Accolay to Auxerre 02.05

Beautiful early morning mist over the canal
Because it was Labour day in France, we couldn't use the locks , so we had two visits. In the morning, we visited the very picturesque village of Noyers-sur-Serein.
There is usually a substantial Farmers' market there but limited today. No problem, it was great to mooch around this sleepy place with such friendly locals. 
The ramparts with their many towers were undoubtedly excellent as defence. Now, it's just a fabulous place to live, with lovely gardens full of fragrant, colourful wisteria. 
i loved the walls which were stone without mortar. It must be a painstaking task to construct. 
The views from the top floor of this place must be phenomenal, but it would be hard work getting up there!
i just love these mediaeval homes, many on an incredible lean, and most in need of some TLC.  
It's worth looking carefully at the crazy carvings adorning the windows.
Beautuful cobbled streets and timber homes.
The afternoon trip was to Vézelay, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.
These pretty little bugs were caught in the act!
The village has been built on a hill and reminded me a little of mont St Michel with its grand Basilica perched on the top. It was truly magnificent and pretty chilly. it would be very welcome on a hot summer day.
Behind it there's a fabulous terrace with views over the forested hills of the region and some vineyards. Stunning. 
Despite being closed, I was attracted to this gorgeous restaurant terrace with its mullti -coloured seats. I would love to see that in NZ 
The end of a great day in Accolay and surrounding countryside. so far we've been super lucky with the weather. It's not been sunny, but the rain has held off.

Spoke too soon! It bucketed down the next day. Never mind, raincoats are fine and I
 and another hardy lady set out along the towpath and crossed the Yonne to reach the next lock. We were rather drenched but it was good to get out. Others were rather morose and miserable. Cabin fever.
Nothing that a gourmet meal can't fix!

Anyway, we went on an excursion to a vineyard in Chablis. Sadly, they had been hit by a severe hailstorm the evening before and the mood was somewhat sombre. They lost about 60 percent of crops. We weren't so keen on the wine, but Vincent, our driver took us to an incredible tasting up in the hills, deep inside a massive cavern, possibly used in the war by the Germans
A great place to taste some delicious bubbles!
Our last full day on the canal was sensational. The sun was shining and the birds singing as I set off early for a long walk of about 14 KMs to the 4 th lock.it was so peaceful and so gorgeous. I am going to do a separate blog for that day.

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