Burgundy, Franche-Comté, Saone, Nivernais, Loire
The most famous tourist destination of many house boat friends is Burgundy. The region is famous for its gastronomy and wine. It has a total of about 750 miles of canals and water ways. In the well organized local starting bases you will be received in the absence of the big centers of general tourism. Peaceful, beautiful villages, the famous wines of Burgundy, and the exquisite cuisine attract many house boat friends to the region. Is there a better way of getting to know this beautiful place if not by boat?
Canal de Briare and Canal du Loing
You can travel on this canal starting from Briare. It's also possible to embark on a one way trip from here to Digoin. This is France's oldest canal and it has a length of only about 35 miles that lead through 36 locks. This canal was already completed in 1642 and it passes through a nice landscape full of hills. If you continue on your way you will reach the Canal de Loing which has a length of about 30 miles and is regulated by 20 locks. Via the valley of the Loing you will reach St. Mammès which is already located on the River Seine. You should try the region's food specialties. Tarte Tartine and Praline de Montargis are both excellent.
The River Yonne
The River Yonne is partly canalized. It has an overall length of about 70 miles and includes some 26 locks. It connects Auxerre and Montereau where it flows into the Seine.
Canal du Nivernais
The Canal du Nivernais has a length of about 150 miles and it leads from Saint-Jean-de-Losne up to Laroche Migennes at the River Yonne. With its 169 locks it is also called the canal with the many locks. But please don't let yourself be intimidated by this great number of locks. The many sights along the canal easily compensate for the trouble.
From Saint-Jean-de-Losne the first part of the canal leads to Dijon. After this way comes the most beautiful part of the canal that leads to Tonnerre. In the Ouch valley the canal rises to its highest point. You will pass through the tunnel of Poully which is about two miles long.
The Saône and the Canal de l’Est
You can explore the Saône either from Port-sur-Saône. The Saône is one of France’s most beautiful rivers. It runs through attractive pastoral landscapes, nice green meadows and woods. Its curves are connected to many side canals and locks. The Saône can be navigated on from Corre up to the point where it flows into the Rhone. In the upper course of the river there are 19 locks while in the lower part there are only five. The most beautiful passage is the stretch between Epinal and Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Fishers will also not be deceived. In the river you can find pike-perch, carp, and pike.
Canal de la Marne à la Saône
At Pontailler the canal, which is not dominated by tourists, diverges from the Saône and will lead you through calm and deserted landscapes. You will pass Talmay and the ancient castle town of Langres. There is a boat tunnel at Langres that has a length of about 2 miles.
Canal latéral à la Loire and Canal du Centre
You can experience impressive house boat holidays starting your trip in Digoin or Marseille-les-Aubigny. The Canal du Centre connects the River Saône and the River Loire. From Digoin you can make a trip to the almost lonely Canal de Digoin à Roanne. If you continue on the valley of the Loire you will be in a pastoral landscape until you reach Decize where the Canal du Nivernais branches off. The canal will continue to lead you to the vineyards of Sancerres. From this small town you have a splendid view on the complete Loire vallley. Worth seeing is also the canal bridge constructed by Gustave Eiffel. It is built over the valley at Briare.
Canal de Bourgogne
The 150 miles lonng canal leads from Saint-Jean-de-Losne up to Laroche Migennes near the Yonne. With its 169 locks this canal it is often considered the canal with the many locks. But please don’t let yourself be intimidated by this. The many sights on the shores and banks easily compensate for the trouble of going through the locks. From Saint-Jean-de-Losne the first part leads to Dijon. It is followed by the canal’s most beautiful stretch up to Tonerre. The canal rises to its highest point at the Ouche valley. You have to pass through the tunnel of Pouilly which has a length of about two miles. Through woods, meadows, and fields you will travel to the region’s beauties such as Ancy le Franc with its renaissance castle. You will finally reach Tonnerre that is known for its famous cuisine.
Seille
The River is one of the most beautiful waterways for houseboat trips. It stretches from La Truchère at the Saône to the end of the navigable passage near the picturesque small town of Louhans and covers a length of some 24 miles. The river is canalized, has four locks, and passes through a territory that is marked by fertile and wood covered hills. The diverse area makes for a nice contrast to the rather monotone valley of the Saône. For a couple of years now the Seille has been a favourite among houseboat skippers. This is also partly due to the construction of a house boat base at Branges located just a few miles away from the end of the navigable passage. The bases on the small river now have facilities to land. They include water and power connections in Louhans, Cruisery, and La Truchère, where you can go on land very well.
Our houseboat holiday partners:
Nicols: Venarey, Port-sur-Saône, Dole, Rogny, Plagny
Locaboat: Scey-sur-Saône, Besancon, St. Léger-sur-Dheune, Macon, Dompierre, Corbigny, Joigny, Briare, Montbard
Le Boat: Branges, St.-Jean-de-Losne, Gray, Fontenoy-le-Château, Decize, Tannay, Châtillon-sur-Loire, Migennes
France Passion Plaisance: Pontailler-sur-Saône, Louhans, Digoin, Châtillon-en-Bazois, Coulanges-sur-Yonne
Pavillon Saône: Tournus
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