Chatillon-sur-Loire, Briare, Guedelon, Saint Fargeau, 7 Ecluse, Fontainebleau, France

To the good life.

This was a first.  Wanting to take advantage of every moment of their time on Rabelo (and avoid dealing with trains) Bryan and Carrie had a driver bring them directly from the airport to Chatillon-sur-Loire.  It seems that besides cruising and sight seeing, we spent a great deal of time eating and drinking.

Our first meal together:  Roasted vegetable sandwiches with a marinated tomato cucumber salad accompanied by a Rose Champagne.  Let the good times begin.

Before leaving Chatillon we explored its ancient streets.  The town's history dates back to the 6th century.  The name Chatillon is a "castellio" or small fortress which was established in the 10th century where the church now stands.  Someone has a sense of humor with the decor of their front steps.

Beautiful timbered house from 1604.

Part of the french experience is visiting the boulangerie every morning.

Tied up along side a canal for an evening we enjoyed the scenery, a nice walk and then dinner.

 Bryan and Carrie treated us to an amazing meal and experience at Auberge des Templers in Les Bezards.  We now know that when dining at a special restaurant and they invite us to enjoy an aperitif before dinner, the answer is yes!  The grounds were spectacular.  The food amazing.  Service impeccable.  Of course the company was delightful.  

Enjoying an aperitif outside before dinner.  Auberge des Templiers.  In Les Bezards.  Part of the Relais & Chateaux group.

My fish was perfection

Tom's Noisettes des veau, creme de champignons de sauvages, asperges vertes grillees

My dessert:  Croustillant Rhubarbe et Fraise, glace au lait d'Amandes Amareto

We stopped in the middle of the Pont canal de Briare in order to enjoy the view and of course cocktail hour.

Rabelo crossing the Loire river on the Canal Lateral a la Loire.

Bryan was up early every morning with his camera.  A beautiful picture of the Pont Canal de Briare built by Gustav Eiffle.

Bryan had an opportunity to steer Rabelo with Kevin issuing instructions.

We had to take our friends to Guedelon, one of our favorite tourist destinations.  Every time we go there we see something new.

Here a new tile floor is being laid.

After Guedelon we showed them Saint Fargeau which is close by.

Touring the attic gives us an opportunity to see what construction of the chateau is like.  

A view of St Fargeau from an attic window.

One never knows what one will find in the attic of St. Fargeau

Bryan and Carrie and never seen Fontainebleau.  It is a popular destination for newlyweds to have their pictures taken.  While they toured inside Fontainebleau we walked the beautiful grounds and forest.

Check out the groom's shoes.

The wedding photographers

After Fontainebleau we had drinks.  They introduced us to a new beer:  Desperado, which has tequila in it.  With a twist of lime it is delicious!  Happy people.

We cruised by 7 Ecluses which have been replaced by 6 locks with a little more space between them.

Seven Ecluses

One of our favorite meals...grazing.  Salad, an assortment of cheeses, pate's and all sorts of goodies.  And of course wine.

My wonderful kitchen helpers prepared a last sandwich before they left Rabelo to continue their travels.  I love the aprons they had made for Rabelo.