Elbe river exploration featured in ‘Au bout c’est la mer’

The television program ‘Au bout c’est la mer’ features François Pécheux exploring the Elbe, a river that originates in the Czech Republic and flows over 1,000 kilometers through Germany to the North Sea.

During the journey, Pécheux travels on various vessels, including a century-old paddle steamer named ‘Leipzig’ and a unique machine capable of lifting boats more than 20 meters above the water. The expedition covers significant historical and cultural sites, such as Dresden, which bears the marks of World War II bombings, and the Spreewald region, a network of canals often referred to as ‘Germany’s little Venice.’

The journey also highlights local traditions and lifestyles, including mail delivery via boat, agricultural transport on water, and the use of folding canoes, which were historically used to cross the former border between East and West Germany. The voyage concludes near Hamburg, passing through marinas and encountering local figures such as a chaplain who provides support to sailors.