About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Digoin to the Loire and the Charolais
Digoin sits where three canals meet: the Canal latéral à la Loire, the Canal de Roanne à Digoin and the Canal du Centre. From here you can cruise the banks of the Loire through Burgundy and Auvergne, or head into the heart of the Charolais. The boats can be hired without a licence. Les Canalous started out here in 1982.
A cruise from Digoin takes you across the well-known canal bridge over the Loire. There's plenty to visit along the way, including Romanesque churches, museums and towns such as Paray-le-Monial and Nevers. There are good places to eat along the route and plenty of local produce to try, including Charolais beef, Burgundy snails and good wine.
Routes by length of hire
A weekend round trip to Génelard and back covers 66 km and 22 locks in about 13 hours of cruising. A mini-week to Briennon and back covers 86 km, 16 locks and 19 hours.
For a full week there are three round trips. One goes to Roanne and Paray-le-Monial, returning to Digoin each time, and covers 140 km, 28 locks and 32 hours. Another goes to Ecuisses and back, which is 128 km with 62 locks and 36 hours. The third goes to Nevers and back, which is 198 km with 44 locks and 32 hours. You can also take a one-way week, either to Châtillon-en-Bazois (117 km, 38 locks, 27 hours) or to Briare (195 km, 36 locks, 31 hours).
Two weeks gives you time for a round trip to Louhans: 384 km, 132 locks and 69 hours.
Longer circuits through Burgundy
The four-week Burgundy circuit starts from Digoin or from Pontailler-sur-Saône. It follows the Canal du Nivernais, the Yonne, the Canal de Bourgogne, the Saône and the Canal du Centre.
The five-week grand loop also starts from Digoin or Pontailler-sur-Saône. It adds the Canal latéral à la Loire, the Canal de Briare and the Canal du Loing, then continues along the Yonne, the Canal de Bourgogne, the Saône and the Canal du Centre.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in France. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
