The Loire canals
Digoin and Briare: aqueducts, villages and the freedom to choose between connecting waterways.
Digoin →Briare →
Burgundy • Licence-free boating
Burgundy, at the pace of the water
From the Loire’s aqueducts to the locks of the Nivernais, from the Saône to the winding Seille: choose your starting point and discover a different way to travel through Burgundy.
No licence requiredIntroduction before departure
At your own paceTime afloat and time ashore
Short break or longer escapeSubject to boat and availability
Find your Burgundy
Three settings, six starting points
Briare →
The Canal du Nivernais
Mailly-le-Château and Châtillon-en-Bazois: locks, green scenery and heritage stops along the canal.
Mailly-le-Château →Châtillon-en-Bazois →
The Saône and Seille
Pontailler-sur-Saône and Louhans: open river horizons and stops in Burgundy’s Bresse countryside.
Pontailler-sur-Saône →Louhans →
Your holiday starts here
Which base is right for you?
Digoin
Canal du Centre · Canal latéral à la Loire · Canal de Roanne à Digoin
Discover the base
Briare
Canal de Briare · Canal latéral à la Loire
Discover the base
Mailly-le-Château
Canal du Nivernais · Yonne
Discover the base
Pontailler-sur-Saône
Saône · Petite Saône
Discover the base
Louhans
Seille · Saône
Discover the base
Châtillon-en-Bazois
Canal du Nivernais
Discover the baseThe pleasure of going ashore
Discover Burgundy ashore, too
Heritage beside the water
Aqueducts, châteaux, villages and historic towns: leave time to explore on foot. Your starting point and cruising time will determine which stops fit your journey.
Markets and local flavours
Prepare a meal on board with produce found along the way, or enjoy a local restaurant. Every stop can offer a new taste of the region.
Walks and time in nature
Walk along a towpath, explore a village or relax on deck. Mix activities with quiet moments and leave room for spontaneous stops.
Before you board
Make the holiday your own
Choose your pace
Distance is only part of the journey: locks and stops take time too. Leave room to enjoy each place and adapt your route to navigation conditions.
Find your boat
Consider cabin numbers, your crew and preferred comfort level to choose a boat that suits your holiday.
Prepare for arrival
Your holiday documents confirm the meeting point and arrival times. Before departure, the team introduces the boat, handling and navigation instructions.
Your questions
Planning your cruise
Do I need a boating licence?
No, the boats offered can be hired without a boating licence. An introduction helps you get familiar with the boat before starting your cruise.
How long should I go for?
A short break offers a first taste of the area around your base. A week leaves more time for stops. Duration and route depend on availability and your preferred pace.
Are the suggested routes guaranteed?
Routes are suggestions. Waterway conditions and operating hours may require changes; the team can help you plan before departure.
