River structures to cross in a houseboat during your river cruise in Burgundy

TOP 4 river structures to discover during your river cruise in Burgundy

When you think of river cruising in Burgundy, you expect to discover picturesque landscapes, renowned vineyards and a rich culture. However, there is one aspect of this region that is often overlooked: its impressive river structures. These marvels of engineering and natural beauty are an integral part of the Burgundy experience. Here are 4 of Burgundy's must-see river structures!

Artworks to discover by houseboat on the Canal du Nivernais

• Les Voutes de la Collancelle (The Collancelle vaults) : As you cruise along the Canal du Nivernais in a houseboat, you'll come across the Collancelle vaults, surrounded by vegetation. These are 3 tunnels, each measuring 758m, 268m and 212m, dug by man in 1784 to allow the canal to cross the Collancelle mountain. These arches form one of the most remarkable engineering structures on the Canal du Nivernais. Just imagine, you and your crew on the houseboat, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, moving to the rhythm of the water in the heart of nature, ready to cross this remarkable structure! 

• The Sardy ladder : The surprise doesn't stop there! After passing through the Voûtes de la Collancelle, you'll find the magnificent Echelle de Sardy-Les-Epiry. A perfect alignment of 16 manual locks over 4 kilometres, all set in a valley where serenity and nature have reigned for years. Don't worry, you'll be accompanied by a lock-keeper throughout the crossing. You can then moor up and explore this peaceful valley on foot or by bike along the Canal du Nivernais. The Maisons Eclusières with their poetic name await you! Transformed into pottery workshops, restaurants and exhibition galleries, some of the lock-keepers' houses still welcome visitors. One of the most famous is the Planche de Belin lock, painted pink by the Indian artist Gérard Mazières, so you won't want to miss it. Inside there is a tearoom and an exhibition of souvenirs (photos, objects) brought back from his travels in Iran. Lock No. 16 is home to an information point where you can extend your discovery by visiting the area around Corbigny and the Morvan Regional Nature Park.

Canal Bridges to cross by houseboat on the Canal Latéral à la Loire

• Briare Canal Bridge : The Briare Canal Bridge is one of the must-see monuments on a river cruise in Burgundy! It is one of France's finest engineering structures, designed by Gustave Eiffel. It was opened to navigation in 1642, after 40 years of construction. For a very long time, it was the longest bridge-canal in Europe, with 662 metres to cross! It is also a must-see for its breathtaking views over the Loire.

• Digoin canal bridge : Built between 1832 and 1836, the Digoin canal bridge has become a must-see in the town. At 243 metres long, it was one of the first major canal bridges in France. This architectural feat is only accessible to pleasure boats, pedestrians and cyclists, offering everyone a breathtaking view of the Loire, one of Europe's last wild rivers. Take your time admiring the scenery from the deck of your houseboat!

Discover the Burgundy Canal by houseboat and its famous tunnel

• The tunnel at Pouilly-en-Auxois : At 3.3 km long, the tunnel at Pouilly-en-Auxois was built between 1825 and 1832 to avoid the construction of successive locks. Get ready to take your houseboat through the most important structure on the Burgundy Canal!

Burgundy is full of treasures to discover, so it's hard for us to tell you everything! Hiring a houseboat in Burgundy is the best option for enjoying the peace and quiet, discovering the towns and villages and being privileged by nature!