Our Dutch barge “Waterman” is now moored at the bottom of our garden on the canal Lateral de la Loire between Marseille les Aubigny and Cours les Barres. We are on the left bank at PK122 . Mary and I would like to take this opportunity to extend a welcome to passing boaters to stop over at the mooring for a quiet stay. We are continuing the “book swap” services started by the previous owners and have completed restocked the library. We will have a swap section were we have to keep a little control to ensure we get a “like for like” swap otherwise the quality of the books dilutes. In addition there will be a second hand book shop that will have a more varied range. All the books are in English.

The mooring is 150 meters long and about 1.5m deep throughout. The bank sides are steel piled. It is our intention to improve the bollards soon.. We have bathroom and shower facilities available as well as washing machine and tumble dryer. Needless to say there is a “cyber café” service or you can bring your PC to the house and have the luxury of a land line connection whilst you stay. Limited parking is available off the road. Except for an exemption we have for “Waterman” other visitors can stay for a maximum of twenty one days before incurring the wrath of VNF. There is no charge for these short stay stopovers. If, as a result of your stay, you feel you want to make a contribution to our running costs we have a collection box for the charity doing research into cystic fibrosis. There is a small equipped workshop but we do not intend to do anything in the way of commercial repairs but if you are passing and want to use the facilities yourself you are most welcome.

We can organise transport to and from the gigantic Carrefour supermarket at Nevers which is only ten minutes away by car. With Nevers station just two hours from Paris you could use us as a rendezvous point for friends coming to visit.

If you need a delivery address for letters or goods to arrive before your arrival then give us a call.

            We are really simply trying to encourage fellow boat owners to stop and share their boating experiences with us whilst we “landlubbers” can only envy your freedom!