Cruising the Canal Du Nivernais in Burgundy, France

I could get quite used to this luxury barging…

Photo by the author

I awaken aboard the luxury barge La Belle Époque to reflected sunlight dancing on our cabin’s chestnut ceiling.

Outside the open porthole window I hear a squawk. A large white swan approaches expectantly, followed by several Mallards. We are eye level with each other. With…