Through France - depths

[Grehan]

We're getting a fair bit of rain down in SW France, although not as much as I understand the UK is.
However, in spite of this, water reserves in central France are under pressure and have led to restrictions on some canals.

• http://www.vnf.fr/vnf/img/cms/Transport_fluvialhidden/Etat_reserves_05_19_20190523100822.pdf

Most significantly for Med-bound boats/yachts the Canal du Centre in Southern Burgundy has reduced the available depth to 1.6m from 1.8m. There is a similar water supply problem with the Canal de Briare, also part of the Western 'Bourbonnais' route through from Paris.

As yet, the Eastern route Marne -> Saone does not appear to be affected and it is usually the case that this is more reliably supplied and depths maintained.

 

[Grehan]

Unconfirmed report that available depth on the C du Centre reduced to 1.4m

 

[Grehan]

The water reserves situation in Burgundy is now quite serious with various closures imminent or depths reduced, in part or in whole.
Regroupement - bunching together of boats going through locks to minimise water loss - is widespread.
The affected waterways are -

• Canal de Bourgogne northern and central section
• Canal du Centre
• Canal de Briare

As we consistently recommend, the north-easterly 'Champagne' route from Paris to the Saone (Marne-Saone) is much more reliably supplied with water and hence available depth.