Tournus - Louhans, River Seille Tuesday 30/8/11

After showers and breakfast on board, we headed off at 10.15am further South towards the River Seille in yet again, beautiful hot sunshine and clear blue skies. We arrived at the first lock, La Truchere, at 11am and locked through with a bumper hire boat, in front. What a stunning little town with the most beautiful countryside. We continued our journey heading East along the River Seille, winding our way with stunning views, fabulous countryside and enjoying some chicken baguettes on board for lunch. After La Truchere, the rest of the locks were un-manned and it helped having the bumper boat in front as they did all the work! After the next lock at Cuisery, the bumper boat stopped and we continued to the next lock where a couple who were camping, locked us through, yipee! We gave them some beers as a thank you and we made our way to the final lock at Branges which I did, arriving at Louhans at 3.30pm. Plenty of room on the pontoon, we moored stern to, plugged in and headed into the town for a beer. We travelled a total of 45km today.
Louhans is the capital of the Bresse Bourguigonne region, a pretty little market town. It is lined with arches and opulent houses from the 16th and 17th Century and its thoroughfare has managed to preserve a medieval atmosphere. The stunning St. Pierre church dates from the 15th Century and has been restored many times. Take a look at the stunning individually painted tiles.
After a visit to the tourist office, we headed back to Ginger Grouse II for a siesta before heading out for dinner to L'Hutau. What a superb little find this was. Starters of huge prawns flambeed in Jack Daniels (me!) and salmon fillet in balsamic vinegar were fab. Mains of Bresse chicken which came with their own little steel rings round their legs to prove that they were Bresse reared, served with a delicious cider sauce were amazing, mixed cheeses followed and then to finish, magic desserts of Monsigneur (Similar to Ile Flottante but with a bit of a twist!) and ice cream, rounded off a magical meal. We waddled (!) home to some games of Uno on board and Jim won, beating me by 3 games and skinning me for 15 euros!