Canal du Centre in Burgundy: Must-sees

The Canal du Centre, sometimes called the Charolais Canal, links the Saône and Loire rivers over a distance of almost 112 km, with 61 automatic locks. It is one of the oldest canals in France, linking theAtlantic and Mediterranean coasts.

Built in the 18th century, it was an essential route for transporting coal, wine and goods between Digoin and Chalon-Saône. Today, the Canal du Centre is part of the Tour de Bourgogne by bike and attracts travellers in search ofauthenticity,nature and heritage. Its winding route passes through wine-growing hillsides, Charolais meadowsand lush green valleys, a panorama typical of Burgundy-Franche-Comté.

You’re not dreaming: this is the ideal spot for lovers ofcycling,hiking and even river cruises!

Discover the Canal du Centre at your own pace. Whether you choose to sail, cycle or walk, each stage offers you a new insight into Burgundy’s heritage.

The area around the canal is full of charming villages, museums and unspoilt natural sites. In Montceau-les-Mines, the majestic steel structure of the lift bridge is a real eye-catcher, bearing witness to the town’s industrial past. Further south, in Génelard, the Maison du Canal invites you to immerse yourself in the life of the bargemen and lock-keepers, at the heart ofBurgundy’s river history.

There are many villages worth visiting along the Canal du Centre. But it’s in the heart of Burgundy, in the Beaune region, that you’ll find two unmissable stages ofEuroVelo 6.

And believe us, it’s impossible to pass through without stopping! So let yourself be tempted… we’ll tell you why.

A charming commune nestling between the Côte de Beaune and the Côte Chalonnaise, between Beaune and Chalon-sur-Saône, Chagny proudly cultivates theBurgundian art of living… andart in general.

Chagny will win you over with its picturesque heritage: start by strolling through the Jardin des Simples, then push open the door of Docteur Loydreau’s house, where a superb garden awaits you. Finally, stop off at the church of Saint-Martin. For lovers of contemporary art, take a look at thegallery at 6, rue de Beaune, a discreet but inspiring place.

Fancy getting out of the saddle? We’ve got some options for you:

• A hot-air balloon ride to admire the sculpted landscapes of the Climats de Bourgogne,

• Or a barge cruise departing from the Halte Nautique des Grands Crus.

• And for those who like things simple, a picnic by the canal is an excellent choice.

Discover this gourmet stopover with its Sunday market bearing the “Saveurs et savoir-faire de Bourgogne” label . If you’re lucky, you may even be entitled to a free wine tasting.

At the crossroads of major cycle routes, Santenayis an essential stopping-off point on the Route des Grands Crus. A renowned wine-growing village, it is also one of the rare communes to combine wine and well-being. It’s seductive for its authenticity, its rich heritage and its hybrid tourism on the border between water and land, but above all for the quality of its wines, produced under theSantenay AOC appellation.

Fed by a natural spring, Santenay became a spa in the 19th century, known today as the Valvital thermal baths. After several kilometres in the legs, there’s nothing like a moment ofrelaxation: warm or hot baths, sauna and hammam. If you’re feeling brave, there’s also the Nordic bath: be careful, it’s freezing, and I can assure you that 20 seconds is a long time!

But Santenay is also a picture-postcard setting, with its stone houses, its two castles emblematic of the history of the Dukes of Burgundy, and its charming hamlet of Saint-Jean-de-Narosse, nestling just a stone’s throw away.

The Canal du Centre is not just a river route: it’s also a major part ofEuroVelo 6, one of Europe’s most famous cycle routes, linking Nantes to Constanta!

In Burgundy, theEuroVelo 6 route faithfully follows the canal between Chalon-sur-Saône, Santenay, Chagny, Montchanin and Digoin.

This cycle route offers cyclists a continuous, safe route through the heart of wine-growing Burgundy. It’s also an opportunity to combine river tourism and cycle touring, for a complete experience combining history, culture and gastronomy.

Between the Loire and the Saône, the Canal du Centre embodies the very spirit of Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Enjoy this one-to-one cruise with heritage andhistory, following in the footsteps of great men such as Marguerite Boucicaut, Roger de Bussy Rabutin, Gustave Eiffel, Colette and many others.

The Canal du Centre sets the pace for EuroVelo 6 in Burgundy, guiding travellers by bike through locks, villages, vineyards and the gentle way of life.

A veritable gateway to Europe, this route is an invitation to discover, share and escape.

To find out more about this open-air odyssey, follow the EV6 and let Burgundy inspire you.

The Canal du Centre is much more than a navigable waterway, it’s an experience in its own right, at the crossroads of nature, heritage and gastronomy. Whether you’re on a bike, a boat or simply out for a stroll, this stretch of the Canal du Centre in the heart of Burgundy promises unforgettable encounters, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable flavours.

So, are you ready to embark on a journey between water, vines and heritage?