The Canal de Bourgogne is both the longest and most famous waterway in the Burgundy region of France. On our one-way canal boat holiday itinerary between the Nicols bases at Venarey-les-Laumes and Brienon-sur-Armançon you’ll come across Renaissance castles and chateaux, prestigious vineyards and charming villages.
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
Tonnerre: Old town built on a hill, The Fosse Dionne (old fountain and baths), Church of Saint-Pierre built on a rock terrace, l'hôtel Dieu (one of the largest medieval hospitals dating from 1293), l'hôtel d'Uzès: the historic mansion and birthplace of the knight Eon.
Saint-Florentin: Canal surrounded by two rivers (Armance and Armancon), Church with beautiful stained glass windows and a terrace which offers panoramic views across the old town and the valley.
Brienon: 13th and 16th century church, Oval shaped historic bath, the Perched Theatre in the old town hall - a laureate of the Regional Heritage Award.
Your one-way boating holiday on the Canal de Bourgogne is almost at an end. It is time to think about returning your Nicols canal boat to the base in Brienon-sur-Armançon.
Watching beautiful sunsets from our boat!
We really weren’t sure what to expect from a boating holiday, but this week in the heart of Burgundy has got us now hooked! We’ll always remember the picture perfect surrounding landscapes and watching the sun go down into the water of an evening. We’re already starting to think about our where to try next!
Yvan, Mâcon