A well-known scenic stretch of French inland waterway has been threatened with closure by the authority responsible for its management. Voies Navigables de France (VNF) has said that the Burgundy Canal between Venarey-les-Laumes and Pouilly-en-Auxois will be closed due to very low traffic numbers during the past three years.
However, the Association Nationale des Plaisanciers en Eaux Interieures(ANPEI) do not believe that the figures are representative of an average year along the route. Instead, the validity of the figures has been affected by closures and restrictions relating to Covid, drought during recent summer months, and navigational blockages by invasive plants.
The Burgundy Canal is one of the most beautiful waterways in France, with a remarkable series of interesting historical and architectural sites along its length.
A closure would result in the cutting of the canal into two unconnected stretches of water. There are concerns that the number of boats cruising the canal’s Northern end would be dramatically reduced, and within the forthcoming years, the VNF would announce further closures.
Along with the Marne to Saone Canal and the Centre and Loire Calley Canals, the Burgundy Canal forms part of one of three itineraries linking the Seine to the Rhone, allowing inland navigation between the North Sea and the Mediterranean. Droughts and blockages from invasive plants are increasingly making the other two itineraries less accessible, therefore encouraging a growing reliance on the Burgundy Canal.
On behalf of the ANPEI, the RYA would like to strongly urge any inland boaters planning a visit to France to include the Burgundy Canal. If it is not used, then this will lead to a permanent closure between Venarey-les-Laumes and Pouilly-en-Auxois.
Please note, due to drought, any boat users planning a trip to the Burgundy Canal should check the predicted water levels in the area prior to travel.