After spending a few days in Chalon-sur-Saône, we cast off on the morning of Monday, June 13, 2022. We turned off the Saône and onto the Canal du Centre, the first of four canals (and the Seine) that would take us to Paris.
We found a lovely spot to moor for lunch in Fragnes-la-Loyère. It’s always a treat to find bollards – way easier than having to hammer in stakes.
I am still amazed that in the tiniest of towns in France, you can often find a superb restaurant. There’s not much in Fragnes-la-Loyère – but there is Fleur-de-Sel, a 60-second walk from Aleau. As you can see by the bollards below, we could have moored right at the front door. But we preferred the shade offered by the trees. Besides, we’d need the walk back to burn off the calories consumed at lunch.
Our table was as close to the canal as one could get.
It’s a good thing we had phoned ahead to make reservations. Lunch in the middle of week – in what seemed to be in the middle of nowhere – and every table was taken. We have learned that one must – always, no matter the meal or the day of the week – make reservations. So, we do.
Jeannie started with the Assiette de tomate à l’ancienne, mozzarella burratta et son pesto de basilica.
I began with Gaspacho de maïs, persil, et gingembre. I think it was smiling at me.
Next came the main course – or “plat.” Jeannie had the Caesar salad. (It would take to long to type out everything that was in it – but all the ingredients are listed on the Menu above.
I chose the Filet de daurade (sea bream). Again, everything in it is listed above.
Jeannie passed on dessert. I could never do that. I had the nectarine poached in red wine. (Full description above.)
And then we cast off for Rully – 6 kilometres and 8 locks away. Dinner was awaiting us.