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Official website
for tourism in Burgundy

The canals of Burgundy
Waterways and great scenery

From wood floating to ceramics transport, the canals of Burgundy are a vibrant symbol of man-made history. You don't need to be a seasoned sailor to enjoy a trip along the 1,000 kilometres of this canal network unique in France. In a cabin boat, on foot or by bike – explore Burgundy and its many landscapes at your own pace!

Burgundy in Pictures

Randonnée pédestre
Jardin du Moulin à Tan à Sens
Canal de Bourgogne
Camping-car
Guédelon
  • Randonnée pédestre
  • Jardin du Moulin à Tan à Sens
  • Canal de Bourgogne
  • Camping-car
  • Guédelon

 

 

A history of trade

Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, Burgundy's canals came up against competition from the railways. Today they bear witness to the history of the “regions” through which they pass.Les canaux

  • The canal du Nivernais was used to transport wood from the Morvan towards Paris. In Clamecy you can find out more about the famous “wood floaters”...
  • Right up to the middle of the 20th century, generations of bargees earned their living on the canal de Bourgogne, canal de la Marne à la Saône, canal du Centre and canal de la Loire.
  • Lock keepers, boatmen, inn keepers, port workers, millers, boat haulers and horse breeders... Not all of these historic river trades have disappeared. If you are keen to find out more, the place to go is Saint-Jean-de-Losne, on the banks of the Saône. Every June they hold a "Pardon des Mariniers" celebrating traditional waterway trades.

A variety of scenery beside the water

From villages to châteaux, through wooded valleys and farmland, the canals lead on to rivers, large and small.Arrivée à Tournus

A river cruise is never dull! Between Louhans and the Saône flows a charming little river called the Seille.

On foot, by boat or by bike

Whether you hire a cabin boat for a weekend or a week, you are in for a few surprises: at Pouilly-en-Auxois, for example, a 3 kilometre tunnel runs between the Seine and Rhône basins.

You can also go along the 'voie verte' and the cycle route... another way of exploring Burgundy's canals, with family or friends!

Practical information

Cabin boats, barge-hotels and excursion boats are three good ways to explore Burgundy from the water.

Tour de Bourgogne à vélo® tracks run alongside a number of inland waterways. Throughout the entire route, this quality label is your guarantee of specialist facilities and services for cyclists.

A website with a good address book will help you organise your holiday.

http://www.burgundy-by-bike.com/

 

 

 

 

Burgundy and You