Burgundy by water: Pleasure boat hire

Burgundy: A land of tradition

First, at the beginning of the Christian era, Vercingétorix’s refusal to accept the rule of Caesar marked Bibracte and Alésia as important places in Burgundy’s history. Then, from the beginning of the 13th century, the Burgundy duke dynasty extended its influence and glory throughout all the Eastern and Northern regions of Europe. As for the monk builders of Cîteaux, Cluny, Vézelay and Clairvaux, they have left the region many remarkable, architectural treasures.

Burgundy’s Winemaking Tradition:

Wine can be found all over Burgundy. From the great, world recognised wines (Romanée Conti, Richebourg…). To the local village wines named after their town like Sancerre, Chablis… Côtes de Beaune, Côtes de Nuits, Côtes Chalonnaises, Mâconnais…), you won’t know what to choose…

The Traditional Cuisine of Burgundy :

From the waterways you can find some of the finest restaurants in the world (Lamelloise in Chagny, Troisgros in Roanne…). Or you can dine in the numerous restaurants which serve the region’s specialities and local produce. (Charolaise meat, Burgundy snails, chicken from Bresse, fish from the Loire or the Saône…)

Renting a riverboat or a houseboat: Our bases in Burgundy

  • The Nivernais/Morvan:
    Navigate through the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park; here you will traverse a beautifully preserved environment as you depart from our base at Châtillon-en-Bazois or from Coulanges-sur-Yonne.
  • The Southern-Nivernais/Loire Valley:
    The Nivernais Canal runs through villages, castles, valleys, plains and hills, forests and rivers, which creates an inviting cruise through a green landscape that is well worth visiting. Romantic walks, gastronomic tasting stops, historical strolls and more are just waiting for you as you make your way along the Loire.
  • South Burgundy :
    Departing from Digion, the confluence of 3 canals in the heart of the Charolaise country, you can traverse the famous canal bridge which spans the Loire at a height of 12m.
  • The Burgundy Canal :
    You will discover a region filled with history by visiting the many castles, chateaux and fortified farms. Your cruise will equally take you through the vineyards of Chablis and Saussois which will delight your palette.
  • The Franche-Comté :
    From Pontailler-sur-Saône you can sail along Franche-Comté, amidst a land of history and an important gastronomic place in France. Here, nature is omnipresent and beautiful.
  • The Seille River/Burgundy’s Bresse :
    The Seille is a superb river which coils through the heart of Burgundy’s Bresse. Travelling along you can admire the tranquil charm of its waterlogged groves and half-timbered houses.
    From Briare to the south, you will take the famous canal bridge, built at the end of the 19th century by the engineer Eiffel. You will continue to Sancerre and taste the famous white wine and the no less famous goat cheese “Crottin de Chavignol”. Towards the North, taking the Briare Canal, you will reach Rogny, famous for its 7 locks, before reaching Montargis: “the little Venice of Gâtinais”. Finally, you will sail on the Loing Canal.
    To know our itinerary suggestions, thank you visit the page of our bases :