The tallest house in Port Brulé, Maison Watershed offers unrivalled views over the Nivernais canal and towpath from both the ground and first floors. Life on the canal in summer with hire boats, private craft, the electric restaurant barge 'L'air du temps' which cruises the tunnels leading to the lakes at Baye, plus a constant traffic of cyclists and walkers using the renowned canal cycling route are sufficient entertainment to pass a fulfilling week without leaving the premises.
Built in the 1790's at the same time as the canal, the stone walls keep the house cool in summer and there are woodburners and central heating to keep you warm in winter.
If you like to eat outside, there is a patio at the rear which is relatively private compared to the courtyard and conservatory at the front where it is difficult to divorce yourself from the canalside activity!
The house is perfect for couples or families of up to 5 and if you are looking for activities rather than watch the world go by then the lakes at Baye (3km) are a good start offering swimming beaches with large grassed margins for sunbathing & picnics, fishing, tennis, sailing, canoeing, bicycle hire, nature trails and refreshments.
Slightly further afield (7Km) is the market town of Corbigny which has an excellent selection of shops and a good choice of bars and restaurants. There is a market each week and a large market which takes over the town once a month.
Watershed, as the name suggests is at the point where the 'Rigole' which carries water 35Km from Lake Pannecière feeds the canal. To the left this water descends a flight of 16 locks over about 3Km to the village of Sardy and thence to the Seine, Paris & the channel. To the right the water pases through the tunnels of La Collancelle to the boat hire base at Baye, from there to the river Loire at Decize and eventually to the Atlantic near Nantes. Following the course of the 'Rigole' which itself has 2 aquaducts either on foot, by bike or by car is a rewarding experience.
Having a car at Port Brulé makes it possible to benefit from the multitude of activities, organised walks, ' vide greniers ' ( the french equivalent of a car boot sale ), village fetes, rural restaurants etc