DAY 19 - MONTARGIS TO ROGNY-LES-SEPT-ÉCLUSES

A very long, mostly flat walk following the Canal de Briare. 

We left Montargis relatively early and quickly rejoined the Canal de Briare. The reflections in the canal were quite stunning, and we would have lingered were it not for the long distance we were to cover today.

Leaving Montargis in the morning sunlight

Moulin Bardin, just south of Montargis on the Canal de Briare 

We were quickly into our stride, enjoying the flat trajectory. After about an hour's walk we saw 2 pleasure boats approaching a lock, and stopped to see them go through.

Pleasure boat coming into a lock

We continued on our way, and were shortly overtaken by both boats. We exchanged friendly waves with the occupants and watched them cruise into the distance. There were then several locks in quick succession, which slowed the progress of the boats as they negotiated each in turn. They didn't slow the walkers, though, and we were soon past them and out of sight.

"Quick! They're getting ahead!"

We didn't see the boats again, as we ducked into the town of Montcresson to have a coffee in a bar and pick up some tarts. We intended to eat the tarts at the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre of Chenevières a few kilometres away. When we arrived there, however, we found the amphitheatre (while impressively large and certainly worth the detour we took to see it) was fenced off. We enjoyed the tarts at Châtillon-Coligny later in the day instead.

Rest stop at Châtillon-Coligny. This is where we ate today's tarts.

After a lunch stop at Montbouy, and rest stop at Châtillon-Coligny, we left the canal for a few kilometres, rejoining it near Dammarie-sur-Loing. We were joined for the last few kilometres of the day by a couple of kind French cyclists, who walked their bikes so they could talk to us for a while. 

Talking about slow travel by the Canal de Briare

We had a very enjoyable time discussing the benefits of slow travel with some fellow enthusiasts.

Kath with Pierre and Denis, 2 kind French cyclists who made the last few kilometres into Rogny-les-Sept-Écluses an enjoyable experience. 

Day:  19

Distance:  38.1km

Walking time:  7hrs 27mins

Elevation gain:  436 metres

Cumulative distance:  469.72 km