Montceau to Strasbourg · 2026
East through France,
to Alsace.
Maria left Montceau-les-Mines in May, passing Chagny, Saint-Jean-de-Losne, Dole, Besançon, Montbéliard and Mulhouse before reaching Strasbourg.
The eastern passage followed the Saône, Doubs and Rhine-connected waterways: 128½ cruising hours and 160 locks, arriving in Strasbourg on 5 July.
Back on our way
Old favourites. New surprises.
After the Canal du Centre closure, we were finally on our way to Strasbourg. We stopped at old favourites, enjoyed lovely food and kept finding things we hadn’t expected. It felt good to be moving again.
Visitors at the mooring
Not all our visitors came aboard.
A couple of friendly faces near our moorings. These two certainly made us smile.
Dole
We couldn’t have timed it better.
Dole is a great town, with gorgeous little waterways that feel like a miniature Venice. We happened to arrive during a week of celebrations: a fair, parties and music in the streets.
Then came the closing music and fireworks, with a prime view from Maria. None of it was planned. It was just superb.
Along the Doubs · 2026
Besançon, from the waterways.
On the way east, Maria brought us to Besançon. The view from our travelling home came into its own after dark.
Another surprise in Besançon
Flying on the water.
They seemed to be flying. We had to stop and watch.
Along the way
A different view from the deck.
There were a few very deep locks along the way, too. Looking up from Maria between those enormous walls was quite a change from the open river.
Strasbourg · 2026
The grandchildren join Maria.
The grandchildren travelled to Strasbourg to join us aboard. Maria became our base for a family holiday: time on deck, water play and exploring the city.
