If you are looking for a flat, easy walk with almost no chance of getting lost, canal towpaths offer a glimpse into rural France most commonly viewed from a boat. And if you’re reluctant to commit to a 240-kilometre (150-mile) walk and like the idea of cycling some (or all) sections, the Burgundy Canal is the perfect choice.
Less busy than the Midi Canal, which is one of the most popular holiday destinations in France, the Burgundy Canal cuts a romantic path through some of the prettiest countryside imaginable.
Between Migennes and Pouilly-en-Auxois, you’ll find yourself within walking distance, or a shuttle bus ride, of seven châteaux, eleven churches, one abbey and the ‘most beautiful villages’ of Noyers-sur-Serein and Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.
Continue on from Pouilly-en-Auxois to Saint-Jean-de-Losne and you’ll pass through the canal tunnel (dug by Spanish and English prisoners in the nineteenth century) and visit the fortified castle at Châteauneuf-en-Auxois—another of France’s ‘most beautiful villages’.
During the summer months, you’ll find yourself surrounded by sunflowers and the quaint lock-houses dotted along the canal will have you reaching for your camera every few minutes.
Thirty kilometres (19 miles) before the end of the canal, you’ll arrive in the historic city of Dijon. This is the ideal place to stop for a few days, explore the local wineries towards Beaune and Chablis and perhaps celebrate your walk with a meal at one of the four Michelin-starred restaurants.
Visit Dijon and the châteaux of Ancy-le-Franc and Tanlay…
Presented in a light, easy-to-read format and illustrated with dozens of photos, this comprehensive guidebook covering distances, accommodation, suggested itineraries, practical tips on transport options, market days, available services and much more makes planning a breeze.
Two guide books, 165 pages packed with everything you need to know to plan an itinerary and book accommodation (the morning before or six months earlier!) along the twelve-day, 240-kilometre (150-mile) walk along the Burgundy Canal.
“We have lived in France, visited regularly over 35 years and done a lot of independent walking along roads and trails generally using local maps. What has been lacking is a publication in English that combined sensible general advice on walking in France with detailed instructions on routes and facilities on interesting off-road trails.
I think Melinda Lusmore has achieved this in her website and publications. She has compiled a series of practicable and beautiful walks combined with geographical instructions and a wealth of good advice. She has been very helpful too in our direct email contact.
We are already planning one of her walks later this year and will report on our experience. We have always loved France and know it has unlimited, small, unsung wonders in the rural areas. Go and find them!” Coral Hoggett
Visit Abbaye de Fontenay and the ‘most beautiful villages’ of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain and Châteauneuf-en-Auxois…
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How often is the guidebook updated?
I Love Walking in France guidebooks are updated in January/February each year.
If you purchase a guidebook but are not able to complete the walk before the new edition is released, let me know at melinda@ilovewalkinginfrance.com I will email you a discount code to download the updated guide at no cost!
Updates to content which occur throughout the year are listed at the bottom of this page.
Is the guidebook available in paperback as well as PDF format?
No, the guidebook is only available in PDF format. You’ll receive an email containing a link to download the guide which can be saved onto your phone, iPad, laptop or any electronic device. This provides easy access to website links so that booking accommodation, checking bus timetables and confirming the opening hours of Tourist Offices and other attractions is a breeze!
What’s in the guidebook that’s not covered on the website?
It’s true, you’ll find a lot of information here on the website, including:
- What to expect on the walk
- Map of the path and its location in France
- My suggested itinerary, including tips for sightseeing and market days
- A list of all the towns and villages where you’ll find accommodation and the distances between them
- Practical tips for walking safely and considerately
Inside an I Love Walking in France digital guidebook, you’ll also find—
- A complete packing list covering all the essential items you’ll need to take and a few optional extras
- Useful French phrases to help you book a taxi, book a room, ask about breakfast, order dinner, buy a train ticket and understand directions
- Dozens of photos
Each village has a dedicated section covering:
- Population (because a village of 35 will not have an ATM not matter how badly you need one)
- Accommodation—hotels, chambre d’hôtes, gîtes and campgrounds… including website links
- Available services—cafés, bakeries, grocery stores, doctors, pharmacies, banks and ATMs
- Train and bus services, including website links to check or download timetables
- Taxi phone numbers
- Tourist Office location and website
- Market days and other festivals
- A brief history of the village and details of museums, churches and other attractions
Does the guidebook include walking notes?
No. The advantage of walking along a canal is that it is very unlikely you’ll get lost! Many of the small towns that offer accommodation along the way are located a short distance from the canal and directions for reaching town and rejoining the canal are included in the guidebook.
Who is this guidebook for?
I love Walking in France guidebooks are for those wanting a broader experience of the French joie de vivre beyond the chemin—those wanting to travel a little slower and take the time to explore historic chapels, climb the tower of a ruined châteaux, visit local museums, plan their day around the fresh food market and, of course, to savour the delicious food and wine for which France is, quite rightly, famous.
If you prefer to travel simply and lightly—camping whenever possible, perhaps preparing your own meals each night and focusing mostly on the trail—you’ll find everything you need on Google Maps.
Do you have a refund policy?
Bien sur! If you are not completely happy with your I Love Walking in France guidebook, please email me at melinda@ilovewalkinginfrance.com within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
“As an experienced walker in both England and France, I gave up hill walking a while back in favor of walks along waterways. They have the advantages of less strenuous walking, the near impossibility of getting lost, and the beauty of being in sight of water every day. My last walk in France was along the Burgundy Canal, between Pouilly-en-Auxois and Dijon. I enjoyed it so much I wanted to walk more of the canal and that’s when I discovered Melinda’s website and her guide for the route I was about to plan for myself.
I know how many planning elements must come together for a successful long-distance walk and after reading Melinda’s guide, it’s clear she knows, too. It will benefit both novice and experienced walkers, is well-organized with all the bases covered and beautifully illustrated for inspiration.
You’ve saved me a great deal of work, Melinda, and done it so much better than I could have myself. Many thanks.” Joanna Yates
“Melinda is my #1 source for walking tours in France. Before I found her, I didn’t know what GR paths were. We’re a family of New Yorkers, and love a good long walk. These walking paths are now, on our must-do list in France, thanks to Melinda. Although, we may cycle parts of this walk, it’s great to know, especially traveling with our 11 year old daughter, what exactly to expect.
Melinda details everything one may need to start this amazing walking tour of the Burgundy Canals: Distances, Village population and history, rest stops, luggage drop off and pick up, hotels, gites, restaurants and much more.
I very much appreciate all the distances listed between the villages. It helps me time my walk/cycle and make sure my daughter is hydrated and fed. Melinda thoroughly details what to expect and how to match every family members’ expectations. I also appreciate the history she teaches us about the region so I can make the walk into a fun education for all three of us.” Brenda Tolentino (Dish our Town)
Burgundy Canal (2021 edition)
Two guidebooks, 165 pages covering 240 kilometres (150 miles) over twelve days of walking.
Purchase the bundle of two guides and save US$5.99 or purchase individually –
Burgundy Canal: Migennes to Pouilly-en-Auxois (2021 edition)
Ninety-four pages covering 154 kilometres (96 miles) over seven days of walking.
Burgundy Canal: Pouilly-en-Auxois to Saint-Jean-de-Losne (2021 edition)
Eighty-six pages covering 87 kilometres (54 miles) over five days of walking.
Terms and Conditions – As the author and a fellow traveller, I understand that you might share this book with other people, and with your travelling companions in particular, in the same way that you share a physical book. By purchasing this guidebook, you agree not to mass broadcast, email or upload this book to a peer-to-peer site.
Privacy policy – I Love Walking in France will collect your name and email address for electronic delivery of the guidebook. This information will never be shared or sold to another party.
Revisions to the Burgundy Canal guidebook
Auberge de la Marine (Saint-Jean-de-Losne) – book through your favourite hotel booking website
Au Jardin Secret (Saint-Jean-de-Losne) – link updated
Les Herlequins (Saint-Jean-de-Losne) – link updated
