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
The Seille from Louhans
Louhans sits on the Seille, which the operator describes as one of the few navigable rivers in France. You can hire a boat here without a licence and spend your holiday out in the countryside. From this base you can reach the Seille, the Saône, the Canal de Bourgogne, the Canal du Centre and the Canal du Rhône au Rhin.
The Seille is a small, winding river that runs through very beautiful countryside. A trip along it from Louhans takes you as far as La Truchère, which has a nature reserve for waterfowl. Carp anglers and other keen fishermen can fish in peace during the cruise.
Louhans and the Bresse
Louhans is in the Saône-et-Loire, at the heart of the Bresse bourguignonne, home of the famous Bresse chicken. The town has 137 arcades, best known for their weekly farmers' market, and several listed monuments. The Seille also has cultural appeal beyond Louhans, including Cuisery, known as a "village du livre".
Routes from Louhans
Each route below gives the distance, the number of locks and the time it takes.
Weekend: Louhans to La Truchère and back, 76 km, 6 locks, 12 hours.
Short break: Louhans, Chalon-sur-Saône, Verdun-sur-Doubs and back to Louhans, 200 km, 10 locks, 22 hours. Or Louhans, Mâcon, Tournus, Chalon-sur-Saône and back to Louhans, 196 km, 10 locks, 21 hours.
One week: Louhans, Chalon-sur-Saône, Santenay, Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune and back to Louhans, 222 km, 42 locks, 35 hours. Or Louhans to Saint-Jean-de-Losne and back, 270 km, 14 locks, 28 hours.
One week, one way: Louhans to Pontailler-sur-Saône, 172 km, 9 locks, 25 hours. Or Louhans to Pontailler-sur-Saône via Chagny, 213 km, 33 locks, 31 hours.
Two weeks: Louhans to Digoin and back, 384 km, 132 locks, 69 hours.
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.
