"Le Canal de Bourgogne", initial plans for a canal to link the rivers Yonne and Saone were drawn-up in the 17th century. The resulting Burgundy Canal was finally opened on December 14th 1808, but 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 along which you can walk or cycle or you can explore the tiny villages and towns, which border the canal.
The regional capital, Dijon, as well as the town of Montbard, is easy to travel to with the impressive high-speed train services (TGV).
In the north of Burgundy you'll have the magnificent vineyards of Chablis with their Chardonay whites and the Irancy red wines, whilst 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 "tranquille" destination, with the north and south sloping parts of the canal having their own characters, the canal is well worth cruising and visting more than one.
