Along Burgundy Canal

The Château de Mâlain

Mâlain is an authentic place to visit, where the locals will always welcome you with a smile.

The renovated château and archaeological site are worth the detour, and don't miss the Fête des Sorcières (witches celebration), that takes place every other year!

The Château de Barbirey gardens and grounds

This 8-hectare English-style landscaped garden was designed in the 19th century, and has been classified a "Remarkable Garden" since 2004 (label from the French Ministry of Culture).

It still has the classic appearance of a landscaped garden, with a vast terraced vegetable garden from the 18th century, orchard, wetland, meadow, viewpoint and a quarry hidden in the undergrowth.

Tourist Railway of Ouche Valley

Leave the ancient Bligny-sur-Ouche train station on a journey to Pont-d'Ouche, aboard an ancient steam train.

The journey lasts 30 minutes there and back, through Ouche Valley, one one of France's very first railway tracks. Choo Choo!!

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and the château

This hilltop village is one of the"most beautiful villages of France" with a view of the beautiful country hills of the Auxois region, Burgundy Canal, and Morvan Regional Natural Park.

There are often flea markets held along the cobbled streets and it is very pleasant strolling through the landscaped gardens. Finally, don't miss a tour of the château overlooking the village which was one of the very first settlements of the powerful Dukes of Burgundy.

Lake Panthier

Lake Panthier is a wonderful natural place, ideal for swimming and watersports in the calm waters, such as sailing, canoeing and paddle boarding.

There is a campsite, a watersports centre and a restaurant, as well as a big beach on the shores of this lake of Burgundy Canal.

Château de Commarin

The elegance and diversity of the harmonious façades, and the extraordinary preservation of a family legacy over seven centuries make this château a superb witness of some great eras through history...  In the village where author from Burgundy, Henri Vincenot, resided in the 20th century.

Cruise along the canal on an electric boat

Come for a unique commented boat trip aboard the Billebaude electric boat, along Burgundy canal's upstream section and learn about life of the sailors.

Pass under the famous Arch, a lit-up tunnel 3,333 m long, and a number of colourful locks surrounded by flowers.

Then visit the Halle du Toueur on the port of Pouilly-en-Auxois, with its contemporary architecture and a former river tow boat from 1893.

In the summer, you'll be able to take a small tourist train back, along Burgundy Canal.

Musée Buffon and grounds in Montbard

For inquiring minds, the Musée Buffon, devoted to the famous naturalist from the 18th century and his cloest partner Daubenton, offers a visitor's tour centred around natural history and the Lumières movement.

From the grounds, there is a breath-taking view of Montbard and the surrounding area, especially from the two 14th-century towers.

The Great Forge of Buffon

This factory is a prestigious witness of the steel industry during the Age of Enlightenment, where 300 labourers once worked. On this same site, all production operations were carried out, the labourers lived and the owner's residence was also here.

It was built in 1768 by the famous naturalist Buffon who used the factory to put into practice his welding experience. In the 18th century, the Forge produced 450 tonnes of steel bars.

It was renovated thanks to the Heritage Mission by French TV presenter Stéphane Bern and the brand-new big wheel is used to demonstrate metal casting!