Are you looking for a place in Burgundy to make the most of the gentle rays of the autumn sun? Try the Canal du Centre in the southern part of the region, which connects the Loire and Saône valleys! Burgundian's honour, this is the perfect place to explore at a leisurely pace along the canals.
Two solutions: you can get to grips with skippering your own boat, or stretch your legs on a bike ride along the towpath. An opportunity to see the local heritage gems, admire the vineyards and appreciate some delicious food, without which, Burgundy would definitely not be Burgundy!
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."
All boat rentals
Our boat rental outlets offer all sorts of solutions, including all-day rentals.
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.
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 ChalonLe 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.
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 ChalonnaiseBAM 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 FestivalChâteau 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.
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-MonialDigoin
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.
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 EcomuseumIn 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 sitesThe 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.
Visit our winegrowers to find out all you ever wanted to know about Côte Chalonnaise wine
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 ExcursionsMontgolfière 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 BourgogneOlivier 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 experienceMission 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?
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 SantenayE'Trott Evasion
Explore the beautiful autumn landscapes of the Côte Chalonnaise vineyard by electric scooter!
E'Trott Evasion