The waterways in Champagne-Ardenne

We're having such a beautiful blue sky today that I rather want to share more about the countryside than another village.

I love the huge rivers of France.  Our region is important for three large catchment areas, the Seine (going via Paris all the way to Le Havre on the west coast), the Meuse (or the Maas as some of you might know it, as that is the Dutch and German names for it, going from France through Belgium and the Netherlands to end up in the North Sea) and the Rhône, going south through Bourgogne (or Burgundy) all the way to the Mediterranean.  France has a vast network of canals, some can carry boats with a heavy load, some require a smaller load.  One of JL's dreams is to obtain a licence that we can go on a boat on some rivers, canals and on the sea, but for now, I fear his work is keeping him too busy. 
While living in Reims we loved to go for a long walk along the canal.  This year I was quite proud of me when we've cycled from Sillery to Reims, about 10 km, along the canal (then after a lunch in Reims managed to do the return as well).  All along the canal you will find fishermen, cyclists, joggers (even parents jogging while pushing a baby in a pram), hikers and on the canal, people kayaking.
Due to our region feeding so many important rivers, we have a vast network of canal systems that links the various rivers, thus enabling you to navigate from the North Sea to the Mediterranean or to the Atlantic, as you wish.
I can bore you with more detail on the length of the canals, the number of locks, etc but I think that those of you who do want more info (and cannot find it in English on internet) can rather mail me with your questions.  For a good map, you can have a look on www.fluvialnet.com and click on fluviacarte.
In general, the majority of the canals were constructed during the 19th century. 
Below are some photos of a boat trip I've done with my mother and mother-in-law on le canal latéral à la Marne - departing from the village Cumières, passing Damery and turning around where we've got the view of the château de Boursault .  You'll always find some Flemish people there. I enjoy talking Afrikaans to them, baffling the French who have realised that you are not European but here you are talking to Europeans and they do not understand a word! The last time I've been there I've met a group of Flemish who plan to go to SA next year, so I could offer them some advice on where and when to go.

Below: Damery (to Cristy, Christian & Brigitte - this is where champagne Haton is based)

Below: can you spot the château de Boursault between the trees? It was constructed in the Renaissance style between 1842-1846 for the famous Veuve Clicquot.  The responsible architect was also responsible for some restoration work at the cathedral in Reims at that period.  The great-grandchild of Veuve Clicquot inherited the castle, hosting huge fêtes.  Unfortunately for her, by 1913 her fortune diminished and the castle was sold.  The castle served as a hospital during both World Wars.  Today, as it is private property, you cannot visit the castle, but you can taste their champagne in a building on the same property, getting a closer view of the castle than from the boat. 

one of the locks

Returning to Cumières - they have really made it pretty along the canal with some metal artwork like the one below (for the older generation whom I admire for not being afraid of laptops, internet or smartphones but still have to learn a few tricks, click on the photo to enlarge it then you'll have a good view of the artwork)