Our boating holiday on the Canal de Bourgogne sees you navigate from lock to lock, stopping at picturesque canal-side villages, all the time getting a feel for the colourful history of Burgundy.
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
Ravières: 16th century castle, old town hall, Saint-Pantaléon church
Ancy-le-Franc: Château d'Ancy-le-Franc locate on the banks of the canal, various museums of art, pottery and
ceramic
After cruising as far as Ancy-le-Franc on the Canal de Bourgogne 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.
Is there anything more relaxing?
We were only able to hire our canal boat for a few days, however the trip was so relaxing it felt like we’d been on holiday for a fortnight! This was our first experience of being out on the waterways and we thoroughly enjoyed it – going home feeling fully rested and recharged.
Jean and Anne, Saint-Priest