Ahoy there! 

River tourism, for a taste of the good life

"My friends and I had been talking about it for a while, and last autumn we decided to give it a try. Off we went for a week's sailing on a permit-free boat on the Canal du Centre. None of us had ever done this before, but the Locaboat staff at Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune river port put us instantly at ease. After a short introductory session, we sailed away for a fabulous week of freedom! It didn't take long for us to master the art of passing through the locks without difficulty."

Permit-free boat rentals

Péniche La vie en rose.
St Léger-sur-Dheune Péniche La vie en rose.
Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Interieur d'une péniche Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Alain Doire / BFC Tourisme
Canal du Centre / Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune Alain Doire / BFC Tourisme
Franck Juillot / Creusot-Montceau Tourisme
Ecluse Pouilloux, canal du Centre Franck Juillot / Creusot-Montceau Tourisme
A must!

All boat rentals

Our boat rental outlets offer all sorts of solutions, including all-day rentals.

Canalside heritage

Stop off to visit our picturesque towns

Named the 'Canal du Charolais' when it was created between 1783 et 1793, the Canal du Centre flows for 112 km between the lovely towns of Chalon-sur-Saône and Digoin, via Le Creusot-Montceau and Paray-le-Monial.

Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Town of art and history

Chalon-sur-Saône

Be sure to stop off at the birthplace of Nicéphore Niepce, the inventor of photography. You'll be amazed by the town's diversity of architectural gems. 

Our tip: to make sure you don't miss anything, follow the Chemin de l'Orbandale, a trail featuring 35 points of interest including Saint-Vincent Cathedral and its lovely Canons' cloister - the only surviving one in the region. 

Visit Chalon
Nature fans and craft lovers

Le Creusot-Montceau

Le Creusot boasts a significant industrial heritage, whose fascinating story is told at the Château de la Verrerie, among other sites. This iconic building was once the residence of the Schneider family, who owned the glass factories here. Nowadays, the town is surrounded by greenery and its rural feel will surprise you.

 

Thomas Salva
The great wine event of Chalon

La Paulée

From Friday 18 to Sunday 20 October, enjoy a memorable weekend at the heart of Burgundy traditions, for a worthy celebration of the end of the grape harvest

Paulée de la Côte Chalonnaise
Service Communication, Ville de Montceau-les-Mines
Move to the beat!

BAM Festival

This is the brand new autumn event of Montceau-les-Mines! 

Come and enjoy the last rays of the Indian summer and a whole variety of musical styles during the very first BAM festival from 26 to 28 September.

BAM Festival
@coflocs
Castle Life

Château de Couches

Have you ever visited the exceptional Château de Couches, known as the "Castle of Margaret of Burgundy'" and set amid the vines? 
Patricia and Olivier invite you to plunge into the site's medieval history and taste the château's wines and dishes.
Our tip: take the experience further by staying in one of the Louis XIII guestrooms for a real taste of castle life this autumn.

A Night at Château de Couches 

Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme
Unspoilt wilderness

Paray-le-Monial

The Canal du Centre continues to Paray-le-Monial, in outstanding natural surroundings in the heart of the Charolais-Brionnais, a recognised Art and History region.

Architecture fans will love this ancient town, with its sublime 12th-century Sacré-Cœur basilica. This is Burgundy's best-preserved example of Cluniac architecture, if you please! 

Basilica of Paray-le-Monial
Waterside town

Digoin

Welcome to Digoin, a picturesque marina at the crossroads between four canals and the river Loire, which attracts boating fans from across Europe! Cyclists won't be disappointed either, as the EuroVélo6 itinerary passes through here.
Our favourite feature: the Ceramics Museum of Digoin at the water's edge, with its collection of 8,000 items displayed in a beautiful building dating from 1742 to breathe new life into a history that goes beyond the boundaries of Burgundy.

Digoin Ceramics Museum
Oscara Photo - Creusot -Montceau Tourisme
Villa Perrussson

Jewel of industrial history

Built in the late 19th century, the Villa Perrusson embodies the success of the entrepreneurs Perrusson-Desfontaines. Comprising two wings decorated in multicoloured ceramic tiles, it bears witness to the outstanding industrial history of the local area. Its unique architecture and amazing decor make this villa a must-see of Burgundy's heritage.

The Villa Perrusson and its garden – Creusot Montceau Ecomuseum
Oscara Photographe, Creusot Montceau Tourisme
Family outing

In a landscaped park

The Maugrand and Saint-Louis parks are located on the former mining site. These landscaped parks provide families with plenty of fun activities for children, with play areas, an animal farm and a golf course.

Maugrand and Saint-Louis mining sites
A. Doire / BFCT
Among the vines

The Route des Grands Vins of the Côte Chalonnaise

You're never far away from a vineyard in Burgundy! Whatever you do, don't miss this chance to admire the flaming autumn colours of the Côte Chalonnaise vineyard at the northern starting point of the Canal du Centre. The Route des Grands Vins of the Côte Chalonnaise crosses 40 villages including Givry. It seems Henry IV was particularly fond of this elegant red wine! The golden horizon is dotted with superb châteaus such as the medieval fortress of Rully, which offers a beautiful panorama.

Bourgogne Excursions
Retro style

Bourgogne Excursions

Take a sidecar ride with Gilles and his vintage Ural motorcycle for the unique and authentic experience of a trip around the colourful vineyards. You'll never forget this!

Bourgogne Excursions
Céline Arnould
Take to the skies!

Montgolfière Rully en Bourgogne

Try the unforgettable experience of flying over the vineyards bursting with autumn colour. 

Your experienced pilots, Céline and Pascal, will be delighted to take you floating above Burgundy! 

Montgolfière Rully en Bourgogne
Olivier LEFLAIVE
Alternative wine tours

Olivier Leflaive- Wine Bike experience

Try a fun and original way of visiting the vineyards in autumn! Here's your chance to sample some amazing wines.

Olivier Leflaive - Wine bike experience
DSL71-G.Robert-Famy
An investigation

Mission Fil d'Or

Every night, gold is stolen in the town of Paray-le-Monial. Are you ready to protect the historic centre from these nocturnal thieves?
 

Mission Fil d’Or
A spa session

Valvital

For a revitalising break, try the unique feel-good experience of a session at the Santenay Spa, surrounded by the beautiful golden vineyards of Burgundy. 

Valvital – Spa de Santenay
Memories / We make the trip / BFC Tourisme
E-scooter tour among the vines

E'Trott Evasion

Explore the beautiful autumn landscapes of the Côte Chalonnaise vineyard by electric scooter!

E'Trott Evasion
En résumé
A propos
St Léger-sur-Dheune Péniche La vie en rose.
Interieur d'une péniche Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
Canal du Centre / Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune Alain Doire / BFC Tourisme
Ecluse Pouilloux, canal du Centre Franck Juillot / Creusot-Montceau Tourisme