The Canal de Bourgogne stretches approximately 242 km from Migennes near Auxerre in the Yonne department south to Saint-Jean-de-Losne in the Côte-d'Or, linking the Seine and Rhône basins across the Burgundian plateau of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Built between 1775 and 1832 and punctuated by 189 locks — including the remarkable staircase lock system at Pouilly-en-Auxois — the canal towpath offers one of France's most accessible long-distance cycling routes, combining essentially flat terrain with a procession of medieval villages, Cistercian abbeys, and classic Burgundian wine country.
The towpath is surfaced in compacted gravel along most of its length and is wide enough for two cyclists to ride abreast. No road cycling skills or off-road bike handling are required; the route suits families with young children, recreational cyclists, and beginners. The terrain is essentially level throughout, making it suitable for standard hybrid bikes, road bikes with wider tyres, and cargo bikes with child seats. Electric bike hire (VAE) is increasingly available in Auxerre and Dijon, extending the comfortable daily range for those who prefer a leisurely pace.
Towpath villages are spaced approximately 10–20 km apart, providing access to boulangeries, small supermarkets, and canal-side restaurants for provisioning and lunch stops. The section near Pouilly-en-Auxois and Pont d'Ouche passes through some of the most scenic stretches in Burgundy, with poplar-lined avenues, historic lock-keeper's cottages, and views across rolling vineyard hillsides. The classified Beau Village de France of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is accessible on a short signed detour from the towpath.
Bike hire is available in Auxerre, Dijon, Tonnerre, Montbard, and Pouilly-en-Auxois, with many outlets offering one-way drop-off arrangements between major towns. The full 242 km route suits a six-to-seven-day itinerary at an average 35–40 km per day; shorter sections of one to three days between any two canal-side towns are popular for weekend trips without the commitment of the complete journey.
Activity facts
- Where
- Canal de Bourgogne, Auxerre to Dijon
- Duration
- 1 day to 7 days
Highlights
- 242 km of flat, towpath cycling along the Canal de Bourgogne from Auxerre to Dijon through the heart of Burgundy
- 189 locks including the engineering spectacle of the staircase lock system at Pouilly-en-Auxois
- Châteauneuf-en-Auxois — a classified Beau Village de France — accessible on a short signed detour from the canal
- Entirely accessible to all fitness levels: no hills, no road traffic, well-maintained compacted gravel surface
- One-way bike hire available between Auxerre and Dijon, making week-long touring practical without backtracking
Tips for visiting
- Book one-way bike hire well in advance for July and August — Auxerre and Dijon outlets reach capacity for peak season quickly.
- Tyre widths of 35 mm or wider are recommended for the loose-gravel sections between towpath villages; narrow racing tyres (23–28 mm) struggle on unprepared sections.
- Download offline maps via a cycling GPS app such as Komoot before setting out — mobile data coverage is intermittent along the rural towpath.
- Bring cash for canal-side restaurants and lock-side kiosks; card terminals are not universal in smaller villages.
- The most photogenic section between Pouilly-en-Auxois and Châteauneuf-en-Auxois rewards early-morning riders before pleasure boats and other cyclists appear.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canal de Bourgogne cycling route fully self-guided?
The route is entirely self-guided using the towpath. Signposting is maintained by Voies Navigables de France (VNF) authorities. Printed canal-path maps and digital GPS tracks are widely available from hire outlets and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regional tourism office.
Is the towpath traffic-free throughout?
The towpath is largely traffic-free, with only occasional access for lock-keeper vehicles and agricultural crossings. A small number of brief on-road sections are unavoidable in towns and at bridge crossings; these are clearly signed on the official route map.
Can the route be completed with children?
Yes. The flat, traffic-free towpath is one of the most family-friendly cycling routes in France. Child-seat and tag-along bike attachments are available from hire outlets in Auxerre. Electric cargo bikes are an option for families with younger or smaller children.
How long does the full canal route take to cycle?
At an average of 35–40 km per day the 242 km route takes six to seven days. Cyclists comfortable with longer distances (60–80 km per day) can complete it in four days. Shorter two-to-three-day sections — such as Montbard to Dijon — are popular for weekend trips.
What type of bicycle is best suited to the towpath?
A hybrid or touring bike with tyres of 35 mm width or wider is the optimal choice for the gravel and compacted-earth towpath. Racing bikes with narrow tyres are not recommended, as they struggle on loose-gravel sections between villages.