These are the adventures of Andy and Sally Rawnsley on their narrowboat "The Puzzler". We have been living on the boat for over nine years now and are still loving it. Our Ulster born Shih Tzu, Shannon, has grown up, and has taken over the boat! After three wonderful years in Ireland, we transported The Puzzler to The Netherlands, and spent a year there. In 2015 we went southwards, to reach the north of France by June. After glorious weather throughout the summer, we arrived in Roanne in late October, and enjoyed our winter in this friendly port. We cruised extensively in France in 2016, 2017 and 2018, returning to Roanne each winter.


Monday 31 July 2017

23rd - 31st July 2017. From Nancy via the Moselle to Toul, then on to Pargny-sur-Meuse.

Sailing on out of Nancy, the skyscraper tower would have struggled to get planning permission in England!

Further out of town, the French really make use of the hillside, giving these houses a splendid view.


The Moselle brings commercial barges alongside The Puzzler.



This is a huge river.
The Château de la Flie lies on the outside of the meander around the town of Liverdun. We visited Liverdun last autumn, when we passed this way.

This castle is bigger than it looks at first!
Mooring above Aingeray lock, on the Moselle, we are very close to the railway line, which added to the interest of the area. Here though, the line is protected by a high wire fence, and a notice telling us the penalty for trespassing is either six months in jail, or a fine of 3,500 euros. We decided it was not worth it!

We shared Aingeray Lock with this commercial barge, Taro. His car, too, has the number plate Taro. On leaving the lock he was very considerate, only using his front thrusters to move the barge, until he was well away from us. A barge propellor in use, close to The Puzzler, would give us a very rough ride!


This fortified gateway was built at the same time as the canal, thus adding to the town fortifications.


St Etienne cathedral was built between the 13th and 16th centuries, and is dominated by its octagonal towers, which are 66 metres high.


This piggie waterspout was to be found in the cathedral cloisters.


The other large church in Toul is Saint-Genoult, which also has an interesting tower.


The gardens of this church lie within its cloisters, and are very tranquil.


As we leave Toul, having moored below the marina this time, our flowers are still in good heart.
Having gone up the flight of 12 locks from Toul, we moored on the island just before the tunnel. Our half of it was soft moss underfoot, with rough grass on the rest of the island. We thought that Shannon would enjoy the freedom there, but she stayed on the boat all the time, unless we insisted that she come out. There seemed to be no reason for this.



The mooring at Pargny-sur-Meuse is very pleasant. This is normally a busy place, but not today.


The only view of the church in Pargny-sur-Meuse is from the other side of the village, from the canal, as it closely surrounded by houses.


Inside, it is much simpler than the large churches in Toul, but is very peaceful.


On the walls are many carved reliefs of the story of the crucifixion of Jesus.

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