The Meuse

The Meuse flows 950Km from the village of Meuse in France to Holland where it divides to a number of branches as it makes its way to the sea. It is known as the Maas in Holland and we first came onto it at Woudrichem where it is known as the Afgedamde Maas . We went from that to the Bergse Maas and left it near Den Bosch to join it again at Maastricht. Since then we have travelled on it and its associated canals for a further 50Km in Holland 130km in Belgium and so far 150km in France . The first 40 km in Belgium is a long industrial estate serviced by monster barges up to 4k Tons. It is extremely dificult for cruisers or private barges to find mooring in this area. The large barges service  to Namur and after that to Givet in France vessels of 2k tonnes ply. Again mooring for private pleasure vessels is scarce.Despite the scarcity of suitable mooring spots the scenery from Namur on is spectacular . From Givet the river flows in a deep valley with towering cliffs .There are tunnels at Ham and  Revin which was a new experience for us . Here and there along the banks you can see evidence of a past war which brings home to you the great horrors that happened here in the past.

We have now reached Verdun a very historic city and scene of great bloodshed in the Great war. We will stay a few days to view the sights and then continue our journey southwards.