30 kilometres to go. Our final voyage of the year. With plenty of sights to see on the way home.
A houseboat that really looked like a house.
As we travelled slowly on the water, we could see above us the contrails of jets moving much faster.
Ahead of us, a few of the skyscrapers that make up La Défense. We have been there (not with Aleau) a few times. It is magnificent and definitely worth a visit.
Could this be the nautical version of a condo?
The closer we got to Paris, the more ‘homes on the water’ we saw. Moored bumper-to-bumper – or is it bow-to-stern?
Some had dinghies moored alongside.
Some looked like they could cast off and start cruising at a moment’s notice – although I’m not sure the wheelhouse is still there.
Others were definitely not going anywhere.
They came in all sizes.
For those who wish to remain mobile, there’s a marina. You had better get along with your neighbours.
When we saw La Seine Musicale, we knew we were almost home. (As the name implies, it’s a venue for music and dance.)
The magnificent Hausmann buildings told us we were now in Paris. (Designed by Baron Georges-Eugène Hausmann – who had no architectural background – and built in the 1850s-1870s at the request of Napoleon III, they are one of the many treasures Paris has to offer.)
As we got closer, a way to get a different view of Paris. A balloon tethered to the ground takes tourists 150-metres above the city.
Beneath the balloon, a 110-metre long ‘river cruiser.’ We prefer the intimacy of Aleau.
There she is! We told her we’d be back on October 1. We’re right on schedule.
We approach our favourite bridge – Le Pont Alexandre III.
We pass the Louvre.
And Notre Dame.
Not much farther. We’re almost counting the number of metres we have left.
And then we turn off the Seine.
Through the lock into Arsenal. Our last lock for 2023.
Just a few metres to go.
We will spend the winter rafted alongside Wanderlust. (Although in a few days we’ll swap positions so it will be easier to get on and off. It won’t matter to Wanderlust as Dave and Becky will be spending the winter home in San Francisco.)
