Digoin, central point for fluvial navigation, lies in the heart of the Charollais region and its famous white oxes but it is also at the junction of 3 canals.

To the South on the canal from Roanne to Digoin, also called the "quiet canal", you will cruise right in the middle of the fields of the Brionnais region along the Loire river which tempts you to make random stops in shade of trees.

To the East, the Centre canal, between the Saône river and the Loire river, runs through the Ceramic valley to Paray le Monial, a small town famous for its burgundian roman art, to the Maranges vineyards and their "côtes chalonnaises".

To the North West, the canal lateral à la Loire leads to art and historical towns like Decize and Nevers through the Bourbonnais region.

In Digoin, see the canal-bridge that strides across the river Loire.

Eastwards:

• Paray le Monial, one of the major places of pilgrimage in France. See the basilica built during the 11^th century.

• Charolles, capital of the Charolais oxes, and its earthenware.

• The "côte chalonnaise" vineyards, such as Santenay, Rully, Mercurey, or Givry…

• Chalon sur Saône: This Episcopal town is 2000 years old. Its historic centre is well preserved. Nicéphore Niepce, the inventor of photography, was born there.

See Saint-Laurent hospital, built in 1529 on Saint-Laurent island. Visit the apothecary and its beautiful collection of earthenware.

The Canal lateral à la Loire goes along the river Loire. It is a peaceful canal with few locks, taking you through a rural and picturesque area, and crossing Sancerre vineyard.

Nevers:

• The Palais Ducal, built at the end of the 15^th century. This is were the counts and dukes of Nivernais used to live. It is now used for exhibitions.
• The town offers an exhaustive panorama of religious architecture through the centuries. With a great variety of monuments, all the styles can be found, from the 11^th till the 20^th century. Saint-Cyr Sainte-Julitte cathedral, for example, is remarkable for its two choirs: a Romanesque one, and a Gothic one.
• Nevers used to be the French capital of earthenware. Nowadays, 5 workshops are still making the famous Nevers earthenware dishes.

Briare:

• The canal-bridge: this exceptional structure is the longest one in Europe. It was built during the 19^th century by Mr Eiffel. It strides across the river Loire and links the Canal Latéral à la Loire and the Canal de Briare.
• La Maison des deux Marines: you will discover the fascinating world of barging on the Loire and on the canals. Three movies will explain to you how the Canal de Briare and the canal-bridge were built.
• The church: built during the 19^th century.

• Sancerre. Enjoy the famous Sancerre white wine.
• Chavignol, where is made the famous goat cheese called "crottin de Chavignol".

Marcigny is a picturesque little town. See the Mill Tower, the remains of an old priory which now houses a museum of old earthenware.

Iguerande has a 12^th century Romanesque church overlooking the river Loire.

A few kilometres from Briennon: Charlieu and its Benedictine abbey.
 

From Digoin :

Mini-week : Digoin – Briennon - Digoin

88 km - 16 locks - 14 hours 

One week : Digoin – Roanne – Digoin - Paray le Monial - Digoin

134 km - 28 locks - 21 hours 

Digoin – Ecuisses - Digoin

130 km - 62 locks - 27 hours 

1 week, one way : Digoin - Briare

199 km - 39 locks - 31 hours 

2 weeks, one way : Digoin - Pontailler Sur Saône

202 km - 65 locks – 36 hours 

2 weeks : Digoin – Louhans - Digoin

374 km - 132 locks  - 69 hours 

4 week cruise :

From Digoin, Tonnerre or Pontailler
through the canal latéral à la Loire, the canal du Nivernais, the river Yonne, the canal de Bourgogne, the river  Saône, the canal du Centre.

707 km – 392 locks – 154 hours 

5 weeks : the "grande boucle"

From Digoin, Pontailler, Tonnerre or  Briare.
Through the canal latéral à la Loire, the canal de Briare,
the canal du Loing, the river Yonne, the canal de Bourgogne,
the river  Saône, the canal du Centre.

844 km - 366 locks - 167 hours