Twelve days of walking—and cycling—is all it takes to make your way from Migennes to Saint-Jean-de-Losne following the length of the Burgundy Canal.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit seven châteaux, eleven churches, an abbey and three of France’s most beautiful villages—all within easy walking distance or a shuttle bus ride from the canal.
For the last twenty-seven kilometres (seventeen miles) from Dijon, the canal follows a straight line and offers little protection from the summer sun. If you are pressed for time, it can be tempting to skip this last day of walking and spend some extra time exploring Dijon.
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The end of the Burgundy Canal – arriving in Saint-Jean-de-Losne
If you choose to continue on to the end of the canal, I recommend renting a bike and enjoying a leisurely cycle from Dijon to Saint-Jean-de-Losne. When you are ready to return the bike to Dijon, trains run daily between the two towns.
Saint-Jean-de-Losne holds the interesting distinction (according to the Tourist Office magazine) of being both the smallest town (thirty-six hectares) and also having the largest inland port (twenty hectares) in France.
Hundreds of boats moor in the port at Saint-Jean-de-Losne
Hundreds of boats moor here before heading west along the canal or along the Saône River towards the south of France.
On the third weekend in June, the boats are brightly decorated and a ceremony is held to bless the fleet during la Fête de la Batellerie.
A boat prepares to leave Écluse 76 Saint-Jean-de-Losne
If you have not yet experienced travelling through a canal lock by boat, Vagabondo has a variety of cruises throughout the day—some serving breakfast, lunch or dinner—that will give you a taste of life on the canal (without the hard work).
Not sure whether to visit Saint-Jean-de-Losne or stay in Dijon? Let’s take a look around.
Cafés line Quai National
Tucked away behind the Tourist Office is a small formal garden
Inside the church
You’ll find Auberge de la Marine across the bridge on the river bank
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Saint-Jean-de-Losne?
The Burgundy Canal
Where is Saint-Jean-de-Losne, France? Find it on Google maps
Saint-Jean-de-Losne is 29.2 kilometres (18.2 miles) from Dijon.
This is the last, and the longest, day of the walk along the Burgundy Canal. It’s a flat, easy walk but there is little shelter from the sun and I recommend renting a bike in Dijon and cycling this section.
If, like me, you can’t ride a bike and thirty kilometres is a little too far to walk, it’s possible to break this section into two days with accommodation available at Longecourt-en-Plaine and Brazey-en-Plaine.
If you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to calculate distances on any long-distance walk (using the Chemin de Stevenson as a case study)
Tourist Office in Saint-Jean-de-Losne
You’ll find the Tourist Office at 2 Rue de la Liberté. Opening hours are listed here.
Accommodation in Saint-Jean-de-Losne (updated 2019)
Hotel
Auberge de la Marine
Chambre d’Hôte
Les Charmilles
Campground
Les Harlequins
Personally recommended: Auberge de la Marine — for the clean, comfortable rooms and for the delicious dinner!
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Saint-Jean-de-Losne
There are several cafés, bakeries and supermarkets in Saint-Jean-de-Losne. For views over the water, settle in to one of the cafés lining Quai Nationale.
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
