I took the advice about getting to Nerac early a bit too seriously, and so I was up early to see a 0700h sunrise. But since we couldn’t leave until the locks opened, I then went back to bed.

After a leisurely breakfast, we made a 0900h departure to get through the 4 locks to Nerac. We went through 3 locks on alternating sides of the river along the way.

The “Guide Fluvial” says that “Arriving by boat in the beautiful town of Nerac is an unforgettable experience” and even though I had read that many times as I studied the maps, I have to admit that it is definitely true. As you sit in the lock ready to enter Nerac, the views are stunning , no matter whether you look left, straight ahead, or right.

To the left...

... or straight ahead…

... or to the right.

After considering several spots to tie up, we chose a mooring on the right, opposite the site of tonight’s Night Market, as advised by the man from the Mairie (who soon thereafter greeted us from the far bank, having recognised the name “Peniche Kanumbra” that Rita had used in the phone call with him). Just after we finished mooring, the Nerac Tourist Boat steamed into port having just completed another trip.

Rita had already sussed out the local piscine, and was soon on her bike to go swimming, while I went for quick walk around town. The canal is lined with fabulous buildings as this shot of Kanumbra from the far bank demonstrates.

As I walked over the bridge at the southern end of the port, I got a good perspective of the canal and the town, with Kanumbra moored on the left (the only non hire-boat in port).

Returning to the barge again demonstrated the beauty of the port.

It was only now that I started to fully appreciate Shirley Peters painting of Nerac from a few years ago, with the juxtaposition of water, buildings and bridges.

As I walked around town, I noticed a Hotel/Restaurant right on the canal was up for sale. Maybe it’s not too late for Mike to move to France!

Having listened to the bands doing their sound checks on stage during the afternoon, we were now looking forward to the Night Market. However, rather than eat at the Market, we decided to have our own special meal (Chicken Curry) on the boat as we watched the gathering crowd on the far bank. More than any other Night Market we had seen, this one merges the Market and Canal very well, as patrons spill down to the water to enjoy their meal.

As the night warmed up, we wandered over to the Night Market and joined in the festivities. Lots of people were enjoying dinner and each other’s company, and seemed oblivious to the scenery behind them.

Two bands were scheduled to perform. The first was a young, energetic group whose job was the get the people up on their feet and enjoying themselves. Graced with a wannabee-Freddie-Mercury as lead singer and sax player, they did a great job.

Next up was a slightly older group, playing jazz and R&B. Again very good and got people dancing. The tenor horn player on the far left was great.

As midnight approached we decided to take our leave and listen to the rest of the concert from the barge. However, as we reached the barge, we were again struck by the beauty of the setting.