PARDON DES MARINIERS AND ABLETTES

Back in Saint-Jean-de-Losne and it's fête time on the Saône. Traditionally it was a very large festival with all the commercial péniches lining up decorated across the river, with various water/boat based activities followed by the usual drinking and eating. Not to forget on Sunday the boats were blessed in the 'Pardon', wishing well for the year to come.

A couple of colourful péniches.

Lots of good food and a few specials for the bateliers (bargees). One in particular I had to try was 'Friture d'Ablettes'. Ablettes are small freshwater fish (Common Bleak) that are found in abundance in the local rivers and canals. They are a bit like whitebait without the saltiness, coated whole in a light batter with 'weld' ( yellow dye from Dyer's Rocket) and deep fried. Good healthy meal deep fried fish and chips! There was a lemon.

A massive plateful of Friture d'Ablettes.

Were they good? Yes. Would I order them again? No. One problem there were far too many.