River cruises and license-free boating in Joigny

By Carla Gimenez, editor of Filovent magazine. "Immersed in the world of sailing from a very young age, I criss-crossed the coasts of the Vendée region on the side of a First 33.7"

 

"This was undoubtedly the best trip of my life, I'd love to go back! The banks of the Nivernais canal are very pretty and ideal for cycling. My daughter loved it, she would get off the boat and walk along it, we could see her, it was fun and she would rejoin the boat at the lock afterwards" Patrick tells me, a Filovent customer, cheerful about his family river vacation to Joigny.

Joigny is the perfect place for nature lovers. Between forests, vineyards and rivers, you will have no choice but to admire the landscapes as they pass by from your river boat. Joigny is a colorful town with red brick houses and green forests. Discover the magnificent region of Burgundy on a river cruise from Joigny. It has a very rich cultural, gastronomic and wine-growing heritage, making it one of the most prestigious regions in the world.

 

 

Sailing itinerary suggestion for your cruise from Joigny

 

From Joigny, you can set off to sail on the Burgundy Canal or the Nivernais Canal. What better way to enjoy your cruise in Burgundy than to take in the peace and quiet of nature around the great châteaux of the region. Sailing on the Canal du Nivernais will allow you to discover this authentic canal with its green banks in the heart of Burgundy.

 

Burgundy Canal

If you want to set off for a week, we recommend the sailing itinerary: Joigny - Châtel Censoir - Joigny: 33 hours - 142 km - 68 lock passages. During this sailing itinerary, you will have the opportunity to stop in the towns of Auxerre, Bailly and Vermenton before turning back at Châtel Censoir.

Day 1: Joigny – Migennes – Brienon – 2 hrs – 9 km – 3 lock passages

Day 2: Brienon - Saint Florentin - Tonnerre - 7h30 - 35 km - 14 locks

Day 3: Tonnerre - Lézinnes - 5h - 19 km - 11 lock passages

Day 4: Lézinnes - Tonnerre - 5 hours - 19 km - 11 lock passages

Day 5: Tonnerre - Saint Florentin - 6 hours - 26 km - 11 lock passages

Day 6: Saint Florentin - Brienon - Migennes - Joigny - 4h - 18 km - 6 lock passages

 

 

Nivernais Canal

If you want to set off for a week, we recommend the sailing itinerary: Joigny - Lézinnes - Joigny: 28 hours - 126 km - 56 lock passages. During this sailing itinerary, you will have the opportunity to stop in the towns of Migennes, Brienon, Saint Florentin, Tonnerre and many others before turning back to Lézinnes.

Day 1: Joigny - Auxerre - 6 hours - 30 km - 11 lock passages

Day 2: Auxerre - Bailly - Vermenton - 5h30 - 20 km - 14 lock passages

Day 3: Vermenton - Château Censoir - 4h30 - 21 km - 9 lock passages

Day 4: Châtel Censoir - Vermenton - 4h30 - 21 km - 9 lock passages

Day 5: Vermenton - Auxerre - 5h30 - 20 km - 14 lock passages

Day 6: Auxerre - Joigny - 6 hours - 30 km - 11 lock passages

 

 

To be discovered by river boat from Joigny

 

Burgundy Canal

Saint Florentin

If you decide to stop off at Saint Florentin, you will discover a small village where tranquillity reigns. Renowned for its museum, the history of the Florentinois from prehistory to the 20th century will unfold before your eyes.

 

Tonnerre

This small town is mainly known for the Dionne pool, located in the center of Tonnerre. Established in 1758, this washhouse was built around this natural spring. It is without a doubt the place to see in Tonnerre. Continue your way through the town to discover the Hôtel de Dieu. Founded in 1293 by Margaret of Burgundy, this former medieval hospital, considered the largest in Europe, has now been converted into a museum. One of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the region is without doubt the Forêt de Tonnerre (Thunder Forest)! Follow its little paths to reach the top of the city. A superb view awaits you.

 

 

Lézinnes

Only a few kilometers from Lézinnes, you will find the Ancy le Franc earthenware museum and the castle of Tanlay. The earthenware museum preserves archaeological excavations, this extraordinary site is full of rare and unique pieces. Tanlay Castle is very different in architecture to the earthenware factory in Ancy le Franc. With its living areas and round towers, this castle, which belonged to the Coligny family, can be visited between April and November. The locals call it the "mini Chambord" of Burgundy.

 

Nivernais Canal

Auxerre

The cultural and tourist capital of the Yonne valley, Auxerre boasts an important medieval and Renaissance historical heritage. With more than 35 historical monuments, discover the Saint-Etienne cathedral and its magnificent stained glass windows. Take the time to admire the 15th-century Clock Tower, a must-see located in the heart of Auxerre's pedestrianized city center.

 

 

Vermenton

This charming little village is well worth a visit! Vermenton will transport you to the past thanks to its magnificent 10th-century castle.

 

Patrick shares his experience of cruising in the Charente with you

 

Patrick, a Filovent customer, went away for a week in mid-August with his wife and daughter. They left Joigny and enjoyed a lovely trip along the Nivernais canal . "We did a one-way trip, leaving from Joigny and leaving the river boat at Châtel Censoir. The scenery was sublime," he told me.

Patrick and his family particularly enjoyed this river cruise on board their river boat. "We stopped several times a day, you have to take your time, there is so much to see! Whether it was to visit, take a stroll or have a bite to eat, it was really very pleasant," he tells me nostalgically.

With a total of 53 locks passed on the Nivernais canal, Patrick explains to me how his trip went, punctuated by the locks, "it's true that if you're not used to it, it can be complicated.be complicated. The first one is always the hardest to pass, you are water-jet-powered motorized craft into the unknown, especially when they are manual. Fortunately, lock keepers are present at each of them, which greatly facilitates the passage. It's really nice, you get to meet people, chat and learn more about their job and the region," he tells me.

 

When do you leave for your cruise from Joigny?

 

Joigny has a warm oceanic climate. In spring, rain is still very frequent, as it is in autumn. In summer, from June onwards, you can enjoy long sunny days with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 27°C. In August, the thermometer can reach up to 29°C, which is enough to fully enjoy this magnificent region that is Burgundy. River cruises are therefore highly recommended at this time of year.

 

How do I get there?

 

To haul your river boat in from Joigny, you have several options: car or train. The simplest and most common way is by car, taking the A6 or A5 from Paris, both of which will take you directly to Joigny. You can also get there by train from Paris. There are numerous direct departures from the capital. On the side of the boat, allow 1 hour 15 minutes from the Gare de Bercy and 2 hours 15 minutes from the Gare de Lyon. Joigny station is in the city center, so you will have no problem finding a taxi to take you to the departure point to start your cruise!

 

 

Joigny is an ideal starting point for your next vacation on the water. River cruises are a great way to discover the Burgundy region. Between historical monuments and tasting Burgundy wines, you won't have time to get bored! With family or friends, leave your river boat at the quay and make the most of a sunny afternoon to go for a bike ride. Take the towpaths along the river, formerly used to move river boats that were tied to a rope.