canal and the Canal de Bourgogne.
Not far before the town of Auxonne, we pass through the Poncey lock (E.19; turning stick). We stop at the Auxonne H2O Marina - friendly petty officer on site, berth 10euro + 3 euro for electricity, water, showers, wifi. Nice town, possibility for major shopping, laundry, fuel supply.
On this day we see the Pivoine barge for the last time (we watch them on AIS, when they pass by the marina we call them on VHF, they answer with a loud siren).
The next day starts with lock E.20 (Auxonne lock-cut, stick, self-service - the last such lock on the little Saône). Quite a lot of barge traffic. After passing the junction with the Rhone-Rhine canal and the Canal de Bourgogne, you enter the big Saone. Although in practice this is not noticeable in terms of the width and depth of the river, the character of the locks changes - they are larger, well-marked and controlled from a tower by staff. You pass through them without any major problems or delays (the lock keepers have AIS base stations, on approach all the locks were open, after a while the green light came on). We pass two (there are 5 locks of this type in total) - Seurre lock and Ecuelles lock. Stopping at the marina in Chalon sur Saone (€12.5 - water, electricity, showers, wifi included; good service). The marina is nicely located, giving you the opportunity to relax and unwind, but it also has a big plus - there is a shopping centre next door, so you can stock up on all the things you need if you need them (we replace the gas bottle). In the evening, dinner at the nearby restaurant Del Arte with delicious Italian food.
Last day on the Saone: Ormes lock, after about 3 hours we sail through the pretty town of Macon, after another 2 hours - Drace lock. We sailed through beautiful surroundings, mountain views. We passed a lot of rowers training on the way, who greeted us cheerfully and raced with us:). In the evening, with the last rays of the setting sun, we stopped in Trevoux* (halte-pier belonging to a nearby campsite - payment at the campsite reception 11euro, electricity included, wifi extra 3euro). Beautiful view of the old town of Trevoux, a must-do walk.
Lyon and Rhône ahead.
*We wanted to stop earlier, even before Trevoux, at Villefranche sur Saone - Jassaus-Riotter halte , which is described in the guidebook as a free stop + electricity 5euro/day (in reality the payments were: electricity 2euro/hour; electricity with water 3euro/hour)