Burgundy Canal

History, vineyards and cuisine

The Burgundy Canal

Famed for its history, wines and traditional cuisine, this is one of France's most visited canals. The canal cuts through the historic region of Burgundy connecting two major rivers and allowing navigation from the north to the south of France.

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Map of the waterways

Canal and river map for Burgundy Canal

Luxury hotel barges

8 hotel barge cruises

Grand Cru barge cruise

Grand Cru

Near Dijon
8 guests
★★★★★★
Save 10%
L'Impressionniste barge cruise

L'Impressionniste

Burgundy Canal
12 guests
★★★★★
10% off
La Belle Epoque barge cruise

La Belle Epoque

Save up to 20%
12 guests
★★★★★
Magnolia barge cruise

Magnolia

Burgundy Canal
6 guests
★★★★
Prosperite barge cruise

Prosperite

Burgundy Canal
8 guests
★★★★★★
Rendez-Vous barge cruise

Rendez-Vous

Burgundy Canal
4 guests
★★★★★
Saroche barge cruise

Saroche

Champagne
6 guests
★★★★★★
20% off
Savoir Vivre barge cruise

Savoir Vivre

Burgundy Canal
8 guests
★★★★

Self-drive boats in the Burgundy Canal region

Locaboat

Locaboat operate 13 different types of self-drive boats in this region.
Here is a random selection.

P1500 R rental boat

P1500 R

12 guests
8 adults
2 children
6 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★
From 1995€/week
P935W rental boat

P935W

5 guests
2 adults
2 children
2 cabins
1 bathroom
★★
From 1120€/week
P1165 FB rental boat

P1165 FB

7 guests
2 adults
3 children
4 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★★
From 1750€/week
P1180 FB rental boat

P1180 FB

7 guests
6 adults
1 child
3 cabins
3 bathrooms
★★★★★
From 2310€/week

Nicols

Nicols operate 8 different types of self-drive boats in this region.
Here is a random selection.

Save 15%
N1000 rental boat

N1000

8 guests
3 cabins
2 bathrooms
★★★
From 1398€/week
Save 15%
N1350 B rental boat

N1350 B

10 guests
4 cabins
4 bathrooms
★★★★
From 2534€/week
Save 15%
N DUO rental boat

N DUO

4 guests
2 adults
1 cabin
1 bathroom
★★★★
From 1201€/week
N OCTO Fly C rental boat

N OCTO Fly C

10 guests
4 adults
4 children
4 cabins
4 bathrooms
★★★★★★
From 3742€/week

Le Boat

Le Boat operate 24 different types of self-drive boats in this region.
Here is a random selection.

Save 5%
Royal Mystique B rental boat

Royal Mystique B

6 guests
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
Comfort Plus rating
From 1599€/week
Save 10%
Countess rental boat

Countess

6 guests
4 adults
2 children
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
Budget rating
From 1279€/week
Save 10%
Caprice rental boat

Caprice

6 guests
2 adults
2 children
2 cabins
2 bathrooms
Comfort rating
From 1019€/week
Save 5%
Horizon 4 rental boat

Horizon 4

9 guests
4 cabins
4 bathrooms
Premium rating
From 2179€/week

Burgundy Canal information

Burgundy Canal

Plans for a canal to link the rivers Yonne and Saone were initially drawn up in the 17th century. The resulting Burgundy Canal was finally opened on December 14th 1808. Still, it was not until towards the end of the 19th century that the canal, as we know it today, was finally completed.

Bordering the canal, you will witness a multitude of sites and monuments, including the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, and the imposing châteaux of Bussy, Tanlay, and Ancy le Franc. There are miles of towpaths which you can walk or cycle, and you can explore the tiny villages and towns which border the canal.

The regional capital, Dijon, as well as the town of Montbard, is simple to travel to with the impressive high-speed train services (TGV) to and from Paris and other destinations.

In the north of Burgundy, you'll have the magnificent vineyards of Chablis with their Chardonnay whites and the Irancy red wines. In the south of Burgundy, there are the UNESCO "Climats" of the Cote de Nuit, the Cote de Beaune ready to explore and appreciate.

The Burgundy Canal is a tranquil destination, with the north and south sloping parts of the canal having their character, the canal is well worth cruising and visiting more than once.

More information about the Burgundy Canal

The canal connects to the River Yonne and the River Saône.

Must places to visit whilst you're here

  • Abbaye de Cîteaux
  • Abbaye de Fontenay
  • Abbaye de La Bussière
  • Château Ancy-le-Franc
  • Château Bussy-Rabutin
  • Château du Clos de Vougeot
  • Château de La Rochepot
  • Chateau de Mersault
  • Château Sully
  • Château Tanlay
  • Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
  • Forges de Buffon
  • Fosse Dionne
  • Vézelay Abbey

Towns and villages to explore

  • Chablis
  • Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
  • Noyers-sur-Serin
  • Nuits-Saint-Georges
  • Semur-en-Auxois

Other Places

  • The source of the River Seine
  • Époisses and the cheese

Whilst in Dijon

Whilst near Beaune

  • Les Hospices de Beaune
  • Marché aux Vins
  • The market hall
  • The old Ducal Palace
  • Château Savigny les Beaunes
  • Mersault, the wines and chateau
  • Pommard, the wines and chateau
  • Volnay

Information, history and details of the waterways in this region

The Burgundy Canal   The Saône   The Yonne