SELF DRIVE RIVER BOAT RENTALS FROM Chatillon sur Loire
A little history: Its name comes from"Castillo", small fortress built in the Xth century, on the hill, where stands the church today. In the Middle Ages, Chatillon was fought by the Abbey of Fleury and the Counts of Sancerre. Because of its strong Protestant dominance, the city was besieged and attacked seven times during the sixteenth century. Chatillon sur Loire is the starting point for one-way cruises on the Canal Lateral to the Loire towards Decize.
The locks are automatic or electric and most are manned by lock-keepers.
The locks are closed the 1st of May and the 1st of November.
The locks are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and are closed for lunch between 12 and 1 p.m..
On the Canal du Nivernais, there is a ladder of 16 consecutive locks: the locks of Sardy.
- From 22 July 2026: the Canal Latéral à la Loire is closed between La Besbre Lock (PK 29, near Dompierre-sur-Besbre) and Maimbray Lock (PK 182, near Belleville-sur-Loire) until April 2027 due to insufficient water resources.
- From 31 July 2026: the Canal du Centre is closed until further notice due to insufficient water resources.
- From 16 August 2026: the Briare Canal is closed until further notice due to insufficient water resources.
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.
- Gourmet basket: Open every day (except Mondays)
- Supermarket G 20: Open every day (except Sunday):
- Thursday morning
- Free parking in Châtillon sur Loire. On the canal side to the Loire, about 6 € for the night and 2 € for the shower.
- Train: Briare Station 8km
- Air: Paris Orly airport 150km
Possible cruises
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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.
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