Canal de Bourgogne, Navigation waterway in Burgundy, France
The Canal de Bourgogne is a navigation waterway extending 242 kilometers through eastern France, linking the Yonne River to the Saône River. The system includes 189 locks, reaches its summit at 378 meters elevation, and features a 3.3-kilometer tunnel at Pouilly-en-Auxois.
Construction began in 1775 under Louis XVI and faced interruptions during the French Revolution before completion in 1832 with Napoleon's backing.
The waterway winds through wine-growing regions and small towns that reflect the character of Burgundy today. Travelers encounter abbeys and châteaux along the route that have shaped local identity for generations.
The water is calm and shallow, allowing boats to move slowly and safely even with inexperienced operators. Spring through early autumn offers the best conditions for travel, with moderate temperatures and fully staffed locks.
Workers created 32 vertical shafts during tunnel construction at Pouilly to remove excavated materials, which now serve as ventilation channels for passing boats. This practical solution reveals how 19th-century engineers combined immediate needs with lasting design.
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