Walking the Canal de Bourgogne — from Tonnerre to Ancy-le-Franc
The Canal de Bourgogne links Migennes to Saint-Jean-de-Losne over 242 km. Between Tonnerre and Ancy-le-Franc, its towpath winds through the Armançon valley: a flat route, open to walkers and cyclists, dotted with nautical stops, locks and two Renaissance châteaux.
The towpath
The towpath runs along the canal for the whole section and is shared between walkers and cyclists. The ground is flat and the route impossible to lose: it follows the water, lock after lock.
The Tonnerre and Ancy-le-Franc train stations frame the route: walk one way and return by train, or arrive car-free from Paris or Dijon.
Stages and points of interest
From west to east, from Tonnerre towards Ancy-le-Franc — every stage sits on the canal bank or a few minutes away on foot.
Bike rental
CyclingDiscover 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)
Tonnerre Nautical Stop
Nautical stopMooring 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
Shops in Tonnerre
ShopsTonnerre 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
Heritage & Sights in Tonnerre
HeritageTonnerre 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 Train Station
Train stationTonnerre 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
Château de Tanlay
CastleA 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
Tanlay Nautical Stop
Nautical stopA 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
Ancy-le-Libre Nautical Stop
Nautical stopA 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
Shops in Ancy-le-Libre
ShopsAncy-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
Argentenay Nautical Stop
Nautical stopA 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
Lézinnes Nautical Stop
Nautical stopThe 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
Heritage in Lézinnes
HeritageThe 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
Ancy-le-Franc Train Station
Train stationAncy-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
Heritage & Sights in Ancy-le-Franc
HeritageBeyond 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
Shops in Ancy-le-Franc
ShopsAncy-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
Château d'Ancy-le-Franc
CastleA 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
Ancy-le-Franc Nautical Stop
Nautical stopThe 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
Pacy-sur-Armançon Nautical Stop
Nautical stopA 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
Heritage in Pacy-sur-Armançon
HeritageAround 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
Going further
2026 information · sources: VNF, the communes along the route · updated June 2026