Aleau looked a little forlorn at her mooring spot in Joigny. She was eager to cast off and continue her voyage to Auxerre. It would be as far as we would go before turning around and heading to Paris – our winter mooring beginning October first.
In two days, we were tied up at the marina in Auxerre…
…and overlooking a gorgeous cathedral.
Actually, two cathedrals. And even lovelier at night when seen from Aleau’s aft-deck.
We weren’t alone. That’s us, the farthest out – triple rafted. Due to Aleau’s size, we couldn’t tie up against any of the other boats already moored there.
We loved Auxerre, a very colourful city.
We didn’t stop at Bistro des Amis. We were on our way to L’Asperule.
And like just about every restaurant we’ve been to in France – whether for lunch or for dinner – whether a weekday or on the weekend – if you haven’t reserved in advance, you won’t get in.
Fortunately, we had made reservations and had a delicious, multi-course meal.
It started with an “amuse-bouche.”
Followed by an entrée for each of us.
Then, our plats arrived.
Followed by a dessert for each of us.
The next day, we explored Auxerre.
Yup, that’s bagel hanging from the wall. I wonder if it’s “Montreal Style.”
Auxerre’s courthouse.
City Hall
After all that walking, it was time to sit down and have a snack – a bowl of chocolate mousse. The menu said it was large enough for everyone at the table. There were just the two of us at our table. Oh, well.
The carte didn’t say how many calories were in that bowl. But it was clearly time to resume our walk through Auxerre.
We found this shopping arcade…
…with a lovely view at the end of the corridor.
Of course, we had to stop and read the menu at every restaurant we passed – including this pizzeria.
We didn’t make it to Chez Carlotta. But we may next year. The Dutch Barge Association (of which we are members) is holding its annual European rally in Auxerre in July. We will, most certainly, be back.
It was time to slowly make our way back to Aleau – passing by Maison Eric Roy with a Salon de Thé on one side and a boulangerie/patisserie on the other.
Still savouring the chocolate mousse, we didn’t stop. But we did go back for a small sampling the next day.
Living in France has been an enlightening experience. We are constantly learning the differences between life here and back in Canada. Jeannie and I grew up knowing that a food-truck meant “Fast-Food” – available in minutes. Not necessarily so over here.
Looking like one might be able to walk up to the counter and leave minutes later with a burger in hand, we found out that was not to be the case. We arrived hungry (the chocolate mousse had long since been digested) at 5:30 to place our order – two burgers and fries. We were asked if we had made reservations. When we said no, we were told to come back at 8:00 to pick up our meal. Every order has a time when it will be ready. At least the sign on the truck was honest.
A poster gives the phone number to “reserve” your burger.
While waiting for our burgers, we explored our marina. We learned that a British bargee paints the bollards wherever she moors.
The following evening, we walked across the bridge to the “Left Bank.”
We had many choices to stop and have dinner.
But we already had one place in mind. We had to see if they were as good as we had in Moret-sur-Loing.
Jeannie’s.
Jonathan’s.
A delightful last meal (for this year) in Auxerre.