As we had to leave France – and Aleau – for three months, we had to find a home for her. We chose the Port Royal marina in Auxonne.
Because of Aleau’s length, she cannot fit into the slips. She has to be moored parallel to the dock. She’s not in this shot. Maybe next time Google Maps grabs a satellite shot, Aleau will be there.
The Port Royal marina is a wonderful place to call home. Ironically, while located in France, you don’t hear much French in the marina. Barging simply hasn’t caught on with the French. Most of the barges at Port Royal belong to anglophones – from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the US, and one couple from Canada – us. There was another barge from Canada when we arrived but it has since left.
That is one of the few disappointing things about barging – you make friends – and then they leave. You may see them again as you’re cruising (as has happened to us a number of times) or when they return to their home port. Others choose to be constantly on the move – staying briefly in one port and then moving on. They may call Toulouse home one year – and be moored in Amsterdam the next. There are some who have made Port Royal their permanent home. They live there year round. In the summer, they will cruise for a month, or two, or three – and then return to Auxonne. The winters may not be as harsh as they are in Canada – but the marina water does turn to ice. The people who stay year-round are known as “live aboards.” It’s really just a logistical term for the marina operators. Live-aboards are grouped together at one part of the marina – barges (such as Aleau) that will spend the winter unoccupied are placed somewhere else.
As a group, bargees are the kindest, most generous people I have met. If you have a problem of any sort, they are there to lend a hand. It is a camaraderie I never imagined.