Cruising the Canal de Briare: One of the Oldest French Canals
The picturesque Canal de Briare, connecting the valleys of the Seine and the Loire, is notable for a number of reasons apart from the delightful scenery through which it wends its way. A popular route for both private and commercial cruising vessels, the canal is renowned as one of the loveliest places for a barge cruise as well as being a highly impressive feat of engineering.
Explore the Canal de Briare
A Pioneering History
This canal is one of the country's oldest man-made waterways, built between 1602 and 1642 under the patronage of Henry IV. When first constructed, it linked directly into the Loire at Montargis, but later in the nineteenth century the building of the famous Briare Aqueduct created a bypass to La Cognardière, 2.6km away. Despite its name, the aqueduct actually forms part of the Canal latéral à la Loire.
French Hotel Barge Renaissance Crossing the Briare Aqueduct
An Engineering Triumph
This canal was also the first to be constructed at summit level using “pound locks”, which feature a chamber with gates at either end to control the height of the water within. (Before then locks were created with a single gate.) A summit level canal first rises and then falls along its course, and in the case of the 57km Canal de Briare, it rises through 12 locks before falling through another 24 on an 85m descent.
Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses
During construction a number of artificial lakes were created in order to feed water into the locks. At the most precipitous location, Rogny, it was necessary to build what was in effect a “staircase” of seven locks in order to navigate the fall of the canal. While it was without a doubt an outstanding feat of engineering, the design caused huge hold-ups as each vessel had to navigate all seven locks before the next was able to pass through. In the end the staircase of locks was abandoned and the canal re-routed to bypass them, but the town was later renamed Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses in their honor.
Attractions en Route
Along with the locks at Rogny-les-Sept-Ecluses, many other attractions along the course of the canal make it a popular route in France. In Montargis, one of the most renowned local businesses to have put this pretty town on the map is the Mazet Praline Shop. The confectioner still makes its praline treats to the recipe of founder, Leon Mazet, who opened the shop in 1903. As well as a range of chocolates and other delicacies, the shop is famous for its signature caramelised almond, the Praslin Mazet de Montargis.
Château de Saint Fargeau
Situated in the commune of Saint-Fargeau, the magnificent seventeenth-century Renaissance-style Château de Saint Fargeau is the cultural centerpiece of the region, with its checkered history dating back some one thousand years. Its present distinctive pentagonal construction surrounded by six imposing towers is built on top of an original fortress commissioned by Héribert, son of King Hugh Capet. Even though it is privately owned, many parts of the castle are open for public visitation.
From Ancient Trade to Modern Leisure
For many centuries the Canal de Briare existed as an important channel to transport coal, wood, wine and other supplies from the Loire Valley to Paris. Today, this beautiful waterway serves as one of the most appealing locations to explore on a barge cruise.
About The French Hotel Barge Renaissance
The French Hotel Barge Renaissance
Cruising the Upper Loire & Western Burgundy
Renaissance
is designed to carry up to eight guests in ultimate luxury along the
Canal de Briare, France's oldest canal. Enjoy a journey steeped in
history on a cruise route that features elegant châteaux, small
countryside villages and the famed wine-growing region of Sancerre.
Cruise Details:
Cruise Highlights:
- Visit to and guided tour of the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau
- 7-lock flight at Rogny-Les-Sept-Ecluses, a national historic monument
- Cruise across the aqueduct at Briare, built by Gustave Eiffel over the River Loire
- Private wine tasting in Sancerre
- Visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery
- Excellent towpath for walking and cycling
- "Biking Plus" option available
Learn More:
Allons-y !
Cruise the Canal de Briare with Barge Renaissance
