Mary and Hywel came to visit. Well, Mary invited themselves en route home from her sister’s place near Nice. I’m sure it was more than a slight detour but what’s a few kms between friends. We just love it when friends come aboard – love showing off Piedaleau and enjoying a glass or so…..
Mary and Hywel met us at Digoin to stay a couple of nights so we planned a short onward cruise to Paray le Monial – only 11kms and 3 locks – but didn’t take them far off their route.
This weekend was Le weekend due Patrimoine, which means that lots of places are open to the public free of charge. Mary and I walked up to the aqueduct at Digoin and watched a local fun run going over the aqueduct and back the other side – luckily I don’t think anyone slipped or tripped – and then visited the Ceramics Museums. Michel acted as our guide and tried to ‘do it in English’ for us! We had quite a laugh and were able to correct some of the english in the info sheets they provide eg you fire, not cook, a pot. He was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, if a little unaware of ‘personal space’ at times!!! I say no more.
On a misty Sunday morning we set off for Paray le Monial – we kept thinking the mist was lifting, and that the sun would make an appearance – it took it’s time but we did manage appertifs on the top deck in the evening.
The mooring at Paray was nearly full – several big barges – but we managed to sqeeze in on the end and another boater kindly lent us a 50m cable so that we could reach the electrics. Never seem to have quite the right stuff!
We visited th Basilica, the Church of the Apparition, the Hotel de Ville and the Museum – all free this weekend.
Adrian hunted on Trip Advisor again and we dined at the Hostellerie des Trois Pigeons. Another find! Nicely appointed restaurant although seemed a little formal (especially after Raboliot) but it is renowned for its dessert and cheese trollies. The waitress was able to list all 15 items of the dessert trolley and ?items on the cheese trolley without hesitation or repetition……. A short round of applause and we made our selections!
Piedaleau 