Boat Holidays in France - Burgundy West: Nivernais, Burgundy, Loire-Burgundy

Linking the River Yonne to the River Saone, the Canal de Bourgogne, started in 1775 and finished in 1834, takes you to the heart of the Renaissance. At that period the Duchy of Burgundy vied in magnificence with the Kingdom of France.

Travel from Joigny through Chablis country past ancient poplar trees and buildings ranging from abbeys to fortified farmhouses. Tie up close to the superb aqueduct at Saint Florentin and climb up to its church to admire the superb stained glass.

At Tonnerre, the Fosse Dionne pool, surrounded by ancient houses, still provides a water supply to the town. Magnificent and splendidly furnished Renaissance chateaux such as Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc punctuate your cruise. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Fontenay Abbey, tucked away in a secluded valley, is a short bike ride away.

From Joigny take the Canal du Nivernais and travel through the Yonne valley and glorious French scenery. Romanesque churches abound and famous wine producing regions lie close to the canal.

From Auxerre, noted for its food, fine Nivernais architecture and its wine, notably Chablis, cruise to picturesque Irancy, surrounded by vineyards with its Gothic and Renaissance buildings.

The dramatic location of Chatel-Censoir, a pretty village with 5th century crypt and ancient church, vies in splendour with nearby Vezelay, its main street lined with medieval houses and the magnificent World Heritage site church, starting point for the pilgrimage to Compostella.

Friendly, bustling Clamecy retains its ancient dovecotes. The prosperous little wine producing village of Tannay boasts panoramic views over the Morvan hills on the way to our base at Corbigny.

At Decize the lateral canal meets the Loire, and river bathing is possible. Salmon and shad swim up here from the distant sea to spawn.

Our base at Dompierre in Southern Burgundy is a crossroads. Lining the canal banks are chateaux, abbeys and medieval villages. The Pal wildlife park near Dompierre offers some spectacular attractions with almost 500 animals from five continents able to roam in natural settings.

Cruise north up the Canal du Nivernais and cruise through ravishing countryside to the secret heart of the Morvan, or visit Nevers, steeped in history.