Departing from our base in Joigny, you will have easy access to the Canal de Bourgogne and its many châteaux. Joigny is also a great destination for getting to some top-class restaurants and famous Burgundy vineyards.
Boat hire on the Canal de Bourgogne in a few words…
Draped in the CĂ´te Saint-Jacques vineyards, Joigny is rich in heritage and gastronomy. Located at the crossroads of the Yonne river and the Canal de Bourgogne, it is the ideal starting point for touring the region. If you choose the Canal de Bourgogne, you will cruise your way through an 18th century engineering marvel. Moor up near the Saint Florentin canal bridge and visit the church. The centrepiece of the town, it was listed as an historic monument in 1842. The statuary, sculptures and bas-reliefs have transformed the church into something of a museum for 16th century art; its 24 stained glass windows create an ensemble of lively colours with a rare harmony that blends perfectly with the architecture.
The
highlights of Joigny
- Close to the famous vineyards of Chablis, Irancy and Tonnerre
- Easy access to the Canal de Bourgogne and its châteaux aboard your canal boat
our routes departing from Joigny
The routes shown are only suggestions; don’t forget that you can stop wherever you like on your cruise.
On the mythical canal
Waterway
Canal de BourgogneItinerary
Joigny...JoignyIf you pause your cruise here, not far from Champagne, you can sample wines from the Bourgogne Tonnerre appellation, first cousin to Chablis but less well-known. Take a look at the town’s historic heritage, including the Hôtel d'Uzès or the Fosse Dionne, a karst spring.
As you cruise along the Burgundy Canal on board your self-drive boat, you’ll come across the Château de Tanlay, famed for its trompe l’œil gallery and its frescoes. It’s one of the finest Renaissance châteaux in Burgundy.
The Ancy-le-Franc château is a listed historic monument and stands in its own large grounds. It’s worth taking a detour from your cruise to see its vast frescoes, some of the largest from the Renaissance period.
French wines and culture
Waterway
Canal du NivernaisItinerary
Joigny...JoignyAlmost the whole of the historic centre of Auxerre is a conservation area (67 hectares). After you’ve explored its wonderful heritage, sample a few local specialities such as gougères (cheese pastries) or snails.
Stop by "les caves de Bailly" located close to the canal or visit the charming village of Irancy (3-4 km from the canal). Tie up your self-drive boat here to enjoy this typical village of Burgundy surrounded by 251 hectares of vines. Don’t forget to buy a few bottles of the most famous red wine from northern Burgundy.
A nave for Vezelay
Waterway
Canal du NivernaisItinerary
Joigny...JoignyAlmost the whole of the historic centre of Auxerre is a conservation area (67 hectares). After you’ve explored its wonderful heritage, sample a few local specialities such as gougères (cheese pastries) or snails.
Stop by "les caves de Bailly" located close to the canal or visit the charming village of Irancy (3-4 km from the canal). Tie up your self-drive boat here to enjoy this typical village of Burgundy surrounded by 251 hectares of vines. Don’t forget to buy a few bottles of the most famous red wine from northern Burgundy.
As you pass through this village on your self-drive boat, take time to learn something about caving in one of the many local underground galleries, or enjoy some peace and quiet in the collegiate church of Saint Potentien.
At Clamecy you can discover the secrets of the tower of the Collegiate Church of Saint Martin, with its delicate stone lacework, rose window and gargoyles, or the Romain Rolland Museum, a tribute to the French Nobel prize-winner.
If you want to book this cruise
Browse online the availabilities
our boats available
Departing from our Joigny base, we can offer the range of canal boats shown below. To see the full range of cruises available, please see our self-drive boat pages or contact our team who can help you to choose.
Pénichettes Classique®
The traditional Pénichette®, very easy to pilot and perfect for couples and families.
From 2 to 7 people.
Pénichettes Aft-Deck®
A spacious and well-lit boat, characterised by its lovely protected terrace at the rear.
From 2 to 12 people.
Pénichettes Flying Bridge®
One of the latest range of Pénichettes®, offering considerable comfort thanks to their double inside and outside helm positions.
From 2 to 12 people.
Pénichettes Evolution®
Based on the strengths of the existing family of Penichettes®, this new generation of boats offers a completely new cruising experience.
Linssen
Choose one of the finest yachts with the Linssen Grand Sturdy 34.9 boat! Elegance, high-quality furnishings and comfortable sailing are the hallmarks of these renowned boats.
From 2 to 6 people.
Europa
Cosy, elegant and designed as small yachts, the Europa boats offer decidedly modern comfort and aesthetics.
From 2 to 6 people.
Your departure
base Joigny
LOCABOAT HOLIDAYS
Quai du Port au Bois
89300 – Joigny
FRANCE
If you have already booked your cruise and you want to reach your departure base: