A weekend boating holiday on the Canal de Bourgogne puts you at the heart of some of the most beautiful natural and historical sites in Burgundy. You’ll visit Venarey-les-Laumes, the site of the famous Battle of Alésia and the towns of Montbard and Buffon – both influenced by the celebrated naturalist and philosopher of enlightenment Buffon.
At just an hour from Paris by TGV (2 hours if by road), our Venarey-les-Laumes base is located on the Canal de Bourgogne, which is part of one of France’s most famous networks of waterways. No previous boating experience or licence is needed and there are a number of canal boat holiday itineraries on offer - whether you’re travelling for just a weekend, a short break or a longer holiday.
Venarey: Battle site of Alésia, ‘Museoparc’ of Alésia, statue of Vercingetorix
Montbard: Abbey of Fontenay (listed as UNESCO World Heritage), Waterpark
Buffon: The Grande Forge of Buffon
Your boating holiday on the Canal de Bourgogne is coming to an end and it is time to think about the return leg of your journey. Look out again for the favourite places you found so far, or maybe stop off at some new ones as you cruise back to the starting base at Venarey-les-Laumes.
So peaceful and relaxing
We enjoyed a lovely couple of days out on the water. It was so peaceful, most of the time it just being us and the wildlife in sight. When we did meet other boaters or the lock keepers it was great to share stories. A thoroughly relaxing weekend away!
Patrick, Aytré