SELF DRIVE RIVER BOAT RENTALS FROM Mâcon
This important city Eduens, at the time of Gaul, is one of the oldest cities of France. It is the starting point for one-way cruises on the Saône to Saint-Léger-Sur-Dheune.
The locks are automatic or electric, most of them manned by lock keepers. Most locks are closed on 1st May and 1st November (and on 14th July on the Yonne river and the canal de Bourgogne).
Recommended experience for navigation on the Doubs.
From June 2025: Navigation is closed at Chagny on the Canal du Centre (between the Saint-Gilles lock and the Crissey lock) due to a leak. Works are required to secure the embankment. Navigation is expected to reopen in March 2026.
Between Saint Jean de Losne and Mâcon, docking at a pontoon or in a mandatory port. Otherwise you can moor on the banks, in the countryside.
- Car: A6 motorway exit 28 or A40 Mâcon exit then follow Mâcon Center then Marina
- Train: Mâcon station or Mâcon Loché station (10km)
- Airport: Lyon airport (70km)
- The Esplanade Lamartine market - Every Saturday morning from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm depending on the weather
- Wednesday wednesday trade places idem
- thursday place Gardon same time
- Central Canal: Most locks are electrified. Opening 9h-12h and 13h-19h.
- Seille: the locks are manual, there is a lock keeper at the first, the other 3 served by the boater, opening 9h-12h and 13h-19h. At the opening hours or holidays, free navigation and free lock passage if the yachtsman knows how to handle them.
- Saône: every day from 6 am to 9 pm, mandatory bonnets in large locks.
- On the Canal du Center, Seille and Saône, the locks are closed on May 1st and November 1st, also on the Seille July 14.
Possible cruises
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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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Ideas for relaxing activities on board a river cruise
Did you know? 4 emblematic locks you absolutely must visit
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