The Burgundy Canal, with 189 locks, winds its way for 242 km between Migennes, in Yonne, and Dijon, in Côte-d'Or. Ce Cycling circuit on the Burgundy Canal will plunge you into Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, offering an alternation of bucolic landscapes and charming villages to discover. So what is the must-see section of this channel for lovers of Little Queen? Here are 8 stops not to be missed, between Saint-Florentin and Dijon, but without further ado: the answer to your question!

The most beautiful part of the Burgundy Canal: The Ouche Valley, a corner of wild nature

The Ouche Valley represents the most natural and authentic section of the Burgundy Canal. Here, the cycle route runs along the Ouche River, crossing woods and meadows. This course is ideal for nature lovers, offering spectacular views of preserved Burgundy. A stop at the Château de Barbirey is a must. This castle, surrounded by a romantic 19th century park, offers an immersion in a bucolic landscape where history and nature intertwine. The Ouche Valley embodies the wild beauty and timeless charm of Burgundy, making this portion an essential stop for any cyclist in search of serenity.

Saint-Florentin and its Gothic-Renaissance church: Heritage and tranquility along the Yonne

Saint-Florentin, a small quiet village located in Yonne, is crossed by the Armançon and Armance rivers. Its five-arch canal bridge is an architectural marvel offering a panoramic view of Armance. At the top of the hill, the Gothic-Renaissance church of Saint-Florentin rises majestically, dominated by colorful stained glass windows and statuary rich in detail. The combination of this remarkable architecture and the peaceful village setting makes Saint-Florentin a memorable stop for cyclists with a passion for history and culture.

Thunder and its mystical fountain: A journey into the unusual and the history

Tonnerre is a unique stop on the Burgundy Canal, thanks to its famous Dionne Fosse. This spring, which exudes emerald green waters, is a mysterious place that has fascinated for centuries. La Fosse Dionne, classified as a Vauclusian spring, delivers more than 300 liters of water per second and was converted into a washhouse as early as the 18th century. Do not miss the Saint-Pierre church, which dominates the city and offers an exceptional panorama. Tonnerre offers an enigmatic atmosphere and a fascinating heritage, perfect for lovers of unusual places.

Tanlay and its Renaissance castle: A charming stopover in the heart of Burgundy

The village of Tanlay seduces with its famous Renaissance castle, built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Inspired by Italy, this castle is surrounded by a moat and decorated with elegant towers. The port of Tanlay is the ideal setting for a break by the water, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the local heritage. This stop invites you to dive into the history of Burgundy through one of its most beautiful castles. Tanlay combines tranquility and historical wealth, making this stage a detour not to be missed.

Château de Tanlay sur le Canal de Bourgogne à vélo — Chateau de Tanlay on the Burgundy Canal by bike [*Depositphotos*]

Montbard and Buffon Park

‍Montbard is the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature and history. In Buffon Park, the former site of a fortified castle transformed in the 18th century, discover remains and an exhibition dedicated to the work of the naturalist Buffon. A must for science and nature lovers!

Fontenay Abbey, a Cistercian treasure

‍6 km from Montbard, Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest Cistercian abbeys in the world. Founded in 1118, it offers a peaceful setting and a sumptuous garden, perfect for timeless exploration.

Pouilly-en-Auxois and its historic tunnel

‍Pouilly-en-Auxois, with its 3,333 meter arch, is a key point on the canal. Once crossed in 10 hours, the tunnel marked the ingenuity of the engineers of yesteryear. Today, the site offers visits to better understand the history of the toueur, the boat that helped boats pass under the hill.

Dijon, gastronomic capital

‍End your journey in Dijon, renowned for its gastronomy and architectural heritage. Take the opportunity to savor local specialties, discover the half-timbered houses and visit the Palace of the Dukes.

Dijon, à l'arrivée du Canal de Bourgogne à vélo — Dijon, at the arrival of the Burgundy Canal by bike [Depositphotos]

The cycling trip on the Burgundy Canal with Belle Allure!

Our Organized bike trip on the Burgundy Canal takes you to the heart of the region, for a peaceful and immersive exploration of this historic route. In addition to the villages and emblematic sites that line the canal mentioned earlier in the article, our itinerary deviates a bit from the itinerary at times to discover two treasures of Burgundy classified among the most beautiful villages in France: Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, famous for its medieval streets and its anise candies, and Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, with its majestic castle and its panoramas on the Auxois hills. With logistics taken care of and carefully designed stages, this cycling adventure guarantees you an authentic trip, combining heritage, nature, and Burgundy charm.