AGRO-INDUSTRY AND ENERGY

Just to show that we are not always cosseted in picture postcard surroundings and luxurious restaurants, I illustrate below the views from the stern of Soraya and the bow.

We are in Nogent-sur-Seine at the navigable end of Petite Seine Aval. At this point we turn around and head towards Paris, the canal getting very small, too small for Soraya. The towns claim to fame seems to be grains silos, below is one of many, its nuclear power station and a sculpture museum that after an obviously very expensive €4 million redevelopment has failed to open. Looks good on the outside but talking to local people there is a sniff of scandal in the air and no knows when it will open.

Stern view - Grain silos in Nogent-sur-Seine.

Grain silos are quite a major part of the canal landscape in mid France where landscape yields grain in abundance and considerable quantities are carried by barges. The combination of commercial barges and plaisance ensure the waterways are maintained.

Bow view - Nogent-sur-Seine Centrale Nucléaire EDF, with Sassot Mill in the foreground.

The town is 'fine' which means OK, lots of amazing timber frame buildings. It could be superb it just needs more people and a bit of inward investment. Mind you judging by the restaurant Le Cygne de la Croix and few Ferraris and Maseratis in town it may be looking up. Open that museum it looks superb!