The Burgundy Canal

with Locaboat

The Burgundy Canal boat rentals

Base at Joigny 

Linking the Yonne to the Saone, construction on the Canal de Bourgogne, started in 1775 and finished in 1834. It takes you by ways sometimes secret, sometimes spectacular to the heart of the Renaissance.

During this period the Duchy of Burgundy vied in magnificence with the Kingdom of France.
Here, with ancient poplar trees, their leaves shimmering and atremble, and buildings ranging from abbeys to fortified farmhouses, the works of man and of nature celebrate their triumphant union.

Tie up close to the superb aqueduct at Saint Florentin and climb up to its church to admire the superb stained glass.
At Tonnerre, the Fosse Dionne pool, surrounded by ancient houses, still provides a water supply to the town.

Magnificent and splendidly furnished Renaissance chateaux such as Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc punctuate your cruise.
The marvellous high-vaulted Abbey of Fontenay (UNESCO World Heritage) is tucked away in a secluded valley and is a short bike ride away.

Near Venarey Les Laumes at the village of Alise-Sainte-Reine, you'll want to visit the site of the Gaulish fortress of Alesia where Velcingetorix surrendered to Caesar after a two-month siege.

One-week cruises from Joigny

  • Joigny, Tonnerre, Tanlay, Ancy-le- Franc, Joigny
    166 km, 68 locks, 5h30 cruising per day

10/11 day cruises from Joigny

  • Joigny, Tanlay, Ancy-le-Franc, Montbard, Joigny
    222 km; 98 locks; 5hr15 cruising per day

Two-week cruises from Joigny

  • Joigny, St Florentin, Ancy-le-Franc, Montbard, Venarey les Laumes, Joigny
    246 km; 134 locks; 5hr cruising per day

Waterways on this route

The Burgundy Canal, The Yonne,

Locaboat rental boats for the Burgundy canal

Locaboat have 13 self-drive boats available in this region

P1500 R self-drive

P1500 R

12 guests

P1120R self-drive

P1120R

6 guests

Europa 400

4 guests

P1020 FB self-drive

P1020 FB

5 guests

P1107W self-drive

P1107W

7 guests

P1165 FB self-drive

P1165 FB

7 guests

P1180 FB self-drive

P1180 FB

7 guests

P1260R self-drive

P1260R

10 guests

P1400 FB

10 guests

P1500 FB

12 guests

P935W self-drive

P935W

5 guests

View all the Locaboat fleet