Burgundy and the discovery of its three waterways

Discover its world renown wines and rolling vineyards, sumptuous cuisine,
beautiful medieval waterside towns & villages and impressive Renaissance Chateaux

The Gallery

Auxerre
Fontenay Abbey

Burgundy and the discovery of its three waterways

Burgundy Boating Holidays. The Canal de Bourgogne is one of the best known waterways in France. It winds its way through Burgundy’s stunning countryside. You will experience the region’s rich cultural heritage, world renown wines and delicious cuisine.

You have 2 departure bases to choose from

Brienon

Brienon is near the intersection of the Canal de Bourgogne, The River Yonne and the Canal du Nivernais. This will give you the option of taking three directions on your cruise where you will be able to discover many of the region’s Chateaux, medieval villages and beautiful countryside. The prestigious Chablis vineyards roll down to the water’s edge and the historic towns of Auxerre, Joigny, Sens and Mailly-le-Chateau are easily accessible on route.

There’s great fishing on these rivers or for the more active, why not test your climbing skills on the rocks at Saussois. Of course a visit to the region’s wine producers for a mid-afternoon “degustation” is almost an obligation.

Venarey-les-Baumes

Departing on your cruise from Venarey-les-Baumes is like a time travel through France’s history. On top of the beautiful meandering canal and it’s breathtaking countryside there’s a plethora of interesting towns, villages and historical sites to discover.  You can moor your boat and take a short walk or bike ride to discover some of the amazing Chateaux like Bussy, Ancy le Franc, Maulne, and Tanlay.  The impressive Abbeye de Fontenay is about 5km from Montbard. This Unesco World Heritage site was built in the 12th century and is the world’s oldest preserved Cistercian abbey – definitely worth the visit (and a good opportunity to build up and appetite!).

Local tourist office

The region’s tourist office website is worth visiting when you are preparing your holiday with some great local advice, tips and useful information www.burgundy-tourism.com

A cruise through the canals and inland waterways of France

Holiday Highlights

Fontenay Abbey

a UNESCO World Heritage site at Montbard

Renaissance castles

at Ancy Le France et Tanlay

The clock tower

The town of Auxerre with its clock tower, Saint Germain Abbey and Saint Etienne cathedral

Wine regions

The wine regions of Chablis, Auxerrois, Tonnerrois and Crémant de Bourgogne

Vineyards and Chateaux

Domaine Flavigny-Alesia, Tonnerre, Beru Chablis estate and Saint-Bris-le-Vineux

The Routes

Boating map

Holiday Information

PRICES

Guide Prices for 2023 based on 1 week boat hire
Price period 18 Mar – 28 Apr
23 Sep – 05 Nov
29 Apr – 02 Jun
09 Sep – 22 Sep
03 Jun – 23 Jun
26 Aug – 08 Sep
24 Jun – 07 Jul
19 Aug – 25 Aug
08 Jul – 18 Aug
Travelling
by air*
POA POA POA POA POA
Travelling
by car*
£544pp £695pp £733pp £794pp £843pp
Travelling
by train*
£865pp (Venarey) £1016pp (Venarey) £1054pp (Venarey) £1115pp (Venarey) £1168pp (Venarey)
*Travelling
by car
Prices are based on Dover to Calais ferry crossings in a standard size car measuring 1.85 x 5m. Eurotunnel & other ferry routes also available.
*Travelling
by train
Prices are based on Standard Class Eurostar service from London to Paris with a connecting fast train service including private transfers on arrival and departure.
All prices are a guide. Prices can increase or decrease depending on availability. The prices are based on 2 people and 1 week boat hire – Sedan Primo.  Other boats and travel options are available please discuss your requirements with our team. We can arrange hotel accommodation before you start or at the end of your boat holiday. Please ask our team for details. Prices can change quickly – you will be quoted the current price at the time of booking. Please visit our special offers page for up to date seasonal discounts.

BOAT CHOICES

Boat Choices - Depending on the size of your group and your preferred boat specification it may be necessary to start from from a specific base.

Boat Ranges Brienon Venarey Les Laumes
Estivale More Info Quattro | Quattro S Duo | Sixto | Octo
Confort More Info 900 DP | 1100 | 1350 B 900 DP | 1350 B
Sedan More Info 1000 | 1150 | Primo 1000 | 1010 | 1160N | 1310 | Primo
Riviera More Info 920

FROM BRIENON

Duration Cruise From Brienon KM Locks Hours
2 Day Weekend A Brienon – Joigny – Brienon 36 10 8
B Brienon – Saint Florentin – Brienon 20 8 6
Short Break A Brienon – Villeneuve-s – Yonne – Brienon 74 16 16
B Brienon – Tonnerre  – Brienon 70 32 20
C Brienon – Auxerre  – Brienon 64 22 15
1 Week A Brienon – Sens – Brienon 106 22 23
B Brienon – Ancy Le Franc – Brienon 130 62 38
C Brienon – Mailly le Château – Brienon 154 68 37
1 Week (One Way) A Brienon – Saint Florentin – Tonnerre – Montbard – Venarey – 108 57 32
3 Weeks (the whole central loop) A Brienon – Plagny – Rogny – Brienon 436 174 98

CRUISE FROM VENAREY LES LAUMES

Duration Cruise from Venarey Les Laumes KM Locks Hours
2 Day Weekend A Venarey – Buffon – Venarey 40 26 10
Short
Break
A Venarey – Tanlay – Venarey 82 50 21
1 Week A Venarey – Tanlay – Venarey 124 68 31
1 Week
(One way)
A Venarey – Montbard – Tonnerre – Saint Florentin – Brienon 108 57 32
2 Weeks A Venarey – Châteauneuf – Venarey 98 130 90

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Crockery etc

Full supply for the number of passengers + kitchen towel kit

Bedding and Towels:

sheets, blankets/duvets, pillows with cases

Navigation Instruction

Boat Equipment

All equipment necessary for navigation

Temporary Boat Licence

Temporary Boat Licence to use on the waterways of France

Boat Insurance

Please check on arrival  for upgrades to insurance

Breakdown assistance:

Available 7 days per week during base opening times

NOT INCLUDED

  • Sailing consumables: this is packaged to include engine fuel and oil, gas for the hot water and stove. On-board equipment monitors usage. This is paid locally and ranges from €5.50 to €12.80 per day depending on boat size.
  • Deposit: You will be asked to pay a deposit of €1000 per boat (1500€ for boats over 10m) and €150 to cover the cleaning (200€ for boats over 10m). This deposit covers the insurance, loss of hire and cleaning if required. The deposit is refundable on the return of the boat at the end of your cruise if it is bought back in clean and undamaged to the agreed return location.
  • SIXTO GREEN: Sailing consumables includes gas consumed on board (heating, hotplates, oven etc.), the charging of the batteries during
    your cruise and maintenance, plus a financial contribution to VNF,  the organization responsible for management of the charging terminals.
  • Cleaning service: full interior & exterior and interior or exterior.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

  • Comprehensive waterways guide
  • Bicycle hire
  • Barbecue
  • Garage parking
  • One way transfers
  • Fishing equipment (an obligatory fishing licence costs €25. Please allow 2 or 3 weeks for the application process)
  • WiFi
  • Deck mattresses
  • 12/220v Converter
  • Early pick-up & late return

An all inclusive package is available for cruises of one week and longer. It includes:

  • Comprehensive waterways guide
  • 2 bicycles
  • Cleaning package
  • Fuel & gas
  • Towels & kitchen linen

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To find out more or plan your trip, call us today

+ 44 (0) 1737 452000

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