Boat hire on the Canal du Centre & the Saône

If you’re a gourmet or simply love fine food and wines, the base at Saint Léger‑sur‑Dheune will delight you at every turn. Cruising down the Canal du Centre, you pass through some of the most prestigious vineyards of Burgundy, including those on the Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise. Along the Dheune valley lie Mercurey, Santenay—with its 13th‑century Saint‑Jean‑de‑Narosse church overlooking the vines—Montrachet with its renowned white wines, and Rully, crowned by its 12th‑century château, all producing celebrated vintages. Perched on a hillside, Château de Rully stands as a medieval fortress surrounded by vineyards. Its owner, a descendant of the seigneur of Rully, welcomes visitors for authentic and memorable tours.

Allow yourself to drift beyond time, guided by the rhythm of the Burgundy locks. Explore the waterways of Bourgogne Saône aboard a barge: the Saône, Seille, Canal du Centre, or Canal du Charolais.

The Saône is a right-bank tributary of the Rhône, joining it in the city of Lyon, the capital of the Auvergne–Rhône‑Alpes region. Originating from the convergence of a lowland river and a mountain stream, the Saône flows from Lorraine through the Bresse region, passing through towns such as Gray and Seveux‑Savoyeux. Although often referred to as the “long, tranquil river,” its flow can be powerful and variable—at times leading to flooding. Rest assured, navigation aboard your licence-free boat is entirely safe when following designated routes. The Saône also serves as an important navigable link with other major French waterways—connecting with the Rhône–Rhine, as well as the Seine, Marne, and Loire via the Burgundy Canal and Canal du Centre.

The Canal du Centre was inaugurated in 1793 after ten years of construction led by the Estates of Burgundy under the supervision of chief engineer Emiland Gauthey. Also known as the Canal du Charolais, it stretches over 114 km—perfect for a scenic river cruise. Originally built to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, it now stands as a key feature of Burgundy’s cultural and historical heritage. The canal includes 61 locks along the 100 km route between Chalon-sur-Saône and Digoin. Finally, the Seille River, often nicknamed the “Tom Thumb” of Southern Burgundy’s waterways, is just 40 km long but full of surprises for river tourism enthusiasts!

No description of Burgundy‑Saône waterways would be complete without mentioning the locks. Locks along the Saône are numerous and electrified, operated either manually by lockkeepers or automatically. The four locks on the Seille are manual—but don’t worry, you’ll learn to operate them once aboard your boat without a license in Burgundy. Many lockkeepers’ houses have been repurposed into charming guesthouses or riverside restaurants set in idyllic surroundings.

Along your cruise, you might stop at Gigny‑sur‑Saône’s "Halte Nautique," a friendly riverside restaurant serving traditional Burgundian cuisine. Many others along the Burgundy canal offer well-deserved nautical stops in picturesque settings. One standout is the Banet lock, known as “La 34 S," a 19th‑century lockkeeper’s house renovated to accommodate dining, lodging, artisan products, and serve as a nautical stop.

The river tourism we offer through our itineraries aboard our licence‑free barges provides a truly unique sense of freedom. You can stop at any moment and moor wherever you please—whether in one of the beautiful towns lining the three waterways accessible by your boat, or in the peaceful countryside to enjoy stunning views.

Along your route, you might pass through charming locations such as La Truchère, Tournus, Louhans, Chagny, Cuisery, Santenay, Chalon‑sur‑Saône or Saint Léger.

A historic city dating back to the Bronze Age, Chalon-sur-Saône has successively been the main port of the Aedui people, the capital of the Merovingian Kingdom in the 5th century, and an industrial hub from the 19th century onward. Today, it is a sub-prefecture of the Saône-et-Loire department. Chalon-sur-Saône stands as the region’s key city thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of the Saône River and three major land routes stretching north, south, and toward the Creusot basin.

Mâcon is the capital of the Saône-et-Loire department. It was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Aedui, a Celtic people of Gaul, as a river port. Later under Roman rule, it became both a prominent port town and a stop along the Via Agrippa, the Roman road network extending south toward Lyon. Mâcon thrived thanks to its port and viticulture before transitioning into an industrial city during the 1950s.

Lyon is a city with 2,000 years of history—an unforgettable way to end your river cruise in style! Crossed by both the Saône and the Rhône, Lyon stands out for its scenic quays and riverbanks that run through the heart of the city, giving it a unique charm. Discover the city and its spectacular heritage as you cruise along its waterways!

From your boat, you'll catch sight of the famous Fourvière hill, beloved by both locals and visitors. Fourvière is a magnificent site home to many wonders: a basilica, ancient Roman ruins (Lugdunum), and a historical museum. The hill has been crowned by the “Golden Virgin” since 1852. You can moor your boat and climb up to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city—or take the “ficelle,” the local nickname for the funicular, to reach the top. Coming back down, explore “Vieux-Lyon,” the city’s old quarter, and its stunning Saint Jean Cathedral.

Across the Saône River, you’ll see the Palais de Justice as you head toward the Presqu’île. This peninsula is known for its splendid architecture: Place des Célestins, Place des Jacobins, and the Palais de la Bourse all showcase the brilliance of its designers. The Presqu’île, along with Fourvière and Vieux-Lyon, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lyon is full of wonders, and you’ll have the chance to experience them during your river cruise. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or with children, a Pénichette holiday through Bourgogne-Saône promises enchantment and never a dull moment.

The towns lining the Burgundy‑Saône canals bear witness to a rich and ancient history. The region’s medieval villages stand out for their architecture, remarkable monuments, and as key sites of Romanesque art. You’ll admire the distinctive Southern Burgundy style, especially in the half-timbered houses of towns in the Bresse area.

These attractions are easily accessible from your mooring points during a river cruise in Burgundy—perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.

In Tournus, known as the “Pearl of Southern Burgundy,” you’ll find one of the finest examples of Romanesque art: the Abbey of Saint-Philibert. Founded by monks fleeing Viking invasions on Noirmoutier, this remarkably preserved abbey is a source of pride for the town’s residents.

In Chalon’s historic district, Saint Vincent Cathedral is a landmark of Burgundy’s religious heritage. Construction began in 1090 in Romanesque style and spanned six centuries. Its cloister is the only truly preserved canonical cloister in Burgundy.

Just a few kilometers from the left bank of the Saône—an easy stopover during your licence-free boat cruise—the Château de Meursault offers an extraordinary estate with a grand park, cellars, and a reception hall of astonishing size. It’s one of the region’s most visited wine estates, hosting regular tastings in an unforgettable setting.

During your river cruise through southern Burgundy, indulging in the region’s culinary heritage is simply a must. The Burgundian art of living comes to life through its rich gastronomy and renowned wines—elements that will leave a lasting impression.

For a sweet treat, try the region’s famous gingerbread. Introduced from China in the 14th century by Marguerite of Flanders, honey bread was reimagined by Dijon families like Mulot and Petitjean. “Nonnettes,” the round gingerbread cakes filled with orange marmalade, are a beloved specialty of Dijon’s confectioners.

For savoury bites and aperitifs, dive into a selection of local cheeses, poultry, and charcuterie that reflect the proud culinary traditions of Burgundy.

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Burgundy is also famed for its cheeses, lovingly crafted by passionate artisans preserving traditional methods. As chef Bernard Loiseau once said: “Long live Epoisses!” Epoisses is a soft cow’s milk cheese with a distinct orange rind, recognized as an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée since 1991. It’s the ultimate Burgundian cheese—rich, bold, and unforgettable.

- Bresse Chicken: Every Monday morning in Louhans—the capital of Bresse Bourguignonne—you can visit the famous Bresse poultry market, showcasing the only chicken with an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée. Tip for your licence-free boat trip: pick up one of these celebrated birds to cook onboard your Pénichette!
- Charolais Beef: Exceptionally tender and full of flavour, this renowned beef is a must-try.
- Burgundy Snails: Take the leap! This regional delicacy might seem bold, but it's a refined dish much loved by river cruise visitors—especially paired with a crisp white wine.
- Parsley Ham (Jambon Persillé): The perfect appetiser to enjoy on your boat’s deck—easy, tasty, and authentically Burgundian!

Take full advantage of the stopovers along your Burgundy river cruise to discover a variety of dining experiences—from classic and traditional to gourmet restaurants—located in charming towns along the Saône. You’ll be spoiled for choice: in Burgundy, the art of living is best shared around a good table!

Here are a few standout restaurants featured in the Gault&Millau guide, all located in picturesque riverside towns:

- La Table de Chaintré in Chaintré
- Aux Terrasses in Tournus
- Restaurant de Greuze – Yohann Chapuis in Tournus
- Guy Lassausaie in Chasselay

Burgundy is world-renowned for its vineyards, and what better way to explore the famed Wine Route than during your river cruise through Southern Burgundy?

Make sure to visit some of the region’s most celebrated wine appellations:

- Givry
- Montagny
- Mercurey
- Rully

For a full tasting experience, stop by one of the many specialist wine cellars (caveaux) along the way, where you can sample a variety of local wines right where they’re made.

Pastures, farmlands, and peaceful countryside… On your Burgundy river cruise, don’t forget your camera—you’ll be treated to spectacular views!