Discover Burgundy – Burgundy by water

Surprising as it may seem in the land of great wines, water turns out to be a tourist attraction of the first rank, for Burgundy is the proud possessor of the most extensive network of navigable waterways in France.

Surprising as it may seem in the land of great wines, water turns out to be a tourist attraction of the first rank, for Burgundy is the proud possessor of the most extensive network of navigable waterways in France.

With 1200km of navigable waters, Burgundy is a haven for inland waterway tourists. Their “headquarters”: Saint-Jean-de-Losne, France’s largest inland marina with room for 300 boats.

Waterway halts have been established at Tonnerre, Digoin, Verdun-sur-le-Doubs and all along the Nivernais canal. Here, visitors can make fast and set off to explore the sights, enjoy a restaurant or explore the town.

The region has some 30 bases and almost 500 boats for hire with room for 2 to 12 persons. You can also relax in the comfort of hotel barges or cruise boats.

Hotel barges undoubtedly offer you the most luxurious and most comfortable way of discovering Burgundy and it unrivalled cuisine, with cruises ranging from 2 to 7 days. They provide full board service with evening entertainment and visits to wine-cellars.

Whether with family or friends, for either a week or a weekend, house-boats offer the perfect combination of calm and serenity whilst discovering the region at your own rhythm. Piloting your own boat is almost child’s play and for most of the boats you do not need a licence.

Throughout its 4 departments, Burgundy offers a choice of no less than 6 canals: Val de Loire, Val de Saone et la Seille, Canal du Centre, Canal du Nivernais, l’Yonne, Canal de Bourgogne.

They all have their different identity, offering a variety of landscapes, architectural riches and historical meanings. You will need more than one visit to truly understand Burgundy!

Wherever you go, you are never far from the water. Treat yourself to a relaxed, offbeat way of discovering Burgundy and visit www.burgundy-tourism.com