River cruises on the Nivernais canal
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River cruise Burgundy
With over 850 km of canals and waterways, Burgundy is one of the most beautiful river destinations in France. This region has many faces with many picturesque canals. During your boat cruise without a licence, you will sail between vineyards, gastronomy and Renaissance castles.
With 19 possible departure points, there is a river cruise to suit everyone. To help you choose, we suggest you discover the 4 navigation areas: the Canal Latéral à la Loire, the Canal du Nivernais, the Canal de Bourgogne or the Canal du Centre.
- Impressive crossing of 3 tunnels by boat
- Water sport activities at the Baye pond
- Cruise in the heart of Burgundy's countryside
Cruise in Burgundy
Rent your houseboat to navigate on the Canal du Nivernais
Would you like to navigate in a boat without a licence in the middle of nature in the heart of Burgundy? A river cruise on the Nivernais Canal, between Decize and Auxerre, will be ideal!
During your stay, you can take advantage of the Etang de Baye water sports centre to relax and enjoy the calm of nature. Paddle, canoeing, hiking, cycling and even windsurfing are all possible in Baye. On one of the most beautiful canals in France, you can even navigate under 3 tunnels, a real experience close to nature!
Cruise in Burgundy
Rent your houseboat to navigate on the Canal Latéral à la Loire
Would you like to live a river experience in Burgundy? The Canal Latéral à la Loire is quiet and offers perfect ease of navigation. We recommend this destination to all those who are looking for a relaxing holiday close to nature.
Cross the Canal Latéral à la Loire by houseboat in any direction and you will discover all the treasures of Burgundy. Between Nemours and Digoin, you will navigate between mansions, Renaissance castles, vineyards, villages of character and spectacular structures. Would you be able to take the oldest canal bridge in France? The Briare Bridge-Canal is waiting for you.
- Crossing the oldest canal bridge in France
- Peaceful cruise close to nature
- Close to Renaissance castles
- Many castles to visit
- Discovering the wines of the Côtes Chalonnaise
- Towpath perfect for cycling
Cruise in Burgundy
Rent your houseboat to navigate on the Canal du Centre
Tempted by river tourism in Burgundy? Opt for a cruise on the Canal du Centre and navigate a picturesque route between the Saône and the Loire! What's on the agenda? Visits to chateaux, wine tasting in Chagny, bike rides on the towpath and much more.
Cruise in Burgundy
Rent your houseboat to navigate on the Burgundy Canal
Why not discover river tourism on the Burgundy Canal? During your cruise by boat without a licence, you can visit the greatest castles of Burgundy such as the Château de Tanlay. Discover a region whose gastronomic and wine heritage is one of the most prestigious in the world. And finally, take advantage of the towpath along the canal to discover nature and heritage by bike.
- Tasting of Burgundy specialities
- Some locks are manually operated
- Castles and mansions along the canal
Customer testimonials
4.6/5
(based on 149 opinion)
"Very pleasant and interesting first experience."
"We are fully satisfied."
"Reachable, with clear information."
"Un bon moment sur l'eau pour découvrir la région."
"As expected."
"A warm welcome in Briare, the boat was available from 10:30 am instead of 3 pm on Saturday, this saved us a little time on the navigation. Most stops were pleasant and well-equipped, with the exception of La Charité sur Loire."
"Very good."
"A lovely interlude."
"So many beautiful images."
"Apart from the boat's maintenance faults, a very good stay."
"Pleasant."
"Great."
"To get to know the region and its wines."
"It was a great exprience."
"Easy, tailored to my needs."
"Great."
"As expected!"
"A good experience."
"Discovery of the region and French heritage."
"Met our expectations."
"The team is very welcoming and attentive."
"A moment our of time."
"Very good."
"Very well organised."
"It was perfect."
"I will do it again."
"Good price and quality. Good locations for week trips."
"Nothing but good things!"
"A superb week along the canal."
"Very good river experience."
"It lived up to our expectations."
"It lived up to our expectations."
"Just perfect."
"Very good."
"Excellent."
"Top-notch customer service."
"Very competent, available and friendly professionals."
"A very good memory."
"A very warm welcome and good support during our stay."
"Very pleasant."
"Everything was great with the exception of the route, which on the whole lacked charm. We would have liked to cruise south, but technically that wasn't possible."
"Very friendly staff, great advice, very nice trip."
"No problem."
"A superb cruise aboard the Tarpon 32, which we've hired out several times - you don't change a winning team!"
"3 superb days, just wandering around, no stress, I recommend it."
"Good advice from the sales team on the choice of boat, simple and efficient return."
"auto-translation :''Very pleasant''"
"This is my second experience of river cruising with my family and CrisBoat is a great booking platform, responsive and pleasant to deal with."
"Very enjoyable. A great family experience.The children loved it. We really enjoyed meeting the lock-keepers on the Nivernais Canal."
"Highly recommended."
"Listens to customers, gives good advice."
"CrisBoat agents and harbour reception very satisfactory."
"Good customer service, good experience but prices a bit high."
"Interesting discovery. We hope to repeat this experience."
"Competent and efficient staff."
"Perfect."
"To be repeated on a longer cruise with friends."
"Perfect."
"Great welcome, very good and well maintained equipment, great team."
"Good experience overall. We really enjoyed this style of holiday."
"Pleasant and helpful reception"
"Excellent! Very good commercial and administrative follow-up and reception at the base"
"auto-translation :''A relaxing and enjoyable holiday with friends.''"
"auto-translation :''Everything great''"
"auto-translation :''Good service and a very good sense of service, especially when dealing with technical problems''"
"auto-translation :''pleasant and relaxing''"
"auto-translation :''We were all delighted with our stay despite the gloomy weather.''"
"auto-translation :''Good times sharing as a family''"
"auto-translation :''Very nice experience''"
"auto-translation :''Nice and relaxing''"
"auto-translation :''Relaxing, pleasant''"
"auto-translation :''Competent sales department with clear and effective communication''"
"auto-translation :''Good welcome at the base, good boat, good weather''"
"Bon bateau et super service"
"auto-translation :''Welcome, good boat''"
"auto-translation :''Very good value for money, very good staff''"
"auto-translation :''Reassuring because well framed''"
"auto-translation :''For our first experience, we were satisfied''"
"auto-translation :''To try it is to adopt it!!!''"
"auto-translation :''Very good service''"
"Very good"
"auto-translation :''Very good for everyone on board.''"
"auto-translation :''Good commercial approach-very friendly welcome''"
"auto-translation :''Nice stay''"
"auto-translation :''Very good''"
"auto-translation :''Stay full of discovery, quiet and silent, relaxing.''"
"auto-translation :''Very pleasant stay (1st experience)''"
"auto-translation :''Serious company.''"
"auto-translation :''As usual very well''"
"auto-translation :''Well organized stay, lovely region''"
"auto-translation :''Efficient, in line with our expectations. The choice of the boat is very important for the people a little old (small freeboard''"
"auto-translation :''Nothing to complain about, impeccable stay''"
"auto-translation :''Very good''"
"We were very happy with Cris Boats - we have already told our friends about it. The staff member at the boat yard was great with advice about the boat and where to go."
"auto-translation :''Quick repair, no worries''"
"auto-translation :''Very good reception on the bases compared to your competitors''"
"auto-translation :''Excellent stay as much by the comfort of the boat as by the reception on the commercial service and the base''"
"auto-translation :''Very Good ''"
"auto-translation :''Super awesome''"
"auto-translation :''Meet all our expectations''"
"auto-translation :''Very good, difficult to find better and more beautiful weather all week …''"
"auto-translation :''Very good, I think we will refer a cruise''"
"auto-translation :''We loved everything!''"
"auto-translation :''First satisfying and original experience''"
"auto-translation : ''Easy, practical, experience worth repeating''"
"auto-translation : ''Great''"
"auto-translation : ''Very exotic''"
"auto-translation : ''Wonderful''"
"Lovely, very quiet."
"auto-translation : ''Good contact, nice, too short (WE).''"
"auto-translation : ''Very happy with our stay''"
"auto-translation : ''Perfect stay''"
"Responsive, Value"
"auto-translation : ''I searched, but I find no point of improvement to give''"
"auto-translation : ''Very good stay''"
"auto-translation : ''Aside from the cramped cabins, everything was perfect''"
"auto-translation : ''Great !! Very pleased with our stay with Cris Boat''"
"auto-translation : ''Happy with our stay, cruise, boat and friendly staff''"
"auto-translation : ''Great stay, wonderful cruise''"
"It was ok, very good stay in Burgundy"
"auto-translation : ''Okay, carefree.''"
"auto-translation : ''Good stay but somewhat tempered by the passage locks system that is not more evident on the Canal Borugogne''"
"auto-translation : ''Friendly and nice, an exotic holiday.''"
"auto-translation : ''Okay, exotic and we appreciated being able to settle here to sleep in nature, particularly in the pond-sod''"
"auto-translation : ''Everything went well during our river cruise, no snags to report''"
"auto-translation : ''Great holidays on river boat ''"
"auto-translation : ''Okay, can be home based Chatillon, a little cold''"
"auto-translation : ''The provision corresponds to what was planned''"
"I want to do this again and bring friends with me next time"
"auto-translation : ''Good''"
"auto-translation : ''Well, despite problems with the rented bikes''"
"auto-translation : ''Unusual holidays to redo''"
"auto-translation : ''Great''"
"auto-translation : ''Very good company to stay again as soon as possible''"
"auto-translation : ''++ I would recommend this kind of cruise''"
"auto-translation : ''satisfactory cruise''"
"auto-translation : ''A remake absolutely''"
"auto-translation : ''Very good, to remake''"
"auto-translation : ''A remake soon as possible''"
"auto-translation : ''The team of Châtillon is really on top. Troubleshooting the day of Easter.''"
"auto-translation : ''Great experience that I recommend''"
"auto-translation : ''Very friendly and accomodating Home''"
"auto-translation : ''Many locks to pass on the Canal du Nivernais''"
"auto-translation : ''We would like to repeat a longer stay. It's very nice to discover the rivers from another angle''"
"auto-translation : ''We know for 10 years and we come back''"
"auto-translation : ''Good organization and very comfortable boat''"
"Loved experience, but the boat was a bit old. Everything worked but France needs to clear up its laws on holding tanks. Disgusting to expel waste water into canal in 2015. If it was better, the canals would be sparkling."
"auto-translation : ''Nice river cruise on the Nivernais''"
Best current offers for the destination Burgundy Nivernais
From €199 / pers
Week of the 8/2/25 to 8/9/25
- Max. people : 10
- Cabins : 4
- Bathroom & Toilet : 4
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €286 / pers
Week of the 7/18/25 to 7/25/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Plancha
220 V converter
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Dishwasher
Electric toilets
From €316 / pers
Week of the 7/25/25 to 8/1/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Bow and Stern Thruster
220 V converter
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €314 / pers
Week of the 7/19/25 to 7/26/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Plancha
220 V converter
Air cooler
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Dishwasher
Electric toilets
From €332 / pers
Week of the 7/25/25 to 8/1/25
- Max. people : 5
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €149 / pers
Week of the 7/21/25 to 7/28/25
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 1
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €256 / pers
Week of the 7/30/25 to 8/6/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €315 / pers
Week of the 8/2/25 to 8/9/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €340 / pers
Week of the 7/27/25 to 8/3/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €235 / pers
Week of the 7/23/25 to 7/30/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €245 / pers
Week of the 7/11/25 to 7/18/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €212 / pers
Week of the 7/18/25 to 7/25/25
- Max. people : 9
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €352 / pers
Week of the 7/23/25 to 7/30/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top
Flat-screen TV
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €218 / pers
Week of the 8/2/25 to 8/9/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bimini Top
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €377 / pers
Week of the 7/28/25 to 8/4/25
- Max. people : 7
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
Bow and Stern Thruster
Plancha
Continuous 220V electricity
Air-Conditioning
Bimini Top
Microwave
Electric toilets
From €256 / pers
Week of the 7/18/25 to 7/25/25
- Max. people : 6
- Cabins : 2
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
220 V converter
Air cooler
Microwave
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €252 / pers
Week of the 7/18/25 to 7/25/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 3
Two steering positions
220V socket
Electric toilets
From €265 / pers
Week of the 8/3/25 to 8/10/25
- Max. people : 8
- Cabins : 3
- Bathroom & Toilet : 2
Two steering positions
Bow thruster
220 V converter
220V socket
Electric toilets
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.
Everything you need to know about navigation on a licence-free boat in Burgundy
Burgundy is one of the most beautiful river destinations in France. For lovers of slow tourism, the Canal du Nivernais is the ideal destination. Navigate alone in the world in the heart of nature in authentic Burgundy. For wine and gastronomy lovers, navigate on the Canal Latéral à la Loire! Vineyards, typical villages and remarkable structures such as the Briare Canal Bridge will be discovered throughout your cruise.
During your river cruise on the Canal du Nivernais, you will pass through several typical Burgundy towns and villages such as Decize, Châtillon-En-Bazois, Corbigny, Tannay or Auxerre. You will discover, during your houseboat rental, a Burgundy in the heart of nature with its numerous vineyards and a rich heritage and culture.
Renting a barge in Burgundy is an exceptional experience that combines the adventure of river cruising with the discovery of the history and natural beauty of this emblematic region of central-eastern France. Hire a barge in Burgundy and discover the region at your own pace! You'll be able to explore historic villages, pass through locks and savour the delights of the local cuisine, while enjoying the peace and quiet of the canals. Whether you're a novice or an experienced sailor, this cruise will allow you to discover the rich culture and beauty of this region, while enjoying the peaceful pace of life on the river.
If you hire a houseboat in Burgundy with CrisBoat, you can benefit from a wide choice of available boats. You would choose the houseboat you want to rent in Burgundy according to your preferences and needs. To help you, we have divided the houseboats for hire in Burgundy into different ranges:
- The Essential Range: The barges in the Essential Range are of traditional and fairly old design, offering the opportunity to discover river cruising in Burgundy at a moderate price. They are equipped with electric toilets and a 220V socket for those connected to a quay. Some also have an outside steering position and a terrace to enjoy the Burgundy scenery.
- The Standard range: The boats in the Standard range for hire in Burgundy are old but equipped with all the essential comforts. They have several bathrooms and most have an outside terrace with a steering position, offering beautiful views over the Burgundy canals and allowing you to bask in the sun. Some unlicensed barges make cruising easier thanks to their bow thrusters.
- The Comfort Range: Hire a Comfort Range barge in Burgundy for a great family holiday. Most of the boats available are of recent design and offer optimum comfort. Each cabin has a private bathroom, and there are plenty of facilities for your comfort, such as a bimini, microwave, air freshener and TV with DVD player. So you can enjoy a pleasant stay in Burgundy.
- The Premium Range: We offer Premium barges for hire in Burgundy, which are elegant, spacious and very comfortable. Each cabin has a private bathroom and toilet. Most of the barges have air conditioning, bow and stern propulsion, an integrated plancha and an internal 220 V circuit. This means you can always have an electrical socket on board.
Are you preparing for your first houseboat rental in Burgundy? Here are some tips to have a smooth cruise:
- Choosing the Houseboat to Rent in Burgundy: When renting a houseboat in Burgundy, it's essential to select one that suits your expectations and needs. Our fleet offers different models for groups of 2 to 12 people, with various options. It's crucial to define your crew and requirements before proceeding with the rental.
- Planning Your Houseboat Trip in Burgundy: To rent a houseboat in Burgundy, it's important to choose a starting base. CrisBoat offers several departure options if you rent your houseboat with them :Chatillon-En-Bazois, Corbigny, Decize, Joigny, Mailly-Le-Château, Migennes,Tannay, Briare, Dompierre, Plagny, Digoin, Saint-Léger, Venarey
- Houseboat Rental Itinerary in Burgundy: You have the freedom to choose your houseboat rental itinerary in Burgundy. We recommend planning your route in advance, and you can order the Burgundy river guide from us. Otherwise, the guide will be available on your houseboat to help you plan your route upon arrival at the departure base.
- Operating the Houseboat in Burgundy: Before your departure, you will receive about an hour of training to learn the rules of river navigation and familiarize yourself with your no-license boat's controls.
- Exploring the Burgundy Region at Your Own Pace: Renting a houseboat in Burgundy offers several advantages, including the opportunity to discover picturesque villages, admire vineyards, and savor local cuisine. It's also a chance to taste locally produced wines.
- Environmental Respect in Burgundy: When renting a houseboat in Burgundy, it's important to take care of the environment. Follow navigation rules and ensure you leave no waste behind.
By following these tips for renting a houseboat in Burgundy for the first time, you're guaranteed to have a memorable experience.
If you rent a houseboat in Burgundy, you will likely have to pass through locks, an essential part of your navigation. Here's how it generally works:
- Preparing the Crew: Explain safety rules to everyone on board, designate adults for each role (helmsman, moorers, etc.) to ensure everyone's safety.
- Signaling to the Lock Keeper: Before entering a lock, it's important to inform the lock keeper of your intention to pass.
- Entering Slowly: It's recommended to maneuver carefully to enter the lock to avoid any damage to the boat.
- Positioning Well: Leave enough space for other boats when entering the lock. If you're alone, position yourself in the center.
- Mooring in the Lock without Knots: Secure the houseboat to the lock bollards at the front and back without tying knots.
- Beware of Eddies: During the filling or emptying of the lock, pay attention to eddies, especially near the gates, to ensure everyone's safety.
- Let the Mooring Lines Slip While Holding Firmly: It's important to hold the boat in place with the mooring lines during the lock's ascent or descent, taking care not to tie knots on the cleat.
- Do Not Touch with Hands: To avoid any risk, it's advised not to touch the mooring lines or cleat directly with your hands or feet. It's better to use equipment such as boat hooks to handle the lines.
- Wait for the Gates to Be Fully Open: It's recommended to wait until the lock gates are fully open before departing to prevent any potential issues.
Lock personnel are there to assist boaters and ensure safe navigation. It's important to follow priority rules and pay attention to the staff's instructions if necessary.
To choose the best time for renting a houseboat in Burgundy, several factors need to be considered, including your personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
- High Tourist Season: The busiest tourist period in Burgundy runs from late June to late August. During this time, it's possible to rent a houseboat as it's a highly sought-after period due to the good weather and school holidays. However, there are often more people on the canals at this time.
- Low Season: To enjoy a quieter environment and lower rental rates, it may be wise to rent a houseboat in Burgundy outside the high season, such as in spring or autumn. The landscapes in autumn are particularly beautiful.
- Local Events: If you are interested in renting a houseboat in Burgundy, inquire about local events such as festivals and markets. These events mainly take place during the tourist season and can make your stay more interesting.
- Weather: Take into account the weather conditions and temperatures when planning your trip. The months of May and September are an excellent time to avoid overcrowding and enjoy pleasant weather.
In Burgundy, you can rent a houseboat and follow various popular cruise itineraries. You have a choice of several navigation areas, including those listed below.
- The Nivernais Canal: It stretches for 180km from Decize to the Auxerrois vineyards. This canal has 116 automatic locks operated by lock keepers, making navigation easier and less tiring.
- The Canal Latéral à la Loire: This canal is calm and offers pleasant and uncomplicated houseboat navigation. There are a total of 37 automatic locks and 26 ports that provide numerous mooring points.
- The Canal du Centre: This 112 km long canal is narrow and winding, but navigation is simple and enjoyable. The canal has 61 automatic locks.
- The Burgundy Canal: This is a less frequented canal, and navigation is very smooth and enjoyable. The canal has a total of 189 locks: 113 are located on the Yonne side and 76 on the Saône side. The locks are manual, and some are managed by lock keepers.
- Round Trip Itineraries: You can choose a round trip houseboat rental in Burgundy, allowing you to return to your starting point, providing a more comprehensive experience of the region.
- By Car: To reach your houseboat in Burgundy, you have two options: take the highway and park your car near your starting point or reserve a parking spot.
- By Train: To reach your houseboat rental in Burgundy, you can take the train to the nearest train station to your starting point.
- By Plane: Taking a flight can be an efficient solution if you want to save time in reaching your houseboat rental in Burgundy. Simply choose the nearest airport and continue by car or public transport to reach your destination.
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.
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5
Cris Boat Blog
1 week on the Canal du Nivernais from Migennes – detailed itinerary
5-night cruise in Burgundy on the Canal du Nivernais
1 day in Auxerre during your river cruise in Burgundy
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Brittany
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Alsace
A licence-free boat rental, with gastronomic stops and bike rides along the canals.
Lot
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Charente
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Aquitaine
Go boating without a licence-free in Aquitaine and discover the land of gastronomy!
Ardennes
Cruise down the river and admire the surrounding Vosges mountains
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