The Canal de Bourgogne runs 242 km from Migennes to Saint-Jean-de-Losne. The section near Baon, between Tonnerre and Ancy-le-Franc, is shown here — click a marker or an activity card to learn more.
Born from a two-century-old dream, the Canal de Bourgogne links the Yonne river to the Saône over 242 kilometres. The idea of bridging the watershed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean dates back to minister Sully in the early 17th century. Following engineer Abeille's plans in 1724 and royal authorisation by Louis XVI in 1775, the first earthworks began in 1784. The Revolution and successive financial crises halted the project time and again. It was finally inaugurated under Louis-Philippe in 1832 — after nearly fifty years of construction.
Its 189 locks climb nearly 300 metres of elevation on the Yonne slope, reaching the summit at 378 metres beneath Pouilly-en-Auxois — a 3-kilometre tunnel bored through solid rock. Our stretch, between Tonnerre and Ancy-le-Franc, runs along this slope: the canal winds through the Armançon valley across the limestone villages of the Tonnerrois. Timber, coal, grain and Burgundy wines passed through here to supply Paris, until the railways ended river commerce in the 1850s. Pleasure cruisers and cycle tourists have since taken over, making the canal one of France's most popular river touring routes.
The association "Ici et là" created an interactive map of the Canal de Bourgogne's soundscapes between Tonnerre and Tanlay: lock sounds, guided sonic walks, the Éclusophone and sound postcards recorded by local schoolchildren. Available via the mobile app.
Mooring point on the Canal de Bourgogne in the heart of Tonnerre. Water, electricity, showers and sanitary facilities available on the quay. An ideal starting point to reach Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc.
Quai de la Marine · 89700 Tonnerre
Discover the canal by bike from Tonnerre. The greenway follows the canal all the way to Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc — a 20 to 40 km ride on flat terrain, perfect for families. Adult, electric and children's bikes available, with trailers and panniers.
Tonnerre · 89700 — Loc Aventure (La Cascade Campground)
A charming stop at Tanlay, steps from the Renaissance château. The mooring welcomes boaters with essential services. A unique opportunity to visit the castle from the water.
Tanlay · 89430 — 5 km from Baon
Tonnerre holds exceptional heritage: the Fosse Dionne, a mysterious spring in the heart of town, and the 13th-century Hôtel-Dieu with its vast sick ward. The collegiate church of Saint-Pierre completes this remarkable medieval ensemble.
Fosse Dionne & Hôtel-Dieu · 89700 Tonnerre
Tonnerre has all the essential shops to restock your crew: supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacy and grocery stores in the town centre. A convenient stop before resuming your journey by boat or bike.
Downtown · 89700 Tonnerre
Tonnerre station is served by the Paris-Lyon line (TER and Intercités trains). Perfect for reaching the area by train with your bike, or heading home after a week on the canal.
Avenue Aristide Briand · 89700 Tonnerre
A masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, the Château de Tanlay was built in the 16th century. Its water-filled moat, round towers and formal gardens make it one of the finest castles in Burgundy. Visible from the canal and reachable on foot from the nautical stop.
Tanlay · 89430 — 5 km from Baon
château-tanlay.fr →A peaceful mooring on the canal at Argentenay, close to the Forest of Green Giants. An ideal spot to moor and explore Alain Bresson's land art site in the surrounding woods.
Argentenay · 89160
A mid-route stop between Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc, in the quiet village of Ancy-le-Libre. Basic facilities available for boaters and cyclists on the greenway.
Ancy-le-Libre · 89160
Ancy-le-Libre has a grocery store and a few local shops to resupply boaters and cyclists. A handy halfway stop between Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc.
Ancy-le-Libre · 89160
The last stop before Ancy-le-Franc, the Lézinnes mooring marks the entrance to the Armançon valley. The medieval village with its limestone alleys is worth the detour from the canal.
Lézinnes · 89160
The village of Lézinnes preserves fine Burgundian rural heritage: its Romanesque church, wash-houses and limestone houses. Nearby, the canal locks offer a fascinating mechanical spectacle.
Lézinnes · 89160
Cruise with your family on the Canal de Bourgogne aboard a licence-free boat. Rental bases flank our stretch: Migennes to the west (Le Boat, Riverly) and Venarey-les-Laumes to the east (Nicols). Weekly or weekend packages, season April–October.
Bases: Migennes (89) · Venarey-les-Laumes (21)
The final stop from Tanlay (20 km). The mooring is set at the foot of the Château d'Ancy-le-Franc, a jewel of the Burgundian Renaissance. A must-see stop for boaters.
Ancy-le-Franc · 89160
A jewel of Italian Renaissance architecture in Burgundy, the Château d'Ancy-le-Franc was built in the 16th century for Antoine de Clermont, brother-in-law of Diane de Poitiers. Its apartments adorned with frescoes and painted ceilings are listed as a historic monument.
Place Clermont-Tonnerre · 89160 Ancy-le-Franc
chateau-ancy.com →Beyond the castle, Ancy-le-Franc has fine heritage: the nearby Quincy Abbey, the listed canal banks, and surrounding wine-growing villages. The tourist office offers themed circuits on the Renaissance in Burgundy.
Tourist Office · 89160 Ancy-le-Franc
Ancy-le-Franc has grocery stores, a bakery and a few local shops to resupply boaters and cyclists. The local market adds to the offer on market days.
Town center · 89160 Ancy-le-Franc
Ancy-le-Franc station is served by the Laroche-Migennes–Dijon line (TER). A direct connection to Paris via Laroche-Migennes, ideal for reaching the canal by train without a car.
Gare Street · 89160 Ancy-le-Franc
A small mooring on the Armançon, beyond Ancy-le-Franc, in an unspoilt rural setting. Perfect for a quiet overnight stop before continuing towards Ravières and beyond.
Pacy-sur-Armançon · 89160
Around Pacy-sur-Armançon, the Armançon valley reveals a landscape shaped by centuries of farming and river navigation. The 12th-century Quincy Abbey is a few kilometres away.
Pacy-sur-Armançon · 89160
