We left on Monday to visit Sarlat for three days. We were amazed to return to Chalon to find the Saone River in flood and a lot of the ground around the Marina was under water.

Marina – low water levels at the crane

When we arrived in Chalon many people told us that in winter the Saone floods, the water levels rise dramatically and there can be a problem with large tree branches being washed down river into the boats. We thought “people being dramatic again” but this time they were right.

In the three days we were away, it apparently rained nonstop and water levels rose two meters in 24 hours. Being from Ireland, we are not used to this type of rapid water level increase (remember two meters is the height of the average person)!

Adrian points out the level the water reached after the water has subsided

I have included photos that we took before levels rose and after so you can see the difference. While there was some flooding in the area around Chalon, it did not really affect the city as it is well set up for this kind of change in water levels (I had previously wondered why the town quay walls were so high now I know).

The flow in the river was fierce (same as we saw on the Rhine River) and water rushed past the boat on its moorings. All the boat mooring ropes were guitar string tight, they squeaked and groaned all day long until the water subsided. We were safe as the pontoon float, and rise and fall with the water level. Nuala loves dramatic weather and was in her element.

The Crane and quay covered in water

Two Swiss cruise ships were caught between the two main bridges in Chalon for three days. The water level was obviously too high to allow them to pass under either bridge.

Yesterday the water subsided overnight, as fast as it had risen the previous week and the Saone has slowed down again. I wonder what the rest of the winter will bring. Exciting times ahead!