With the opening of its new base in Joigny, Nicols is expanding its range of unlicensed river cruises, offering new opportunities to explore Burgundy. Situated at the crossroads of three major canals, this destination appeals to history and gastronomy enthusiasts as well as those with a passion for leisurely cruising. Here are the keys to planning your next getaway on Burgundy's waters.
Joigny, a strategic crossroads for river cruises
Joigny, in the heart of Burgundy, lies at the junction of three renowned waterway networks:
- The Yonne, a wild river offering unspoilt natural landscapes.
- The Burgundy Canal, famous for its engineering structures and picturesque villages.
- The Nivernais Canal, prized for its pastoral charm and unique locks.
This location enables a variety of itineraries, both round-trip and one-way, to destinations such as Auxerre, Corbigny and the Morvan regional nature park.
Discover the region's cultural and historical treasures
Each stop on the Burgundy canals reveals a rich heritage:
- Auxerre, famous for its Gothic cathedral and half-timbered houses.
- Mailly-le-Château, offering breathtaking views from its cliffs.
- Clamecy, a former center of timber floating, with its museum dedicated to this activity.
Cruises also include stops at World Heritage sites such as Fontenay Abbey.
Gastronomy and vineyards: pleasures at every port of call
Burgundy is a gourmet's paradise:
- Taste the prestigious wines from the vineyards along the canals, especially the red wines of the south.
- Savor local specialties like buf bourguignon and escargot.
- Take a gastronomic break at the Michelin-starred restaurant "La Côte Saint-Jacques" in Joigny.
Each stop offers an immersion in the Burgundian art of living, between local markets and traditional wine cellars.
Navigation accessible to all
Sailing without a license is an experience accessible even to novices. Nicols offers a fleet of adapted boats:
- Comfort and safety, with modern equipment.
- A wide range of options, for stays from two days to a week or more.
- Complementary activities, such as cycling along the towpaths.
This approach makes it easier for families, couples or groups of friends to discover the pleasures of river cruising.
The Nicols and Locaboat partnership: a promising synergy
The opening of the Joigny base is the fruit of a collaboration between Nicols and Locaboat, two major players in river tourism. This partnership draws on their expertise to offer :
- Better coverage of routes in Burgundy.
- Optimized services for boaters.
This union could pave the way for further developments in river cruising in France.
