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Canal Bourgogne 

Rent a boat to navigate on the Canal de Bourgogne

Crisboat - Expert in river boat rental for over 20 years

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Book your spring boating holiday at the best price! Up t 30% off on cruises in April and 25% off on departures in May 2025 (offer valid until 30/04 on a selection of cruises).
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Boat trip on the Burgundy Canal. Discover the highlights of this river cruise 

From Migennes, there are many routes available to you. You can leave for Briare for a river cruise in the heart of Burgundy, for Decize to navigate on the Canal du Nivernais, or for Dijon for a relaxing and bucolic stay. It is in this direction that we propose to take you.

 

Let's go for 242 km of navigable waterways. In this navigation area you have 5 departure bases: Joigny, Migennes, Brienon, Venarey and Saint-Jean-De-Losne.  You will find a towpath along the way, so don't forget your bikes to enjoy it!

Bourgogne Image

Cities and villages to discover during your cruise

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Dijon, its Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, its mustard, and its Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin
Dijon, its Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, its mustard, and its Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin
The Château de Tanlay, don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful Renaissance residences in Burgundy.
The Château de Tanlay, don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful Renaissance residences in Burgundy.
The Pouilly-En-Auxois tunnel is the flagship structure of the Burgundy canal. At 3.3 km long, it is a real technical feat for the beginning of the 19th century.
The Pouilly-En-Auxois tunnel is the flagship structure of the Burgundy canal. At 3.3 km long, it is a real technical feat for the beginning of the 19th century.

Navigation conditions for renting a boat without a licence on the Burgundy Canal

The Burgundy Canal is not very busy and is the ideal destination for a houseboat holiday close to nature and far from the crowds. The navigation is very smooth and pleasant. The canal has a total of 189 locks: 113 on the Yonne side and 76 on the Saône side. The locks are manual and some are operated by lock keepers. This is a perfect cruise for beginners who want to experience the rhythm of the river through the locks.

 

The Burgundy Canal is 242km long and you can navigate in any direction you wish from our 3 departure bases: Brienon, Venarey and Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Before starting your cruise, you will receive a short training of 1 hour to familiarize yourself with your boat without a licence.

1 possible starting point

The locks are automatic or electric and most are manned by lock keepers, except on the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal du Centre where some are manual. The locks are closed the 1st of May, the 14th of July and the 1rst of November.

During the season locks are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and are closed for lunch between 12:00-13:00 (1:00 p.m.).

The Roanne to Digoin canal is closed from mid-April to the end of June 2025 due to a leak on the canal.

On the Canal du Nivernais, there is a ladder of 16 consecutive locks:  l'échelle de Sardy.

Between Saint Jean de Losne and Mâcon, you must only stop at designated moorings, elsewhere you can moor anywhere along the banks in the heart of the countryside.

The Canal de Bourgogne - our suggested cruises

Migennes
round trip

Cruise 3 of nights

cruising route Migennes / St Florentin / Migennes

34 kms - 12 locks - 7 h of navigation

Migennes
round trip

Cruise 4 of nights

cruising route Migennes / Tonnerre / Migennes

86 kms - 34 locks - 18 h of navigation

St Jean de Losne
round trip

Cruise 4 of nights

cruising route Saint Jean de Losne / Dijon / Saint Jean de Losne

60 kms - 42 locks - 16 h of navigation

Migennes
round trip

Cruise 7 of nights

River Cruise Migennes / Ancy-le-Franc / Migennes

126 kms - 56 locks - 28 h of navigation

Joigny
round trip

Cruise 7 of nights

River Cruise Joigny / Lézinnes / Joigny

126 kms - 56 locks - 28 h of navigation

Pontailler
round trip

Cruise 7 of nights
Swimming
Sports and leisure activities
River constructions
Vineyard
Monument

cruising route Pontailler / Dijon / Pontailler

132 kms - 48 locks - 27 h of navigation

Migennes
round trip

Cruise 10 of nights

cruising route Migennes / Ravières / Migennes

164 kms - 76 locks - 37 h of navigation

Migennes
round trip

Cruise 14 of nights

cruising route Migennes / Venarey / Migennes

228 kms - 116 locks - 54 h of navigation

Joigny
round trip

Cruise 14 of nights

cruising route Joigny / Vénarey / Joigny

248 kms - 120 locks - 57 h of navigation

Joigny
round trip

Cruise 14 of nights

River Cruise Joigny / Venarey / Joigny

248 kms - 120 locks - 57 h of navigation

Also to be discovered

The Nivernais Canal

The Nivernais Canal

Discover this destination
The Canal Latéral à la Loire

The Canal Latéral à la Loire

Discover this destination
The Canal du Centre

The Canal du Centre

Discover this destination

Customer testimonials

Average : 4.8 étoiles 4.8/5 (based on 23 opinion)
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 17, 2024, Sedan 1000Cruise : Joigny round trip
"It was fun. Nice quiet villages, unfortunately little infrastructure (good planning with food necessary), nice people and beautiful landscape."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 22, 2024, Sedan 1000Cruise : Joigny round trip
"A superb week in fine weather, we discovered this part of Burgundy for the first time and met some wonderful people."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 8, 2024, Vision 4Cruise : Migennes round trip
"Great experience."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 17, 2024, Estivale Quattro Fly CCruise : Joigny round trip
"Very pleasant: cycling in the morning, boating in the afternoon, very peaceful setting, ideal for a dynamic yet relaxing holiday, very friendly and accommodating lock-keepers."
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 10, 2024, Cirrus ACruise : Migennes round trip
"A real change of scenery, ideal for getting away from everyday life."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 13, 2024, MagnifiqueCruise : Migennes round trip
"Perfect."
 
3
Cruise carried out on Apr 17, 2024, MystiqueCruise : Migennes round trip
"We loved our cruise because of the fun we had as a family, passing through locks, mooring in the wild, the evening together."
 
4
Cruise carried out on Apr 17, 2024, Corvette ACruise : Migennes round trip
"Nice and bucolic."
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 5, 2019, Sedan 1010Cruise : Joigny round trip
"auto-translation :''Original and calm holidays''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 22, 2019, Penichette 1107 W ACruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Friendly''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jul 22, 2019, Penichette 1107 W ACruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :''Friendly''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 3, 2019, Salsa ACruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"auto-translation :''Very nice cruise on the Petite Saône''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 18, 2019, Confort 1350 BCruise : Corbigny round trip
"auto-translation :''Super relaxing, pleasant especially with good weather.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Apr 18, 2019, Corvette ACruise : Migennes round trip
"auto-translation :''Wonderful memories''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 7, 2018, Confort 900 DPCruise : Corbigny round trip
"auto-translation :''Relaxing''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 27, 2018, ShebaCruise : St Jean de Losne round trip
"To redo"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 7, 2018, MagnifiqueCruise : Migennes round trip
"auto-translation :''Disappointed at first because lock on Nivernais closed, but otherwise very pleasant in good weather.''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Sep 16, 2016, Sedan 1000Cruise : Corbigny round trip
"auto-translation :''Cruising with a varied landscape between the Burgundy Canal and the Yonne''"
 
5
Cruise carried out on Jun 24, 2016, Riviera 920Cruise : Joigny round trip
"auto-translation :''Stay on the Burgundy Canal pleasant , restful"'"
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 14, 2016, Sedan 800Cruise : Joigny round trip
"auto-translation :"Cruise interesting , varied landscapes, but the locks are délicatent to pass on the Burgundy Canal""
 
4
Cruise carried out on May 4, 2016, Confort 900Cruise : Corbigny round trip
"auto-translation :"River cruise exotic and magical""
 
5
Cruise carried out on May 2, 2016, Tarpon 49 QPCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :"Very pleasant to virtually all points of view""
 
5
Cruise carried out on Aug 29, 2015, Tarpon 42 TPCruise : Pontailler round trip
"auto-translation :"Very nice""

Travelling with CrisBoat

Crisboat has more than 90% of the French fleet of self drive river boats. Entrust us with your desires and your availabilities and we will shape your holidays on the water. Located in the heart of the Vienne, Crisboat is the leader in self driver river boat rental in France. Discover our team, made up of 6 experts ready to take up the challenge to design the cruise that will meet your expectations.

Who are we?
Customer
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
20 years of experience
Wide choice of boats and destinations
Voyager avec Cris Boat

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The Canal de Bourgogne

Joigny

Joigny

The base in Joigny is the departure point for one-way cruises to Corbigny. In this small town there are still many reminders of the past, such as the church of St André, St Jean, and the château de Gondi. With its narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses, Joigny belongs to the network of "Plus beaux détours de France".

Local market on Wednesday and Saturday morning

Tonnerre

Tonnerre

Tonnerre, Petite Cité de Caractère, will surprise you with its gastronomy. You will be able to taste the local products: snails, gougères or armançonnettes, a real treat! Did you know that the Tonnerrois vineyard produces a very good white wine? We recommend that you go and meet the wine growers, they will be delighted to show you their know-how. This small and friendly town is mainly known for La Fosse-Dionne. In 1758, a washhouse was built around this natural spring. You can also visit the church of Saint-Pierre, which offers a beautiful view of the town.

Local market on Wednesday and Saturday morning

Tanlay

Tanlay

During your houseboat trip on the Burgundy Canal, be sure to stop and admire one of the most beautiful Renaissance residences in Burgundy, the Château de Tanlay. Dating from the 17th century, its interior is decorated with numerous frescoes, it is surrounded by a moat and a French garden.

Ancy-Le-Franc

Ancy-Le-Franc

This castle, built in the 16th century by Sebastiano Serlio, is a magnificent example of the Renaissance. It is home to the Cycle, Automobile and Carriage Museum.

Local market on Thursday morning

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

We recommend a stopover in Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, classified as the "most beautiful village in France". If you take a little height, you will be able to contemplate the magnificent view on the valleys of the beautiful countryside and on the Burgundy canal. Once up there, a splendid medieval fortress overlooking the village awaits you.

Saint-Jean-De-Losne

This base is the departure point for one-way river cruises on the Saône to Fontenoy le Château or Branges. Saint-Jean-de-Losne is the capital of river navigation in Burgundy. Located at the crossroads of the Saône, the Canal de Bourgogne and the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, this town is entirely dedicated to river navigation.

What is included / not included

The price of your charter includes

  • The rental of the boat
  • Fittings: equipment necessary for navigation
  • Crockery: in sufficient quantity for the number of passengers on board
  • Bedding*: sheets, blankets or duvets, pillows and pillow cases
  • Boat insurance
  • Navigation instruction and delivery of the yacht's card
  • Breakdown assistance available 7/7 during the base's opening hours
  • The navigation toll
  • A 13 kg gas bottle

* Beds made up on certain boats in the 5 star range

 

The price of your rental does not include

  • Cancellation insurance
  • Navigation guide
  • One way supplement
  • Deposit redemption insurance
  • The cleaning package
  • Cleaning kits, kitchen linen, towels**.
  • Deposit of 780 € to 3 250 €, depending on the boat
  • The navigation package. This includes all consumables used during your stay (oil, diesel, gas, etc.). Depending on the category of the boat, the package varies from 7 € to 22 € per hour of navigation.

** Included on some boats