Canal of Burgundy

The Canal of Burgundy is located in central eastern France. There are two river entances; to the North the river Yonne allows access in the town of Laroche Migennes whilst in the south the river Saône allows access in the town Saint Jean de Losne.

The purpose of the canal is to connect the Atlantic ocean to the Mediterranean sea via the rivers Yonne and Seine to the river Saône and Rhone. Allowing barges to transport merchandise of all kinds, from sand to wheat, wood to pottery. The barges were able to carry upto 250 tons of cargo.

The construction began in 1727 and was completed in 1832. The canal is 242 kilomtres long, with a total 209 locks and passes through two counties of Burgundy, the Yonne and the Cote d'Or. The highest point of the canal is the "partition" at Pouilly en Auxois, which is 378 metres above sea level. The lowest point is at the junction with the river Yonne at 79 metres above sea level.