Now that spring has arrived, the trees are all green and many flowers are in bloom, we shall be seeing the "Gabares" sailing the river.

A Gabare is a boat typical to the Loire. In fact we have no other sorts on the river.  They are made of wood which is blackened with paint and pitch before entering the water. They have "blunt" ends for easy loading and unloading of cargo, they are flat bottomed and long. Their widths and lengths are very varied from about 6 metres to 30 plus metres. (An idea of thier size can be seen by the photo above). Their construction has not changed since the times of the Romans. (Which goes to show not all old ideas and designs need to be changed)!  In days gone by, these boats were of course the main transport of all goods.  For example, here at Brehemont Hemp and Wine were exported and amongst other things Salt was imported. Here in the region of Brehemont, there used to be 2,000 hectres of Hemp grown and of course all along the Loire Valley there has been and still is, some of the best quality wine grown in France.  With generations of families growing both Hemp and Wine I think explains the reason for the people in this area being so laid back !! 

When the Gabares are in full sail they are a truley magnificent sight, as especially with the  larger boats their sails are huge.  In the past they used to sail in "train" formation, which is one large boat towing either one or two others.

Last summer I was lucky enough to sail from Langeais to Brehemont in a Gabare on its way for the innorgoration ceremony at Brehemont, which finished at midnight with a firework display from another boat.  A sight to behold!!