The next stop on our canal boat adventures took us to a town on the Saone River called Auxonne. It’s famous as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte undertook his military training. Napoleon is quite beloved here in France and there’s a big statue of him in the middle of the town. The statue must be the skinny version of Napoleon, because every painting I’ve seen he’s a little on the chubby side. Maybe they worked him hard in Auxonne during his military training!
Making new friends
Not long after we moored our boat Laura we were invited to another boat for drinks. Our host was Craig who is a Kiwi who lives on his canal boat called Liza. He was originally from Christchurch but now lives in France for 6 months of the year.
Craig also invited James and Becks who are sailing their yacht Hepzibah from the UK through to the Mediterranean and over to the Caribbean. It’s amazing the people we’ve been meeting who are living an adventurous life on the water. A lot of people are retired and are now living their dream life. But James and Becks are in their 40s and are doing what we are doing and taking a break from work. They will return to the UK in a year or so to earn some more money to continue their adventures.
Craig wanted us all to look French in the photo so he supplied us with berets. Mine has the All Blacks on it but we won’t talk about that! We had a lovely night, shared far too many drinks and solved the problems of the world.
Discovering Auxonne
Auxonne is another cute village in France that is full of personality and history. It only has a population of around 7500 people yet has everything including lots of bars, restaurants, a big supermarket and of course boulangeries and butcheries. And super friendly locals. We love exploring these little villages as there are always treasures to uncover.
Chateau d’Auxonne
Just down the street from the Auxonne hospital (which is still operational today) is the Chateau d’Auxonne which was built by Louis XI in the 1400’s. It has been modified and fortified over the ages with some of the ramparts built by Vauban, the military and engineering genius who features heavily in Besancon. A walk around the elaborate fortifications shows that Auxonne must have been an important border town.
On our walk along the banks of the Saone we came across two swans standing on the bank. They have such short little legs so I took a photo, as I don’t think I’ve ever seen swans out of the water before. Or maybe I’ve just never taken the time to notice.
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Hi Ali and Ivan I’m enjoying your blog.
We also met Craig in Auxonne and a friend of ours, who’s Wintering in Roanne, Martin (on Ma Belle) is anxious to get in touch with Craig. Martin has had phone problems and lost his contact number fir Craig. He’s asked us if we have it but we don’t.
Wondering if you can help?
We’re at Soing – very peaceful and pretty. Only 3 of us here so far.
Hope to catch you again along the way.
No problem Ann. Lovely to meet you and Bob and we hope to see you again on our travels
No problem Ann – details sent. Enjoy Soing. We’re in Port-sur-Saone at the moment.