The Burgundy Canal with Locaboat

Locaboat 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 magnificently 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 and return
  Cruise distance 166km (103.15 miles), 68 locks, 33 hours of cruising

10/11 day cruises from Joigny

• Joigny, Tanlay, Ancy-le-Franc, Montbard and return
  Cruise distance 222km (137.94 miles), 98 locks, 47 hours of cruising

Two-week cruises from Joigny

• Joigny, St Florentin, Ancy-le-Franc, Montbard, Venarey-les-Laumes and return
  Cruise distance 246km (152.86 miles), 134 locks, 60 hours of cruising