Digoin, the cradle of waterway tourism with Les Canalous

The charming town of Digoin in Burgundy was the first place Les Canalous was established, in the early 1980s. We’ve been receiving holiday makers here for nearly 40 years, allowing them to discover the pleasures of a waterway cruise. Draw upon our expertise, as well as our perfect knowledge of the region, and choose a houseboat rental for a new kind of holiday experience…

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One-way only Suitable for people with reduced mobility

Waterway tourism : a passionate and fascinating history in Digoin

You’ll receive the best welcome at our Digoin waterway base. Choose your boat from the wide range available and let us train you to captain your licence-free boat. You can then embark and start your waterway cruise. Digoin has a wide range of routes for you to choose from. The Loire runs through the town, which offers direct access to many cruise ideas. We’ll help you put together your itinerary on the Canal Latéral à la Loire, Canal du Centre or Canal de Roanne à Digoin. Whichever waterway cruise you have in mind, you’ll enjoy the soothing rhythm of your licence-free boat, the pleasure of going through locks and all the simple delights of waterway tourism. Before you embark, don’t forget to admire one of the town’s highlights as you take in the canal bridge crossing the river Loire.

Gastronomic pleasures and a change of scenery : the delights of Burgundy from the water

Whether you’re heading North or South, there are several towpaths to delight cycling and walking fans. You can stop off wherever you please during your cruise and visit the many villages on your route. You may also like to head for the marina in Roanne town centre – an invitation to relax and enjoy yourself, standing you in good stead for your houseboat cruise. Burgundy wine, snails and Charolais beef are just some of the region’s culinary delights you’re likely to enjoy on board. You’ll also have the opportunity to take in its rich heritage – a visit to Paray le Monial is a must, to admire the imposing Basilique du Sacré Cœur.

discover the region with our photos

1 / 5 Digoin Canal Bridge The Digoin canal bridge allows the Canal Latéral à la Loire to cross the Loire river, allowing it to connect with the Canal du Centre a little further on, at Campionnet port in Digoin. It ends in a lock, from which it’s separated by a short crossing basin. It can only be accessed by boats or pedestrians, took 4 years to build and was completed in 1838.

2 / 5 Château de Digoine Château de Digoine is situated in the commune of Palinges, in Saône-et-Loire, on a slight hill overlooking the left bank of the Bourbince. This 18th century château was partly the work of the architect Edme Verniquet (1727-1804). In the 19th century, it was embellished with décor by Clodion (aquatic scenery). It’s enhanced by a small private theatre, said to be of Italian style, decorated by Ciceri and lauded by both Offenbach and Sarah Bernhardt. It has a remarkable neo-Gothic circular library.

3 / 5 Combes Tourist Park Fill up on fun for all the family with over 16 attractions and discover a natural space aboard the "Tacot des Crouillotes" steam train. Combes Park in Le Creusot has something for everyone, ranging from the gentle to the extreme, with Canad'R and its 5G. Everything you need for a great day out with friends or family. ==> consult the website

4 / 5 Morvan Regional Nature Park Morvan Regional Nature Park is a rural area with a strong identity and rich natural and cultural heritage, the balance of which is nevertheless fragile and threatened. The park must therefore assume its role as a leading player in tourism, biodiversity, forest, renewable energies and cultural activities in Burgundy. The park straddles the départements of Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, Yonne and Côte-d'Or. It’s bounded to the west and north by the Bazois and Auxois depressions, and to the south and east by the plains of Charolais and Autunois.

5 / 5 Mâcon Wine Region The Mâconnais or Mâcon wine region is a winegrowing area situated in the département of Saône-et-Loire and extending for around fifty kilometres between Tournus and Mâcon. This is one of the subdivisions of the Burgundy winegrowing area (along with Lower Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise). By extension, the ‘Mâcons’ label is used for the various wines produced on these hillsides, notably under the Mâcon appellation. In addition to Mâcons, this wine region produces five grand crus:

Pouilly-fuissé
Pouilly-vinzelles
Pouilly-loché
Saint-véran
Viré-clessé

suggested itineraries Tested and approved

Set off from Digoin and navigate as your desires see fit, or follow our itinerary ideas:

Week-end
Aller-retour	66km - 22 locks	13h	Digoin > Génelard > Digoin

Mini-week
Aller-retour	86km - 16 locks	19h	Digoin > Briennon > Digoin

One week
Aller-retour	140km - 28 locks	32h	Digoin > Roanne > Digoin > Paray le Monial > Digoin
Aller-retour	128km - 62 locks	36h	Digoin > Ecuisses > Digoin
Aller-retour	198km - 44 locks	32h	Digoin > Nevers > Digoin
Aller-simple	117km - 38 locks	27h	Digoin > Châtillon en Bazois

Two weeks
Aller-retour	384km - 132 locks	69h	Digoin > Louhans > Digoin

Houseboats on the Canal Latéral à la Loire