Meuse → Mosel → Rhine - France

Detour? Different route to Toul

Maybe we will be as (un)lucky as the Parel was and have to take a detour to Toul. This is because of the vegitation in the river. Waterplants can grow in the river, and they can make it difficult to navigate. This is especially the case in the summer months, when the waterplants can grow very fast. Try to get in touch with local experts to get more information about this so you can prepare in time to make the detour. Also check the messages on EuRis and the site of VNF regarding blockages.

côté Meuse du canal des Ardennes

To clarify the route on the canal des Ardennes, we will be following the Meuse side of the canal. This is the side that is recommended by VNF. But it is confusing!

Heading to Le Chesne 🇫🇷

As seen on the VLOGS of the Parel, you've seen that they had to take a detour to be able to continue their trip. This section provides the basic information for this detour.

On the normal route, you would have been on your way to Sedan. But now you are on your way to Le Chesne. We will be following the same route as the Parel took. Which you can see in Episode 10: Charleville Mézières (Fr) naar Le Chesne. The detour is approximately 140 km longer than the direct route to Toul.
The detour is also a very nice route to take, as it takes you through the beautiful Ardennes region.
The detour starts at Ecluse n°40 de Dom-le-Mesnil (during Day 4) and continues on the Canal des Ardennes.
You will be able to see some of the most beautiful parts of the French countryside on this detour.

Info about côté Meuse du canal des Ardennes

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Port de Plaisance Le Chesne

Port de Plaisance / Halte fluviale du Chesne offers about 10 official moorings (≈10 boats) , though around 4 boats can berth comfortably with full access to utilities. Services include water, electricity, Wi-Fi, basic sanitary facilities, and nearby parking.

Nearby Services - Le Chesne (Canal des Ardennes)

• Closest Supermarket: Carrefour Express
  Location: 10 Rue du Lac de Bairon, Le Chesne
  Distance: Approx. 450m (6-minute walk)
  Best for: Daily groceries, fresh bread, and quick supplies near the canal.
• Local Convenience: Proxi
  Location: Rue de la Paix, Le Chesne
  Distance: Approx. 250m (3-minute walk)
  Best for: Quick essentials in the village center.
• Nearest Gas Station: TotalEnergies Access
  Location: 3 Av. Lucien Lelarge, Le Chesne
  Distance: Approx. 500m (6-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: Land-based station; very accessible for fuel cans (jerrycans).

Heading to Attigny 🇫🇷

As seen on the VLOGS of the Parel, you've seen that they had to take a detour to be able to continue their trip. This section provides the basic information for this detour.

Than you also did see that this day consists of 26 locks in a "lock stairs" (or "lock staircase"). This means that the locks are very close to each other, and you will have to pass them one after the other. This can be very time consuming, and it is important to take this into account when planning your day. The lock staircase starts at Ecluse n°1 de Le Chesne and ends at Ecluse n.27 de Rilly-sur-Aisne. After that, the route continues on the you will have a few more locks to pass before you reach Attigny.

Two Canals des Ardennes

The weird thing is, is that this Canal is actually 2 separate canals with their own km markers. The first one is the Côté Meuse du canal des Ardennes and the second one is the Canal des Ardennes. The first one is the one that we will be following, and it is the one that is recommended by VNF. The second one is the one that we enter when we are passing Ecluse n°27 de Rilly-sur-Aisne. From passing this lock, it is about 6 km to Attigny

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Info about Canal des Ardennes

After passing Ecluse n°27 de Rilly-sur-Aisne, we enter Canal des Ardennes.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Port de Plaisance Attigny

Port de Plaisance / Halte fluviale du Attigny.

Nearby Services - Halte fluviale d'Attigny

• Main Supermarket: Carrefour Contact
  Location: 3 Rue Saint-Charles, Attigny
  Distance: Approx. 450m (6-minute walk)
  Best for: Full grocery range, fresh produce, and daily essentials.
• Local Bakery: Le Dôme de Charlemagne
  Location: 16 Place Charlemagne, Attigny
  Distance: Approx. 350m (5-minute walk)
  Best for: Fresh baguettes and pastries near the town square.
• Nearest Gas Station: Carrefour Station-service
  Location: 3 Rue Saint-Charles (at Carrefour Contact)
  Distance: Approx. 450m (6-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: Most convenient for filling fuel cans (jerrycans) near the harbor.

Heading to Rethel 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Attigny to Rethel. After today we will connect to the Canal lateral a l'Aisne but for now we will be on the Canal des Ardennes.

Rethel is a city with facilities like supermarkets, restaurants and bars. It is a good place to stock up on supplies and to get Fuel. The gas station is about 400 meters away from the mooring accross the bridge.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Halte nautique de Rethel

Port de Plaisance / Halte nautique de Rethel offers about 10 official moorings (≈10 boats) so you can berth comfortably with full access to utilities. Services include water, electricity, Wi-Fi, basic sanitary facilities, and nearby parking. But according to the Parel VLOGS, the facilities are not in the best condition or not available, so be prepared to be a bit flexible with the services you can use.

Nearby Services - Halte fluviale de Rethel

• Closest Supermarket: Carrefour Express
  Location: 45 Av. Gambetta, Rethel
  Distance: Approx. 450m (6-minute walk on right bank)
  Best for: Quick groceries and fresh bread very close to the quay.
• Main Supermarket: Intermarché SUPER (Sault-lès-Rethel)
  Location: 24 Rue de Reims, Sault-lès-Rethel
  Distance: Approx. 1.4 km (18-minute walk on left bank)
  Best for: Large variety of products and full stock-ups.
• Nearest Gas Station: Intermarché Station-service
  Location: 24 Rue de Reims (at Intermarché)
  Distance: Approx. 1.4 km (18-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
• Alternative Gas Station: TotalEnergies Access
  Location: 4 Rue de Montpellier, Rethel
  Distance: Approx. 1.1 km (14-minute walk on right bank)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.

Heading to Asfeld 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Rethel to Asfeld. After today we will connect to the Canal lateral a l'Aisne but for now we will be on the Canal des Ardennes.

At Asfeld, there are no facilities, but there is a supermarket and a bakery.

This is, however a good stop to not get to tired.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Quay at Asfeld

Short quay at Asfeld offers about 2 official moorings with NO facilities. And no shops/stores/gas stations nearby.

Heading to Loivre 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Asfeld to Loivre. This day is about doing 3 different waterways. We will start on the Canal des Ardennes, then we will enter the Canal lateral a l'Aisne and finally we will enter the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne.

At Loivre, decent, there is a supermarket and a bakery.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Info about Canal lateral a l'Aisne

After passing Ecluse n°14 de Vieux-les-Asfeld, we enter Canal lateral a l'Aisne. We will follow this canal for about 18.2 km until we reach the intersection with the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Info about Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne

On Canal lateral a l'Aisne at 18.2 km, we enter Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne. We will follow this canal for about 23.5 km until we reach Loivre.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Halte Nautique de Loivre Centre

Berth places for 12 boats. No shops/gas station

Heading to Reims 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Loivre to Reims.

At Reims, there is a decent marina, but this might be noisy, decent, there is a supermarket and a bakery.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Halte Nautique de Reims Centre

Berth places for 12 boats. according to the Parel, no Water/Electricity. But reviews say that there are since 2025 new facilities. Home of the Cathedral of Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the historic center of Reims, with its charming streets and vibrant culture. The marina is located in the heart of the city, making it a convenient base for exploring all that Reims has to offer.

Nearby Services - Port de Plaisance de Reims

• Main Supermarket: Carrefour Market
  Location: 30 Rue de l'Équerre, Reims
  Distance: Approx. 750m (9-minute walk)
  Best for: Large selection, fresh departments, and full grocery range.
• Closest Convenience: Carrefour City
  Location: 18 Rue Libergier, Reims
  Distance: Approx. 450m (6-minute walk)
  Best for: Quick groceries and fresh bread near the Cathedral.
• Nearest Gas Station: TotalEnergies (Relais Reims Venise)
  Location: 2 Rue Albert Thomas, Reims
  Distance: Approx. 850m (11-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: Land-based station; accessible for fuel cans (jerrycans).

Heading to Sillery 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Reims to Sillery.

At Sillery, there is a marina with good facilities, but it is a bit outside of the city. There is a supermarket and a bakery in the village of Sillery, but it is not as close as the one in Reims.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Port de Sillery

Berth places for 19 boats on pontons. One day (24 hours) costs €27.40. Two days (48 hours) cost €54.80, and three days (72 hours) cost €82.20. Electricity and water consumption are charged separately.

Nearby Services - Halte nautique de Sillery

• Main Supermarket: Intermarché CONTACT
  Location: 2 Rte de Châlons, Sillery
  Distance: Approx. 450m (6-minute walk)
  Best for: Full grocery range, fresh produce, and daily essentials.
• Local Bakery: Boulangerie Gérard
  Location: 3 Rue de Châlons, Sillery
  Distance: Approx. 400m (5-minute walk)
  Best for: Fresh baguettes and local pastries.
• Nearest Gas Station: Intermarché Station-service
  Location: 2 Rte de Châlons (at Intermarché)
  Distance: Approx. 450m (6-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: Land-based station; very accessible for fuel cans (jerrycans).

Heading to Chalon de Champagne 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Sillery to Chalon de Champagne.

At Chalon de Champagne, there is a marina with good facilities. There is a supermarket and a bakery in the village of Chalon de Champagne, but it is not as close as the one in Reims.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Info about Canal lateral a la Marne

On Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne at 58 km, we enter Canal latéral à la Marne at 48.35 km. We will follow this canal for about 16.5 km until we reach Chalon de Champagne.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Port Chalon de Champagne

Berth places for boats on pontons.

Nearby Services - Port de Plaisance de Châlons-en-Champagne

• Main Supermarket: Carrefour Market
  Location: 4-6 Rue de la Marne, Châlons-en-Champagne
  Distance: Approx. 650m (8-minute walk)
  Best for: Large selection, fresh produce, and full grocery range.
• Closest Convenience: Carrefour City
  Location: 26 Rue de la Marne, Châlons-en-Champagne
  Distance: Approx. 600m (8-minute walk)
  Best for: Quick essentials and fresh bread in the city center.
• Nearest Gas Station: TotalEnergies Access
  Location: 14 Avenue du Général Sarrail, Châlons-en-Champagne
  Distance: Approx. 950m (12-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: Land-based station; easily accessible for fuel cans (jerrycans).

Heading to Vitry-le-François 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Chalon de Champagne to Vitry-le-François.

At Vitry-le-François, the following waterways intersect:

• Canal latéral à l’Aisne (Canal lateral a la Marne)
• Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne
• Canal de la Marne au Rhin, branche Ouest

The is a marina is very tight and exactly where the Canal entre Champagne et Bourgogne and the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, branche Ouest meet. Fun fact: Both canals start their counting right at the mouth of this marina! The stretch of Canal de la Marne au Rhin, branche Ouest towards the marina is approx. 900 meters from the intersection, with one bridge. The marina is very tight, and you should not be to close to the right hand side of the entrance canal.

We noticed at the Vlog of the Parel, that you should make sure you put your stuff behind lock&key. So don't let your bike(s) in the open during the night. Not real good advertisement....

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Port Vitry-le-François

Berth places for boats in very small marina. Lock your stuff away in this marina.

Nearby Services - Port de Plaisance de Vitry-le-François

• Largest Supermarket: E.Leclerc Vitry-le-François
  Location: Rte de Vitry en Perthois, Vitry-le-François
  Distance: Approx. 1.2 km (15-minute walk)
  Best for: Extensive selection, bulk shopping, and regional products.
• Alternative Market: Lidl
  Location: 30 Rte de Vitry en Perthois, Vitry-le-François
  Distance: Approx. 1.3 km (16-minute walk)
  Best for: Fresh bakery items and budget-friendly groceries.
• Budget Option: ALDI
  Location: Rte de Vitry en Perthois, Vitry-le-François
  Distance: Approx. 1.1 km (14-minute walk)
  Best for: Quick essentials and affordable shopping.
• Nearest Gas Station: E.Leclerc Station-service
  Location: Rte de Vitry en Perthois (at E.Leclerc)
  Distance: Approx. 1.2 km (15-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: High-capacity station, very accessible for fuel cans (jerrycans).

Heading to Pargny-Sur-Saulx 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Vitry-le-François to Pargny-Sur-Saulx.

Info about Canal de la Marne au Rhin, branche Ouest

We start at KM 0.0 on the Canal de la Marne au Rhin, branche Ouest and we will be on this canal until we are back on the main route at 111.2 km. From there, we will follow the main route again. But now we are heading for Pargny-Sur-Saulx

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Port Pargny-Sur-Saulx

marina.

Nearby Services - Pargny-sur-Saulx (Canal de la Marne au Rhin)

• Main Supermarket: Intermarché CONTACT
  Location: 26 Av. de la Gare, Pargny-sur-Saulx
  Distance: Approx. 850m (11-minute walk)
  Best for: Full grocery range, fresh produce, and daily essentials.
• Local Bakery: Boulangerie Patisserie Bigot
  Location: 32 Rue du Maréchal Foch, Pargny-sur-Saulx
  Distance: Approx. 600m (8-minute walk)
  Best for: Fresh baguettes and pastries in the village center.
• Nearest Gas Station: Intermarché Station-service
  Location: 26 Av. de la Gare (at Intermarché)
  Distance: Approx. 850m (11-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: Land-based station; easily accessible for fuel cans (jerrycans).

Heading to Bar-le-Duc 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Pargny-Sur-Saulx to Bar-le-Duc.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Port de Plaisance de Bar-le-Duc

marina.

Nearby Services - Port de Plaisance de Bar-le-Duc

• Closest Supermarket: Intermarché CONTACT
  Location: 32 Rue Ernest Bradfer, Bar-le-Duc
  Distance: Approx. 400m (5-minute walk via footbridge)
  Best for: Full grocery range, fresh produce, and daily essentials very close to the harbor.
• Alternative Market: Lidl
  Location: 38 Rue Ernest Bradfer, Bar-le-Duc
  Distance: Approx. 500m (6-minute walk)
  Best for: Budget-friendly groceries and fresh bakery items.
• Nearest Gas Station: Intermarché Station-service
  Location: 32 Rue Ernest Bradfer (at Intermarché)
  Distance: Approx. 400m (5-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: Excellent location for filling fuel cans (jerrycans) due to its proximity.

Heading to Ligny-en-Barrois 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Bar-le-Duc to Ligny-en-Barrois.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Port de Plaisance de Ligny-en-Barrois

marina.

Nearby Services - Port de Ligny-en-Barrois

• Closest Supermarket: Proxi Super
  Location: 22 Rue du Général de Gaulle, Ligny-en-Barrois
  Distance: Approx. 500m (6-minute walk)
  Best for: Quick groceries and fresh bread in the town center.
• Main Supermarket: Intermarché SUPER
  Location: 1 Rue des États Unis, Ligny-en-Barrois
  Distance: Approx. 600m (7-minute walk)
  Best for: Full grocery range and larger stock-ups.
• Nearest Gas Station: Intermarché Station-service
  Location: 27 Rue des États Unis, Ligny-en-Barrois
  Distance: Approx. 600m (7-minute walk)
  Service: 24/7 automated pumps providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: Very convenient land-based station for jerrycans.

Heading to Demange-aux-Eaux 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Ligny-en-Barrois to Demange-aux-Eaux.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Floating Docks at for 3 boats Demange-aux-Eaux

After this stop, the Tunnel de Mauvages (build between 1842 and 1847) will be on the route. 4877 meters of Tunnel.

Nearby Services - Demange-aux-Eaux (Canal de la Marne au Rhin)

• Local Bakery: Boulangerie Mangeot
  Location: 26 Rue de la République, Demange-aux-Eaux
  Distance: Approx. 400m (5-minute walk)
  Best for: Fresh bread and morning pastries.
• Note on Supplies: No Supermarkets
  Status: There are no supermarkets or grocery stores in the village.
  Recommendation: Ensure you are stocked up before arriving or wait until the next major stop.
• Note on Fuel: No Gas Station
  Status: No fuel station available within walking distance (under 30 mins).
  Nearest option: Void-Vacon or Ligny-en-Barrois by vehicle.

Heading to Void-Vacon 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Demange-aux-Eaux to Void-Vacon trough the Tunnel de Mauvages.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Halte Fluviale de Void

After this stop, the Tunnel de Mauvages (build between 1842 and 1847) will be on the route. 4877 meters of Tunnel.

Nearby Services - Void-Vacon (Canal de la Marne au Rhin)

• Main Supermarket: Proxi Super
  Location: 2 Pl. Charles de Gaulle, Void-Vacon
  Distance: Approx. 450m (6-minute walk from the quay)
  Best for: Daily groceries, fresh produce, and essentials in the town center.
• Local Bakery: Boulangerie Mangeot
  Location: 20 Place du Marché, Void-Vacon
  Distance: Approx. 450m (6-minute walk)
  Best for: Fresh baguettes and the famous local "Gâteau de Void".
• Nearest Gas Station: Station Elan (Relais de la Méholle)
  Location: 8 Rte de Vacon, Void-Vacon
  Distance: Approx. 400m (5-minute walk from the canal)
  Service: Providing Diesel (Gazole) and Unleaded gas.
  Note: The most convenient station for filling jerrycans due to its proximity to the water.

Heading to the main route 🇫🇷

This section is about the route from Void-Vacon connecting to the main route.

This will take us to where we would have been on halfway day 9 on the regular route. Therefore, we connect from here to where we would have been in Travel day 9 towards Toul (2)

Heads up! So ending this section, we will count as we where on the regular route.

The route of today

Today, you will pass the objects:

Upcoming stop: Pagny-sur-Meuse

Here we connect to the main route (Back on track) and we continue the route from km 111.2 (Back on Track).

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