As we headed south to the DBA Rally in Auxerre, we kept meeting other bargees who were also on their way to the rally. First, on the Marne. Then, on the Seine. And now, on the Yonne. Sometimes, it was a race to the next lock. We couldn’t all fit in. Those who didn’t make it had to hold position outside the lock for a full cycle – which could take a half-hour or more.
While we waited for the last barge to pull in behind us and for the lock keeper to close the gates, we could chat with our neighbours. Even though we’re in France, almost all bargees are from English-speaking countries. Conversing was never a problem.
Once the gates opened, it was a bit like rush hour as we cruised upstream to the next lock.
We passed many places we had visited before – slowing just a bit to grab a shot.
Two dozen of us are now rafted side-by-side at the very beginning of the Nivernais Canal. It is considered one of the prettiest in France. Due to an earlier threat of flooding, the VNF lined the side of the towpath with sandbags.
The DBA organized a number of get-togethers and tours. By bus – not by barge. One was to Chablis. It is famous for its wine – but our trip took us to the outdoor market. With bargees loading up on things to bring back to the boat.
As nutritious as the market was, it was another trip that was more palatable. In a cave high above the Yonne (Isn’t that an oxymoron?), is “Les Caves Bailly LaPierre.”
It was a long walk to get to where we were going – where this brand of Crémant de Bourgogne is bottled.
We saw a lot of bottles.
We were warned not to get too close to them. For our own safety. As Crémant ferments, pressure builds up in the bottle – to higher than what’s in a car tire. Occasionally, a cork spontaneously shoots out. At up to 50 km/h.
We had to be on our toes – or a forklift would be. Workers were furiously moving bottles from one part of the cave to another.
Not one – but at least two. Constantly whipping back and forth in front of us. I don’t think the drivers appreciated us being in their territory.
This impressive machine was grabbing bottles and putting them in wire baskets.
I know there was a method – but they seemed to be stacked everywhere in the cave.
I finally discovered. They’re arranged by age – or in Crémant speak, by vintage.
Watching was fascinating. Tasting was even better.
Of course, the purpose of the tasting was to get us to buy. We did.
With our Crémant in hand, it was time to watch the fireworks over the Yonne. It was Bastille Day. A term that surprisingly is not used in France. Here, July 14th is called “La Fête Nationale Française.”
