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

• Dijon market and market hall
• The Museum of Art
• The Ducal Palace
• Church Notre-Dame
• Shopping in the Rue de la Liberté
• The old streets, cafés and restaurants

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